- Shehbaz hails PAF’s “prowess and dominance” in aerial conflicts.
- Pays tribute to PAF martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending Pakistan.
- Lauds PAF’s role in May 2025 Marka-e-Haq alongside other armed services.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday praised the Pakistan Air Force for its professional record, sacrifices and role in defending the country’s aerial frontiers, saying the force had repeatedly demonstrated its capabilities in times of conflict.
In a message marking Pakistan Air Force Day, observed on September 7, Shehbaz said the PAF had displayed “professional capability, prowess and dominance in Aerial Conflicts” over the decades.
“This distinguished organisation has a proud history of sacrifice, valour as well as professionalism and always responded to the nation’s call with profound courage,” he said.
Recalling the September 1965 war, the prime minister said PAF aviators had demonstrated “passion and resolve” in safeguarding Pakistan’s airspace and paid the ultimate price in defending the country.
“In September 1965, the passion and resolve of Pakistan Air Force aviators to safeguard the aerial frontiers of Pakistan duly rendered them victorious in the vastness of skies,” Shehbaz said.
“They 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,” he added.
Pakistan marks Air Force Day on September 7 each year to commemorate the PAF’s role in the 1965 war. The day is observed alongside Defence and Martyrs’ Day commemorations recalling the military conflict between Pakistan and India.
The prime minister also highlighted the PAF’s role in Marka-e-Haq, referring to the conflict with India that lasted from April 22 to May 10, 2025. Geo News has reported that the PAF played a central role in Pakistan’s military response during the confrontation, including the use of integrated multi-domain capabilities.
Shehbaz said the PAF had worked alongside the other armed services during the conflict and credited its performance to leadership, planning, combat skills and modern warfare capabilities.
“In the same vein, last year in May 2025, when the aggressor once again challenged a peace-loving country, the Pakistan Air Force, in perfect synergy with Sister Services, defeated the adversary during Marka-e-Haq,” he said.
He attributed the performance to “bold leadership, tactical brilliance of combat crew, excellent planning” and the coordinated employment of “Multi-Domain Warfare Capabilities” acquired through 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!” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz also expressed his best wishes for the PAF’s continued professional development and said he was confident the force would remain prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and aerial frontiers.
“On this special day, I wish continued professional success and progress to Pakistan Air Force,” he said.
“I am sure, as always, Pakistan Air Force will rise to any possible occasion to defend sovereignty and aerial frontiers of Pakistan.”
He concluded with the slogans: “Pakistan Air Force Zindabad! Pakistan Paindabad!”
