ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday commended all ranks of the military's air fleet on Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Day for their outstanding performance throughout its professional history.
Observed on Sept 7, the day commemorates the valor of the defenders of the country's airspace against Indian aggression in the September 1965 war.
In a statement issued by the Press Information Department, President Zardari said that PAF's founding fathers laid the foundation of an "elite organisation in line with Quaid's vision of an air force being second to none and developed it accordingly, pursuing excellence in all domains."
"We are proud that PAF has amply displayed its capability, professional prowess and dominance in aerial conflicts over decades," the president said in the statement.
Recalling PAF's decisive successes during the Marka-e-Haq in May last year, the president said he was proud that PAF once again upheld the "glorious legacy of fighting the outnumbered, which has always been its hallmark."
"Undoubtedly, our heroes in blue proved through their heroism that no matter how strong and resourceful the enemy is, it can never undermine our will and resolve," he said, adding that he was confident that PAF would rise to the occasion and defend sovereignty and aerial frontiers of Pakistan.
In a separate statement, PM Sharif said, "Pakistan Air Force has indeed displayed its professional capability, prowess and dominance in aerial conflicts for decades."
The premier hailed the victory of the air force during the 1965 war with India, stating that the safeguarding of the aerial frontiers laid down their "precious lives for the defense of the motherland."
" 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 premier added.
" I am sure, as always, Pakistan Air Force will rise to any possible occasion to defend sovereignty and aerial frontiers of Pakistan."
Air Chief pays tribute to PAF heroes
The Pakistan Air Force observed Martyrs’ Day at all its bases across the country, paying tribute to the courage, valour and supreme sacrifices of its martyrs, the military's media wing said.
Special prayers and Quran Khawani were held for the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars, Marka-e-Haq and all PAF personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
At a ceremony held at Air Headquarters Islamabad, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid rich tribute to PAF martyrs, saying their sacrifices formed the foundation of the force’s proud legacy of courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the defence of the motherland.
The Air Chief later laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered Fateha for the fallen heroes.