PAF heroes who downed Rafales, destroyed S-400 honoured on Independence Day

For the first time since their daring missions in May’s conflict with India, the Pakistan Air Force pilots who downed six Indian fighter jets — including state-of-the-art Rafales — and obliterated the Russian-made S-400 air defence system stepped into the public eye on Thursday.

The long-awaited appearance of these national heroes came as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decorated them with top gallantry awards during an Independence Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Prime Minister Sharif paid special tribute to Wing Commander Malik Rizwanul Haq, who was awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat for destroying the S-400 system during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

Shehbaz Sharif personally conferred the medal, inviting the pilot to stand beside him before the audience. “He destroyed the S-400 system,” the prime minister told the gathering, prompting applause and loud cheers.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Sitara-e-Jurat was conferred on Wing Commander Bilal Raza, GD(P), Air Force, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader M Yousaf Khan, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Muhammad Osama Ishfaq, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan, GD(P), Air Force.

Pakistan-India Recent Conflict

The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.

In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies.

Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

Also Read: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan

In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.

Later, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.