PAF observes Sept 7 as Martyrs’ Day at all bases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) observed 7th September as ‘Martyrs’ Day’ at all PAF bases throughout the country. The day started with special Dua and Quran Khawani for the Shuhada of 1965 & 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives in action since the creation of Pakistan.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was the chief guest during a ‘Martyrs’ Day’ ceremony held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Addressing on the occasion, the air chief said that PAF has proud history of sacrifice, valour and professionalism. He said, “Brave sons of the soil have always responded to nation’s call and marked glories with their blood during 1948, 1965 & 1971 wars, Ops Sentinel and Operation Swift Retort.

The PAs has evolved due to great legacy of our forefathers and we are striving hard for the advancement in space, electronic warfare, cyber, niche technologies and indigenous defence capability to ensure our sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Air chief appreciated the efforts of PAF personnel for relief and rescue operations during the recent floods. He further expressed solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their indigenous and just struggle for self-determination.

To pay homage to the martyrs, the air chief laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered “Fateha”. Principal Staff Officers, Officers, Airmen and PAF civilians attended the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, a wreath laying ceremony was also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider) at Karachi. Air Vice Marshal Zaeem Afzal, Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command, offered ‘Fateha’ and laid floral wreath at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.