Pakistan’s top leadership, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, extended glowing tributes to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Sunday, commemorating Air Force Day. In their separate messages, both leaders acclaimed the PAF’s critical and decisive role during the military confrontation with India in May of this year. They emphasized that the force’s high state of professionalism and combat readiness has been fundamental in strengthening the nation’s defense and safeguarding its sovereignty.
The day, observed annually on September 7, serves as a national reminder of the sacrifices made by Pakistani air warriors, particularly during the 1965 war with India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif specifically highlighted the PAF’s performance in ‘Marka-e-Haq Bunyan-um-Marsoos,’ noting that its ability to “defeat the enemy on all fronts amazed the whole world.” He attributed this success to fearless leadership, superior strategy, and the effective implementation of multi-faceted combat capabilities.
Simultaneously, solemn ceremonies were held at PAF bases nationwide to observe Martyrs’ Day. A central ceremony at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, attended by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, began with special prayers for the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars and all personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation. The Air Chief paid heartfelt tribute to their courage and legacy, affirming that their sacrifices are the foundation of the PAF’s strength.
Looking to the future, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu stated that the PAF is fully cognizant of evolving security challenges. He committed to advancing the force’s capabilities in critical modern domains such as space, electronic warfare, cyber technologies, and indigenous defense production. This pledge ensures that the PAF will continue to protect Pakistan’s territorial integrity with the same resolve and passion that has always defined it, ready to rise to any occasion.
