Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has paid tribute to the brave heroes of the 1971 war for their tremendous courage, selfless dedication and exemplary service to the nation.
On December 8, 1971 two dedicated and brave Ghazis of the 1971 war Hon Flt Lt (Wrt Off) Asghar Ali, TJ and Wrt Off M Ghazanfar, TJ with great courage, alertness and precision had shot down an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mystere aircraft with their G-3 Rifles.
According to the details while performing duties at a Mobile observer post on top of a water tank in the outskirts of Bahawalpur they had spotted an IAF Mystere aircraft flying low, approaching their post for an attack but luckily it had missed the target.
By the time they took defensive measures the aircraft opened fire. Undaunted he grabbed his G-3 and opened fire on the incoming jet. The aircraft strafed position and pulled up. However, he remained unhurt.
The aircraft then came in for a second attack. They got ready to face the ordeal. As the aircraft approached at a low level the courageous airmen kept on firing without taking any shelter. This time they were lucky and the amazingly precise and accurate fire got the aircraft and it got a direct hit.
Consequently, the Mystere while emitting thick black smoke nose-dived into ground a couple of miles away from his check post. Minutes later the remarkable episode was reported to PAF authorities. A team from AHQ searched the area next day and located the wreckage of the ill-fated Indian plane.
The news of the shooting down of an Indian jet by the courageous PAF men not only increased the morale of the PAF personnel many folds but was also a source of great embracement for the enemy.
For the act of bravery and unwavering resolve, Tamgha-e-Jurat was awarded to Snr. Tech Asghar Ali and Cpl. Tech Muhammad Ghazanfar.
