ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) observed September 7 as Martyrs’ Day at all PAF Bases throughout the Country.
The day started with special Du’aa and Quran Khawani for Shuhada of the 1965 & 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives in action since the creation of Pakistan.
The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was the Chief Guest during a Martyrs’ Day Ceremony held at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
During his address, the Air Chief paid tribute to all heroes of PAF who responded to the nation’s call with unparalleled courage.
“PAF is alive to the evolving situation in the region and remains fully prepared to defend sovereignty & territorial integrity of Pakistan,” the Air Chief said.
On this special day, he extended reverence to generations of Kashmiris who have laid down their lives fighting for freedom.
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.
The Air Vice Marshal Zaeem Afzal, Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command (AOC SAC), offered ‘Fateha’ and laid a floral wreath at the grave of Shaheed on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff.
Similar, wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at the graves of PAF Martyrs all over the Country.
Meanwhile, Air Force Day is being observed on Tuesday with national zeal to commemorate the dexterity and valour of the defenders of air space of the Country against Indian aggression in the September 1965 war.
In the 1965 war, the valiant Pakistani pilots despite limited resources not only annihilated Indian air aggression but also inflicted a humiliating defeat on India through unprecedented skill in warfare and insurmountable courage.
The PAF’s Muhammad Mahmood Alam, commonly known as M.M.Alam, shot down five Indian Air Force Hawker Hunter Mk. 56 fighters in less than a minute.
