Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu appointed as new PAF chief

The government of Pakistan on Wednesday appointed Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu as the new Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan is set to retire on Thursday.

The incoming air chief hails from Sadh village in Punjab’s Gujrat district and is presently serving as Deputy Chief of Air Staff Admin at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad.

Babar joined GD (Pilot) branch of the PAF in 1986 as a fighter pilot. He has also served in fighter squadrons, operational airbases and regional commands.

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He attended Combat Commanders School, Air War College and Royal College of Defense Studies in the United Kingdom for higher studies.

He has also served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations Research and Development), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training Officers) and Director General of Projects at Air Headquarters Islamabad.

Babar also served as additional secretary in the ministry of defence.

He was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (military) and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (military) in recognition of his services.

Outgoing Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan will hand over the command to his successor at a change of command ceremony scheduled to be held at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad on March 19.

Earlier today, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The premier appreciated the meritorious services of the outgoing Air Chief rendered in the service of the nation and wished him well.