‘Next time it’ll be 60–0,’ Air Vice Marshal Shehryar warns India on Defence Day

Air Vice Marshal invokes 1965 spirit, warns of harsher response to aggression

In a bold declaration of military resolve, Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Ahmad Khan of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Saturday warned that any future aggression by India would provoke a far stronger response than before, asserting, “If the score was 6–0 last time, next time it will be 60–0, God willing.”

His remarks came during a solemn Defence Day ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, where the Air Vice Marshal reaffirmed the PAF’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s airspace with professionalism, readiness, and determination.

The comments referenced the military skirmishes earlier this year, when India launched missile strikes in May after blaming Pakistan for an incident in Pahalgam. In response, Pakistan carried out Operation Bunyan al Marsoos, a multi-front military counteroffensive that downed six Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets. The escalation ended in a ceasefire on May 10, brokered through the mediation of then-US President Donald Trump.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the 1965 war, Khan reminded the audience of the day’s symbolic importance. “September 6 is more than a date in our history—it’s a reminder of courage, unity and sacrifice,” he said. “Whether the threat comes from across the border or from within, we stand prepared on every front.”

“We stood as a steel-clad wall against the enemy’s nefarious designs,” he said. “Any aggression against Pakistan’s soil will be met with a resounding and decisive response.”

Highlighting the PAF’s operational legacy, Khan cited key missions including Zarb-e-Azb, Swift Retort, and the recent Bunyan al Marsoos, asserting that the Air Force has consistently lived up to the nation’s expectations. “The PAF has never disappointed the people of Pakistan. Whether in combat operations or during natural disasters and rescue missions, we have delivered,” he said.

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Khan stressed that the strength of Pakistan’s aerial defence lies in the professionalism and patriotism of its personnel. “Operation Bunyan al Marsoos revived memories of 1965, and reaffirmed the unity of our brave soldiers and our resilient civilians,” he said.

Earlier in the day, a formal guard change ceremony was held at the Quaid’s mausoleum, where 73 cadets—66 men and 7 women—from the PAF Academy Asghar Khan took over duties. The Air Vice Marshal inspected the parade and laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum of the founding father.

Today in History

On 06 September 1965, Pakistan Air Force launched its first offensive strike on Indian Air Force Base at Pathankot, a mission that proved decisive in the opening phase of the war. At 1705 hours, a formation of eight F-86 Sabres from No. 19 Squadron, led by… pic.twitter.com/8wlkKrpjgl

— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) September 5, 2025

Addressing the young cadets, Khan said, “It is a privilege to hold command in the Pakistan Air Force. This ceremony is not merely tradition—it represents the readiness and resolve of our airmen on every front.”

He concluded his address with a tribute to the nation’s martyrs and their families. “We honour those who laid down their lives to make this land a cradle of peace,” he said. “We salute the parents who gave their sons and daughters for Pakistan’s defence. With the nation’s support, we will thwart every step taken against our soil—next time, the score will not be 6–0 but 60–0.”

Senior military officials including Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Muhammad Owais Dastgir, DG Rangers Sindh Major General Muhammad Shamraiz, and representatives from all three armed forces also paid their respects at the mausoleum.