Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has praised the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) decades long record of professionalism and sacrifice, highlighting its role in defending the country’s airspace during conflicts.
In a message marking Pakistan Air Force Day on September 7, the PM said the force had demonstrated professional capability and combat effectiveness over the decades.
Shehbaz recalled the 1965 war, saying PAF pilots had shown determination in defending Pakistan’s aerial frontiers and that many had lost their lives in the conflict.
He paid tribute to those who died, describing their sacrifices as a national honour and highlighting what he called the force’s longstanding tradition of courage and professionalism.
Pakistan observes Air Force Day every year on September 7 to commemorate the PAF’s role in the 1965 war. The occasion forms part of wider Defence and Martyrs’ Day commemorations linked to the conflict between Pakistan and India.
The PM also highlighted the PAF’s role during Marka e Haq, referring to the confrontation between Pakistan and India in April and May 2025.
According to Shehbaz, the PAF worked in coordination with the other armed services during the confrontation and employed integrated multi domain warfare capabilities.
He attributed the force’s performance to leadership, tactical skills, planning and the coordinated use of capabilities developed through modernisation and indigenisation.
“The nation is proud that Pakistan Air Force once again upheld the glorious legacy of fighting the outnumbered,” the PM said.
The remarks place the PAF’s recent operational capabilities within a broader narrative of institutional development, with modernisation and domestic production highlighted as key elements of its preparedness.
Shehbaz expressed confidence that the force would continue developing professionally and remain prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and aerial frontiers.
He also conveyed his best wishes for the PAF’s continued progress on Air Force Day.
