PM Shehbaz hails PAF's 1965 war bravery, marks Air Force Day with tributes

Premier, CM Maryam, Minister Naqvi praised the PAF’s brave soldiers for thwarting the enemy's malicious ambitions.

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On Air Force Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi collectively honoured the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its courageous role in the 1965 war and its enduring legacy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the PAF’s brave soldiers for thwarting the enemy's malicious ambitions.

In his statement, Sharif highlighted the events of 7 September 1965, when the PAF demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience despite being outnumbered.

He noted that M.M. Alam’s extraordinary achievement of downing five enemy aircraft in a single minute was a significant blow to the enemy’s arrogance.

He offered his salute to the PAF martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and expressed the nation's pride in their sacrifices.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi both paid glowing tributes to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Air Force Day, commemorating the pivotal role it played in the 1965 war and acknowledging the enduring legacy of its sacrifices.

Maryam Nawaz described 7 September 1965 as a "shining chapter" in the history of the Pakistan Air Force, highlighting the professionalism and courage of its officers.

In her message, she expressed deep admiration for their efforts and emphasised the importance of recognising their sacrifices on this significant day.

She praised the legendary Pilot M.M. Alam for his extraordinary feat of downing five Indian aircraft within a minute, marking a world record that remains unmatched in aerial warfare.

Maryam Nawaz also lauded the heroic legacy of Rashid Minhas Shaheed, who embodied bravery, courage, and honour, further solidifying the air force’s stature.

The Punjab Chief Minister stressed that the exemplary role of the PAF during the 1965 war would be etched in history in golden words, with the nation forever proud of the air force's remarkable skills and steadfast bravery.

"Their contribution to safeguarding the country's airspace will be remembered with great pride," she said, underscoring the pivotal role played by PAF officers in maintaining national security.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also delivered a special message, praising the "unforgettable" sacrifices of the PAF in defending Pakistan's skies.

Reflecting on the critical role the air force played in the 1965 conflict, he noted that despite facing resource constraints, the PAF managed to thwart the enemy’s ambitions through extraordinary resilience and determination.

Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the air force's ability to maintain aerial superiority over a much larger adversary and commended their constant readiness to defend the homeland.

Like Maryam Nawaz, he paid tribute to M.M. Alam, recalling his historic achievement of destroying five enemy aircraft in under a minute.

He described Alam’s actions as a "golden chapter" in aerial warfare, one that continues to inspire generations of pilots.

He added that the courage and resilience demonstrated by the PAF in the face of overwhelming odds remain a source of immense national pride.

Mohsin Naqvi went on to acknowledge the families of the fallen PAF pilots and airmen, recognising the sacrifices they made for Pakistan’s sovereignty.

He extended his heartfelt gratitude to them, stating, "The entire nation stands with you and honours the courage and dedication of those who laid down their lives for the country."

He reaffirmed the essential role the PAF has played in safeguarding Pakistan’s borders and said that their efforts will forever be remembered as a cornerstone in the country’s defence history.

Both leaders, in their separate statements, echoed the sentiment that the Pakistan Air Force’s remarkable professionalism and unparalleled bravery have not only safeguarded the country’s airspace but also written a heroic chapter in Pakistan's military history.