Senior PAF officers promoted to next ranks

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has promoted Air Vice-Marshal Arshad Malik and Air Vice-Marshal Aasim Zaheer to the rank of Air Marshal and Air Commodore Muhammad Zahid Mahmood and Air Commodore Noor Abbas to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.

According to a news release of the PAF here on Monday, Air Marshal Arshad Malik was commissioned in GD(P) Branch of the PAF in December 1983. During his illustrious career, he commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing, an operational air base and a regional air command. In his staff appointments, he served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (OR&D), Chief Project Director JF-17 and Deputy Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

He also served as Personal Staff Officer to Chief of the Air Staff. Presently, he is serving as Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, National Defence University and Air Command and Staff College, USA. He holds master’s degree in war studies and is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Marshal Aasim Zaheer was commissioned in GD(P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in November 1984. He is a qualified flying instructor.

During his outstanding career, he commanded a fighter squadron, an operational air base and PAF Academy, Risalpur. In his staff appointments, he served as deputy director (DD) Operations (F-16) and Chief Project Director (CPD) Falcon. He also served as air attaché to France. Presently, he is serving at the Air Headquarters as Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Administration). He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, National Defence University and General Staff College, Germany. He holds a master’s degree in war studies, is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat.

Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Zahid Mahmood was commissioned in GD(P) Branch of the PAF in April 1987. He is a qualified flying instructor.

During his illustrious career, he commanded the Combat Commanders School (F-7), Combat Commanders’ School and an Operational Air Base.

In his staff appointments, he served as Director Plans and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at the Air Headquarters. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, National Defence University and Air Command and Staff College, USA. He holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the National Defence University and is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice-Marshal Noor Abbas was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the PAF in September 1985. During his illustrious career, he commanded an engineering wing.

In his staff appointments, he served as Director Weapons System Management (F-7) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Aircraft Engineering) at the Air Headquarters. Presently, he is serving as Managing Director Aircraft Rebuild Factory at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, USA. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).