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Official page of the Pakistan Air Force being managed by DGPR (AF). Official page of Pakistan Air Force, being managed by DGPR, Pakistan Air Force.

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www.paf.gov.pk ,
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01/10/2026

Today in History

On this day, we commemorate the birth anniversaries of two distinguished PAF air warriors — Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim, NI(M), SJ and Sqn Ldr Ishfaq Qureshi (Shaheed), SJ — whose courage, professional excellence and devotion to duty left an enduring imprint on the history of Pakistan Air Force.

Born on 01 October 1931, Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim rose from a boy captivated by a flying aircraft to becoming one of PAF’s finest fighter leaders and eventually its Commander. During the 1965 War, he led from the front and played a pivotal role in the destruction of the heavily defended Amritsar Radar “Fish Oil” despite intense anti-aircraft fire. For his leadership and exceptional operational performance, he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat. As Chief of Air Staff, he later steered PAF through a significant phase of modernisation, including the induction of F-16 fighter jets.

Born on 01 October 1937, Sqn Ldr Ishfaq Qureshi (Shaheed) distinguished himself from an early age, winning the Best Pilot Trophy and the coveted Top Gun Award during training in US. A passionate B-57 pilot, he went on to master the formidable bomber and served with distinction in the Bomber Wing during the 1971 War. On the night of 4/5 December, he undertook his final bombing mission against Jamnagar, penetrating enemy territory at low level and carrying out the mission with precision before embracing Shahadat in the line of duty. For his exceptional determination, courage and fighting spirit, he was posthumously awarded Sitara-e-Jurat.

Their journeys — one ascending to the pinnacle of PAF leadership, the other embracing Shahadat in the line of duty — epitomise the very spirit of the PAF Shaheen: fearless in the face of adversity, relentless in the pursuit of excellence and unwavering in devotion to the motherland. Bound by courage, excellence and an unyielding sense of duty, their legacies continue to soar beyond generations, inspiring every PAF warrior to lead with conviction, fight with valour and serve the nation with unwavering commitment.

20/09/2026

Today in History

On 21 September 1965, as Indian forces made a desperate push towards Lahore, Pakistan Air Force unleashed one of the most daring bombing missions of the war, bringing the immense firepower of its C-130 Hercules fleet to bear against the enemy’s artillery positions along the Bambawali-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal.

The mission was led by Wg Cdr Zahid Butt, with Flt Lt Rizwan Chaudhry as Navigator, while the other Hercules was piloted by Flt Lt Nazeer Ahmed Khan with Flt Lt Khalid H Wasti as Navigator. With Indian heavy guns relentlessly shelling Lahore and friendly troops dangerously close to the bombing line, the two C-130s pressed into the night on a mission that demanded absolute precision and left no room for error. Reaching the checkpoint over the River Ravi at 2300 hours, the Hercules formation climbed to 8,000 feet before unleashing nearly 20 tons of bombs upon the enemy artillery positions. The devastating bombardment turned the target area into a blazing inferno, with around 40 Indian guns disintegrated under the sheer weight of the attack. The aircraft then withdrew safely, having delivered a blow that crippled a vital component of the enemy’s deployment.

The mission epitomised the audacity, precision and unwavering determination of PAF’s air warriors, who accepted extraordinary risks to shield Lahore from the enemy’s guns. The destruction of the Indian artillery positions struck a vital blow against the enemy’s offensive and accelerated the momentum towards a ceasefire, demonstrating once again that courage, ingenuity and combat resolve could alter the course of battle at the most critical hour.

20/09/2026

Today in History

On 21 September 1965, Pakistan Air Force struck with equal ferocity by night and by day, as its air warriors demonstrated the deadly reach of the Starfighter and the relentless resolve of Sabre formations in shielding Lahore from the enemy’s guns.

In the early hours, then Sqn Ldr Jamal Khan, who later rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal, was flying a night air-defence mission when Sakesar Radar alerted him to an IAF Canberra escaping after striking Sargodha. Racing towards the intruder at supersonic speed, Sqn Ldr Jamal intercepted the bomber at 32,000 feet near the border and fired an AIM-9B Sidewinder. The missile found its mark, sending the Canberra spiralling into the darkness. Later that day, Sqn Ldr Azim Daudpota led a four-Sabre close-support formation over the Wagah–Attari sector, with Flight Lieutenants Amanullah Khan, Syed Manzoor-ul-Hassan and Saif-ul-Azam among the pilots taking the fight to the heavily defended gun positions. Flying at treetop level through intense ack-ack and small-arms fire, the formation repeatedly attacked the camouflaged Indian artillery that was relentlessly shelling Lahore. Despite suffering multiple hits, the Sabres pressed on until their rockets and guns were exhausted, silencing the enemy positions and returning home after delivering what the Lahore GOC hailed as a “Magnificent Job.”

The missions of 21 September embodied the precision and unwavering resolve of PAF air warriors who fought relentlessly in the defence of the motherland. Whether hunting enemy bombers in the darkness or plunging through torrents of fire to silence enemy guns threatening Lahore, PAF Shaheens carried the battle to the enemy with remarkable courage and valor.

19/09/2026

Today in History

On 20 September 1965, the darkness over enemy territory was pierced by the thunder of PAF bombers, as then Sqn Ldr Rais Rafi, OC No 8 Squadron, undertook one of the most demanding missions of his career—striking the vital Ambala airfield deep inside India.

The mission was aimed at keeping enemy air defences tied down at their rear bases while carrying the threat of PAF’s offensive reach towards Delhi. To maximise accuracy and destructive effect, the three-ship formation led by Sqn Ldr Rais Rafi, adopted a daring low-level skip-bombing profile from just 500 feet above ground level. The formation swept over Ambala in the darkness, with Rafi releasing four 1,000-lb bombs in a precise low-level run, just 15 minutes after the preceding B-57 had wreaked havoc on the target. Due to their flat trajectory, each bomb would skip some distance along the ground before the 10-second delay fuse triggered its explosion. With Flt Lt Saadat Muhammad Akhtar Khan navigating beside him, Rafi pressed the attack deep inside heavily defended enemy territory and delivered the intended blow with remarkable precision.

The mission epitomised the audacity, precision and unwavering determination of PAF’s bomber crews, who repeatedly ventured deep into enemy territory, defied formidable odds and carried the fight to the very heart of the adversary’s rear bases. Their courage and combat resolve demonstrated that distance, danger and adversity could never deter PAF Shaheens from taking the battle to the enemy.

18/09/2026

Today in History

On 19 September 1965, Pakistan Air Force air warriors once again roared into action under the fiercest of fire. Striking enemy positions with devastating precision and engaging hostile fighters head-on, they transformed courage into combat power—dominating the skies through unmatched skill, audacity and an unyielding will to fight.

After successfully executing a ground attack strike in the Sialkot-Chawinda sector, Flt Lt Saif-ul-Azam, flying an F-86 Sabre, found himself separated from his formation when IAF Gnats launched a surprise attack. Undeterred by weak radio communication, he engaged the enemy on his own and shot down an Indian Gnat, displaying exceptional flying skill, alertness and devotion to duty. During another strike mission, Flt Lt Syed Muhammad Ahmed came under intense enemy gunfire, severely damaging his aircraft and seriously wounding him. Despite the crippling damage and his injuries, he remained composed, fought to keep control of his aircraft and brought it safely back to Peshawar. Later that day, Flt Lt Viqar Ahmed Abdi navigated a mission to bomb Indian artillery positions that had been incessantly shelling Lahore. His crew delivered a devastating 30,000-lb bomb load, inflicting a lethal blow on the enemy guns, thereby securing Lahore. For their outstanding devotion to duty and courageous contributions in the defence of motherland, Flight Lieutenants Saif-ul-Azam and Viqar Abdi were awarded Sitara-e-Jurat, whereas, Flt Lt Syed Muhammad Ahmed earned Sitara-e-Basalat.

The missions of 19 September, 1965 embodied the indomitable spirit of PAF air warriors who rose above adversity, defied danger and struck with unflinching precision. With every sortie, they carried the hopes of a nation into battle, answering the call of duty with courage, sacrifice and an unwavering resolve to defend the motherland.

17/09/2026

Today in History

On this day, 18 September, we remember two distinguished officers of Pakistan Air Force — one on his birth anniversary and the other on his Shahadat anniversary — both revered for the courage, professionalism and devotion to duty that defined generations of PAF air warriors.

We commemorate the birth anniversary of Air Cdre Viqar Abdi, SJ, a pioneering navigator whose exceptional skill carried PAF aircrew through some of the most demanding missions of the 1965 War. From daring para-drop operations to deep-penetration missions, his precise navigation proved instrumental to PAF success. As part of the pioneering C-130 bomber crew, he navigated a C-130 bombing mission in the Chawinda sector, delivering a massive 28,000-lb bomb load with devastating effect. For his exceptional skill and determination in combat, he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat. His distinguished career thereafter saw him serve in important command and staff appointments, including a significant role in the computerisation of PAF.

We also pay tribute to Flt Lt Taloot Mirza, TJ, whose short but illustrious career was marked by fearless combat. During the 1971 War, he distinguished himself in close-support operations and, on 10 December 1971, faced six IAF Su-7s while flying a mission against advancing Indian forces. Outnumbered, he entered the ensuing aerial combat and destroyed one of the enemy aircraft through exceptional flying skill and cool courage, earning Tamgha-e-Jurat. His life was tragically cut short on 18 September 1977 while on a training mission in Libya, where he embraced Shahadat keeping faith with the highest traditions of PAF.

PAF honours both air warriors — celebrating the life of one and remembering with reverence the supreme sacrifice of the other — their legacies forever woven into the proud story of Pakistan Air Force.

17/09/2026

TODAY IN HISTORY

On this day, 18 September 1965, senior leadership of Pakistan Air Force took to the frontline alongside its air warriors, proving that in the heat of battle, courage knows no rank and commitment knows no bounds. Air Commodore Rahim Khan, Chief of Operations and later Air Marshal and Commander-in-Chief PAF, led a four-Sabre formation of No 19 Squadron on a strike mission against IAF Station Srinagar. With the airfield already battered by repeated PAF attacks, the formation spotted a target of opportunity on the Srinagar–Awantipura road — an Indian Army convoy moving between the two air bases. The Sabres descended to attack and in a devastating low-level assault, Rahim Khan and his formation unleashed the six-gun fury of their Sabres, setting vehicles ablaze and triggering a chain of explosions. Caught completely off guard, Indian soldiers abandoned their vehicles as the PAF fighters tore through the convoy. Mission accomplished, the four Sabres turned for home — returning safely to Peshawar, without a single aircraft damaged. Flying alongside Air Commodore Rahim Khan were Flt Lt Dilawar Hussain, Sqn Ldr Sajjad Haider and Flt Lt Rao Akhtar; four air warriors whose boldness, precision and fighting spirit transformed a fleeting opportunity into yet another decisive strike in the annals of PAF operations during the 1965 War.

14/09/2026

Today in History

On 15 September 1961, a new era dawned for Pakistan Air Force at Sargodha Air Force Base, later renamed PAF Base Mushaf, as the first two F-104 Starfighters touched down after their ferry flight from PAF Base, Faisal. These iconic aircraft had first reached Karachi aboard the US Navy carrier CORE, from where they were transported to Faisal Base through three painstaking midnight road convoys. Once reassembled and air-tested at PAF Base, Faisal, the Starfighters were finally flown to their new home at Sargodha.

Configured with advanced modifications tailored to PAF requirements, F-104s featured C-2 upward-firing ejection seats, AN/ASG-14T1 fire-control systems, General Electric J79-11A engines and the M-61 Vulcan cannon. PAF engineers further demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by converting a two-seat F-104B into a reconnaissance platform equipped with Swedish TA-7M cameras, while a single F-104A was modified to carry radar-homing equipment such as RALOR and SLARD for electronic warfare roles.

The legendary No 9 Squadron “Griffins” became the sole PAF unit to operate these sleek Starfighters. Between August 1961 and March 1965, the Squadron received 12 F-104As and two dual-seat F-104Bs. In the crucible of the 1965 and 1971 wars, PAF pilots etched the Starfighter into the annals of history with nine confirmed aerial victories.

The arrival of the F-104 not only heralded Pakistan’s entry into the supersonic age, but also reflected PAF’s remarkable ability to adapt, innovate and employ cutting-edge technology with unmatched courage in combat.

14/09/2026

Today in History

On this day, 15 September 1947, the Royal Pakistan Air Force Flying Training School was officially established at Risalpur, laying the foundation of what would become the prestigious Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan and marking a defining milestone in the development of Pakistan’s air power.

Established barely a month after Independence, the Flying Training School began with just two flights of 6–8 aircraft—one equipped with Tiger Moths and the other with Harvard trainers. Under the command of then Wg Cdr M Asghar Khan, later the first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief of PAF, a handful of pioneering officers and men overcame formidable challenges with remarkable determination to establish and operate the fledgling institution. The Academy’s stature was further elevated when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited the school in April 1948 and upgraded its status to a college, marking a significant step in the evolution of Pakistan’s military aviation. From these humble beginnings, Risalpur emerged as the cradle of PAF’s aviation heritage, nurturing generations of air warriors and providing the essential foundation for the expansion of Pakistan’s air power. The institution’s journey from a modest flying school to a premier military academy stands as a remarkable testament to the vision, perseverance and pioneering spirit of those who laid its first stones.

Today, the Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan continues to uphold this proud legacy, transforming aspiring cadets into skilled, disciplined and resolute officers ready to serve the nation and guard its skies.

14/09/2026

Today in History

On this day, 14 September, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Air Mshl Azim Daudpota, HI(M), SJ — a decorated combat leader, accomplished fighter pilot and distinguished officer whose courage in war and exceptional service in peace left an enduring mark on Pakistan Air Force.

During the 1965 War, then Sqn Ldr Daudpota was determined to join the fight and eventually proceeded from Mauripur to Sargodha to lead combat missions. His finest hour came on 21 September 1965, when leading a four-Sabre formation in the Wagah–Attari sector, he plunged through intense enemy ground fire to locate and silence heavily camouflaged Indian medium guns shelling Lahore. Flying at treetop level, Daudpota and his No 2 repeatedly attacked the positions amid a barrage of bullets and shells, while the rest of the formation followed through until the guns were destroyed. For flying 15 strike and 5 Air Defence missions, and for his leadership, devotion to duty and complete disregard for personal safety, he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat.

Beyond his combat achievements, Air Mshl Daudpota went on to serve the nation with distinction in a range of senior command and leadership appointments. In a rare honour, he was selected to command the Zimbabwe Air Force, becoming the first and only non-Zimbabwean to hold the position, and was awarded the Commander of the Order of Merit of Zimbabwe for his meritorious service.

Air Mshl Azim Daudpota’s life remains a proud testament to courage in combat, excellence in leadership and a lifetime dedicated to national service.

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Air Headquarters PAF Complex E9
Islamabad
44230

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+92519504930

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http://www.paf.gov.pk/

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