President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday hailed the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) “decisive role” during the military conflict with India[1] in May as the country marked the Pakistan Air Force Day.
Air Force Day is observed a day after the annual Defence Day[2], which commemorates the sacrifices of fallen heroes of the 1965 war against India.
In a statement, PM Shehbaz said: “In recent history, the Pakistan Air Force, together with the armed forces, played a decisive role in Marka-i-Haq [and Bunyanum Marsoos] and the way it defeated the enemy on all fronts amazed the whole world.
“Undoubtedly, this high-level performance of the Pakistan Air Force was a manifestation of fearless leadership, the skill of the fighter sons, superior strategy, and effective implementation of multi-faceted combat capabilities,“ he added.
Meanwhile, President Zardari noted: “Whether it was the 1965 war or the more recent Marka-i-Haq Bunyanum Marsus, our air warriors have always risen to the challenge, giving the enemy a decisive response and filling the nation with pride.”
The president highlighted that the world had “witnessed the remarkable skill and professionalism of PAF”, hailing its evolution into a “modern, capable, and highly professional institution”.
The PAF solemnly observed Martyrs’ Day across all its bases nationwide, according to a press release[3] by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The day commenced with special prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran, “dedicated to the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars, as well as to all those who have rendered the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the creation of Pakistan”.
At Air Headquarters in Islamabad, a central Martyrs’ Day ceremony was held, which PAF head Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu attended as the chief guest.
More to follow
References
- ^ military conflict with India (www.dawn.com)
- ^ Defence Day (www.dawn.com)
- ^ press release (ispr.gov.pk)