THE PAF has a glorious history of valour and professionalism. It has always risen to the occasion and remained at the forefront of defending the nation’s skies against the enemy, keeping the nation’s heads held high with pride. From the battlefield of 1965 to the challenges of the present day, our Shaheens have repeatedly demonstrated that courage, skill, determination and superior operational capability can overcome even a much larger adversary.
On the occasion of Pakistan Air Force Day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the PAF, describing its history as one of “sacrifice, valour as well as professionalism.” He praised its “professional capability, prowess and dominance in Aerial Conflicts” and recalled how the force displayed extraordinary passion and resolve in defending Pakistan’s aerial frontiers during the September 1965 War. The Prime Minister also lauded the PAF’s performance during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, attributing its success to bold leadership, tactical brilliance, excellent planning and modern multi-domain warfare capabilities. Indeed, the PAF has always risen to the occasion. The events of September 7, 1965, remain etched in our national memory. In one of the most remarkable feats of aerial combat, Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam shot down five Indian Hawker Hunter jets in less than 60 seconds over the Sargodha sector. His extraordinary achievement became a symbol of the exceptional skill and courage of Pakistan’s fighter pilots. Six decades later, the tradition continued. During the May 2025 confrontation, our Shaheens once again demonstrated their ability to challenge a larger adversary and brought down some of India’s most advanced fighter aircraft. The episode reinforced the PAF’s long-standing reputation for maintaining air superiority through superior training, planning, technology and combat skills. It is this remarkable operational history, coupled with the professionalism of its pilots and strategic capabilities that has earned the PAF recognition as a formidable air force globally. We are confident that the PAF will uphold its proud traditions, remain prepared for every challenge and continue to be a source of strength, honour and pride for the nation.
