Pakistan honours PAF martyrs on Air Force Day

Pakistan’s political and military leadership on Monday paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) martyrs as the country observed Air Force Day.

A Martyrs’ Day ceremony was held at PAF Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives while serving the country.

He said the sacrifices of PAF martyrs had placed a major responsibility on the present generation.

The air chief described the fallen personnel as enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice and national resolve. He said their legacy served as a reminder that defending the country was a sacred responsibility.

Similar ceremonies were held at PAF bases across the country.

The day began with special prayers and Quran Khawani for those who died in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and other PAF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice since Pakistan’s independence.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu later laid a floral wreath at the PAF Martyrs’ Monument and offered Fateha for the fallen heroes.

PM Shehbaz pays tribute to PAF

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the PAF’s long record of service and sacrifice.

In his Air Force Day message, he highlighted the force’s performance during the May 2025 conflict with India.

The prime minister said the PAF demonstrated bold leadership, effective planning and strong operational capabilities during the conflict.

He said the force had maintained its tradition of successfully defending the country despite facing numerical challenges.

Shehbaz also paid tribute to PAF personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He recalled the role of PAF aviators during the 1965 war and said their courage and determination in defending Pakistan’s airspace remained an important part of the country’s history.

The prime minister said the PAF had repeatedly demonstrated professionalism and operational capability during aerial conflicts.

He expressed confidence that the force would continue to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and airspace with determination.

President Zardari honours PAF heroes

President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the PAF for its service and sacrifices.

In his message, he paid tribute to the martyrs and appreciated the performance of serving PAF personnel.

Zardari said the force had developed into an elite organisation and continued to pursue excellence across different areas of air warfare.

He credited the PAF’s performance to strong leadership, skilled combat crews, careful planning and the effective use of modern warfare capabilities.

The president said the force had played an important role alongside other branches of the armed forces in defending the country.

He also highlighted the importance of modernisation and greater indigenous capability in strengthening the PAF.

Zardari said the country’s air force personnel had repeatedly demonstrated that Pakistan’s resolve could not be undermined by a stronger or better-resourced adversary.

He expressed confidence that the PAF would remain prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty and airspace.

Naqvi recalls MM Alam’s historic feat

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described September 7 as an important day in Pakistan’s history.

He paid tribute to PAF personnel who defended the country during the 1965 war and praised their courage and professionalism.

Naqvi particularly remembered Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, popularly known as MM Alam, for his role during the 1965 conflict.

He said MM Alam’s aerial victories became one of the most prominent episodes associated with the war and remain part of Pakistan’s military history.

The interior minister said PAF personnel had consistently demonstrated dedication to national defence.

He added that the force’s personnel remained prepared to respond to threats and protect Pakistan’s territorial integrity.

Naqvi also paid tribute to PAF veterans and martyrs, saying their sacrifices had strengthened the country’s defence.

He said the courage and patriotism of PAF personnel would continue to inspire future generations.