Country’s leadership pays tribute to PAF martyrs on Air Force Day

The country’s political and military leadership on Monday paid tribute to the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) martyrs and praised the force’s role in defending the country, as the nation observed Air Force Day.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a Martyrs’ Day ceremony was held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, where Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid tribute to PAF personnel who had died in the line of duty, the military’s media wing said.

He said the sacrifices of PAF martyrs had placed a “profound responsibility” on the present generation. “Our Shuhada are enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice and national resolve,” he said. “Their legacy reminds us that the defence of our motherland is a sacred trust, which we shall continue to uphold with steadfast commitment,” he added.

The PAF observed Martyrs’ Day at its bases across the country to honour personnel who had died in the line of duty, the military’s media wing said.

The day began with a special prayer and Quran Khawani for those killed in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and other PAF personnel who had made the “ultimate sacrifice” since Pakistan’s independence.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu later laid a floral wreath at the PAF Martyrs’ Monument and offered Fateha in remembrance of the fallen personnel.

PM Shehbaz praises history of sacrifice

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the PAF for defeating an adversary during the May 2025 conflict with India, saying the force had upheld its “glorious legacy” of fighting while outnumbered.

In a message on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said the PAF had defeated the adversary during Marka-e-Haq through “bold leadership, tactical brilliance of combat crew, excellent planning and well-orchestrated employment of Multi-Domain Warfare Capabilities.”

He said these capabilities had been acquired through a strategy of modernisation and indigenisation. “The nation is proud that Pakistan Air Force once again upheld the glorious legacy of fighting the outnumbered, which has always been its hallmark!” he said.

The prime minister also paid tribute to PAF personnel who had died in the line of duty, saying the force had a “proud history of sacrifice, valour as well as professionalism.”

He said that during the 1965 war, PAF aviators had shown “passion and resolve” in defending Pakistan’s airspace and had “laid down their precious lives for the defence of the motherland.”

“It is certainly a national honour to pay glowing tributes to Shuhada for their supreme sacrifices,” PM Shehbaz said.

Read: Defence Day observed across AJK with patriotic fervour

The premier added that the PAF had demonstrated its “professional capability, prowess and dominance” in aerial conflicts over the decades and had “always responded to the nation’s call with profound courage.”

PM Shehbaz wished the air force continued professional success and progress, saying he was confident it would “rise to any possible occasion” to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and airspace.

President Zardari lauds PAF for outstanding performance

President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to PAF personnel for their service and sacrifices, saying the force had demonstrated its professional capability and dominance in aerial conflicts over the decades.

In his message marking the day, President Zardari said he appreciated PAF personnel for their “outstanding performance” and paid tribute to the “Shuhada” for their “ultimate sacrifice.”

He said the founding fathers of the PAF had laid the foundation of the “elite organisation” in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of an air force that was “second to none.”

The president added that the PAF had pursued excellence across all domains and had “amply displayed its capability, professional prowess and dominance in aerial conflicts over decades.”

The PAF, he said, working with the other armed services, had played a “decisive role” in Marka-e-Haq and “inflicted a crushing punch on the adversary, which stunned the entire world.”

Read more: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz honour martyrs, reaffirm national resolve on Defence Day

President Zardari noted that the PAF’s performance had been the result of “bold leadership, tactical brilliance of combat crew, excellent planning and well-orchestrated employment of multi-domain warfare capabilities.” These capabilities, he said, had been acquired in recent years through a comprehensive strategy of “modernisation and indigenisation.”

“I am proud that PAF once again upheld the glorious legacy of fighting the outnumbered, which has always been its hallmark,” President Zardari said.

He added that the country’s “heroes in blue” had proved through their heroism that “no matter how strong and resourceful the enemy is, it can never undermine our will and resolve.” “The PAF of today is the living tribute to these valiant souls who carved out PAF’s history with their blood,” the president added.

He also expressed his confidence thatt the force would “rise to the occasion” and remain ready to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and aerial frontiers.

Interior minister pays tribute 

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that September 7 remained a landmark day in the country’s history and reflected the courage and professional capability demonstrated by PAF personnel during the 1965 war.

In his message, the minister said the PAF played a key role in defending the country during the war and successfully responded to enemy aggression. He noted that the performance of PAF pilots and personnel during the war became an important chapter in Pakistan’s military history.

Naqvi particularly remembered Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam (MM Alam), describing his actions as one of the most notable events of the 1965 war. He said MM Alam achieved a historic feat by shooting down five enemy aircraft within a short span of time, a record that continues to be remembered in the history of aerial warfare.

The minister added that the nation took pride in the professional standards, operational capability, and service of the PAF, saying that the officers and personnel had consistently demonstrated commitment to the defence of the country and had fulfilled their responsibilities with dedication.

Further, Naqvi said the guardians of Pakistan’s air frontiers remained prepared at all times to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that the force continued to maintain a high level of readiness to meet any challenge.

Paying tribute to the martyrs and veterans, the interior minister said their sacrifices had strengthened the country’s defence and contributed to national security. He also acknowledged the role played by those who laid down their lives in the line of duty and those who served with distinction in protecting the country.

Naqvi also said that the spirit of patriotism and commitment displayed by PAF officers and personnel continued to inspire future generations, emphasising that their service reflected dedication to national duty and the protection of the country.

The minister stated that the nation would remember the contributions and sacrifices of PAF heroes, adding that their role in defending the country remained a source of pride and respect for the people of Pakistan.