Nation observes Air Force Day with zeal
Air Chief says PAF fully prepared to defend country’s sovereignty
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
The Pakistani nation on Tuesday observed the Air Force Day with patriotic zeal to commemorate dexterity and valour of the defenders of airspace of the country against Indian aggression in September 1965 war, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Every year on September 7, Air Force Day is celebrated across the country to relive the memory of 1965 war when our valiant pilots despite limited resources not only annihilated Indian air aggression but also defeated India through unprecedented skill in the warfare and insurmountable courage.
The PAF observed September 7 as Martyrs’ Day at all PAF bases throughout the country where the day started with special Du’aa (prayer) and Quran Khawani for the Shuhada (martyrs) of 1965 and 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives in action since creation of Pakistan, said a PAF media release.
Indian Air Force, to aid the Indian army launched a clandestine attack on Lahore at Burki border which failed miserably after valiant resistance by proud sons of the soil like Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed.
They attacked Pakistani airspace but were mauled by the Pakistani falcons in the air and decimated in the blink of an eye.
The day belongs to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) ace Muhammad Mahmood Alam (commonly known as MM Alam) who shot down five of the Indian Air Force Hawker Hunter Mk. 56 fighters in less than a minute. MM Alam destroyed the first four Indian fighter jets in first 30 seconds while the fifth became his victim within next 30 seconds.
September 7, Air Force Day also raised status of the PAF in the comity of nations as a great air force with impeccable skills and dexterity.
Public and private organizations, educational institutions and the armed forces hold ceremonies to pay homage to the martyrs and ghazis of 1965 war in connection with the Air Force Day.
Air Chief address
PAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu while paying tribute to the valiant martyrs of the nation said PAF was alive to the evolving situation in the region and remains fully prepared to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was the chief guest of the Martyrs’ Day ceremony held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
During his address the Air Chief paid tribute to all heroes of Pakistan Air Force who responded to the nation’s call with unparalleled courage and put their lives ahead of others for a cause greater than life.
On this special day, he extended reverence to the generations of Kashmiris who have laid down their lives fighting for freedom.
He assured Kashmiri brothers and sisters of resolute commitment and steadfast moral, political and diplomatic support.
To pay homage to the martyrs, the Air Chief laid wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered “Fateha”. Principal Staff Officers, officers, airmen and PAF civilians attended the ceremony.
Earlier in the day, a wreath laying ceremony was also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider) at Karachi.
Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Zaeem Afzal offered ‘Fateha’ and laid wreath at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.
Similar wreath laying ceremonies were also held at the graves of PAF Martyrs all over the country.