Air Marshal Arshad appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff

ISLAMABAD: Air Marshal Arshad Malik, a decorated air officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), has been appointed as Vice Chief of the Air Staff of PAF.

Air Marshal Arshad Malik who previously was posted as Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Personnel) has been appointed as Vice Chief of Air Staff in place of Air Marshal Farooq Habib. Air Marshal Farooq opted for retirement after he was superseded by the newly appointed Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan as Chief of Air Staff.

Air Marshal Arshad Malik joined PAF in 1978 with 76th GD (P) course and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December, 1983. He has flown various trainer and fighter aircraft including Mirage, F-6, F-7P, and F-7PG.

During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, an Operational Air Base and a Regional Air Command. He was posted to China for two years to oversee and coordinate the development and manufacturing of JF-17 aircraft. He has also served initially as deputy chairman and later on as chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.

His staff appointments include Personal Staff Officer to Chief of the Air Staff, Director Operations Project, Director Operational Requirement & Development, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (OR&D), Chief Project Director JF-17 and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel) at Air Headquarters.

He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, National Defence University and Air Command and Staff College, USA. In recognition of his meritorious services, he has been awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).