PAF inaugurates airbase at Bholari near Karachi

The base is said to be of strategic capacity enhancement importance

In a landmark event, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Monday inaugurated a newly established main operating base.

PAF Base Bholari was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam to show reverence to the father of the nation, said a statement by the PAF.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, the Chief of Air Staff, was the chief guest on the occasion. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also attended the ceremony as guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, the air chief said the establishment of PAF's new operational airbase would play a key role in safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

“Indeed, PAF Base Bholari is a project of strategic significance for capacity enhancement of Pakistan Air Force in the operational domain both overland as well as at sea.

“With the establishment of the base, PAF would be able to support the land operations of Pak Army more efficiently. More so, PAF Base Bholari would also augment and supplement the very important maritime operations carried out by Pak Navy,” Aman said.

He further said that besides providing aerial defence to the motherland, the base would also play a key role in the socio-economic uplift of adjoining areas by providing state-of-the-art health services, quality education and employment to the locals.

The air base – located northeast of Karachi – is a significant milestone that will not only strengthen the defence of Karachi and coastline but also provide aerial support to the Pakistan Army and Navy for their operations.

The chief guest unveiled the new emblem of the PAF Base Bholari to inaugurate the base. Four F-16 aircraft presented a fly past to welcome the guests. To make the event memorable, a solo aerobatics display of F-16 aircraft was also presented.