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Today in HistoryOn this day, 26 July, we honour the death anniversary of Air Commodore Nazir Ahmad, SJ, SI(M), SBt — a d...
26/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 26 July, we honour the death anniversary of Air Commodore Nazir Ahmad, SJ, SI(M), SBt — a decorated Ghazi of 1965 War. Joining Royal Pakistan Air Force on 14 April 1955, he was commissioned in 26th GD(P) Course, where as a Flying Cadet he won the coveted Sword of Honour and Ground Subjects Trophy, signalling a stellar career ahead.

A true trailblazer of Pakistan Air Force's transport fleet, he carved a distinguished path by flying the Bristol Freighter and Wayfarer aircraft before becoming one of the pioneering pilots to convert onto the legendary C-130 Hercules. He later mastered the F-27 Fokker, earning the confidence of the nation's highest leadership as a trusted VVIP pilot. During the 1965 war, then Flt Lt Nazir Ahmad flew perilous night missions over Kashmir including a legendary sortie that dropped 28,000 lbs of vital cargo into Srinagar Valley through cloud, turbulence and enemy threat, before helping transform C‑130 into a “heavy bomber” striking Indian artillery threatening Lahore, feats for which he was awarded Sitara‑e‑Jurat. In 1971, then a Sqn Ldr, he flew relentless C‑130 missions in East Pakistan, spearheading daring airfield assault missions at Lal Munir Hat, Sylhet and other rebel‑held airfields under fire, earning Sitara‑e‑Basalat for sustained gallantry and devotion to duty.

Having excelled in premier staff courses, mentored generations of officers as Directing Staff, served with distinction at Air Headquarters and culminating his illustrious career as Base Commander Chaklala, Air Commodore Nazir Ahmad embodied the rare blend of warrior and scholar. His exemplary courage, leadership and unwavering professionalism continue to inspire generations of PAF Shaheens.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 23 July, Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan HJ, HQA, HS, SPk, SQA, famously known as the "Man of St...
22/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 23 July, Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan HJ, HQA, HS, SPk, SQA, famously known as the "Man of Steel," assumed command of Pakistan Air Force, ushering in a transformative era defined by visionary leadership, strategic brilliance and effective restructuring. Despite being away from fighter cockpits for six years, he rapidly requalified on advanced jets including F‑104 Starfighter, F‑86 Sabre, F‑6 and Mirage III, setting a demanding standard of professionalism through personal example.

As wartime C‑in‑C, Air Marshal Nur Khan reorganised PAF’s fleet into efficient Squadrons, integrating fighters, bombers, trainers and transport aircraft into a cohesive, battle‑ready Force. Anticipating conflict, he declared a ‘Red Alert’ on 01 September 1965, preparing his men to confront an adversary many times larger. His aggressive yet calculated air strategy focused on neutralising critical elements of the Indian Air Force through precision strikes and innovative night bombing, enabling PAF to secure air superiority within hours and to dictate the tempo of operations across multiple fronts. Even under the strain of sanctions and embargo, he addressed shortages by securing Chinese F‑6s and French Mirages, converting diplomatic initiative into enduring combat capability. For his valour, courage and distinguished command during the 1965 War, Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan was decorated with Hilal‑e‑Jurat by the Government of Pakistan, while PAF Base Chaklala was later renamed PAF Base Nur Khan in his honour.

Today, with PAF aircraft roaring across Pakistan’s skies, his legacy blazes as a beacon of uncompromising integrity, audacious innovation and iron‑willed resolve in the defence of Pakistan’s airspace.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 20 July, we honour the birth anniversary of Air Commodore Fuad Shahid Hussain, SBt, TPk. At...
19/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 20 July, we honour the birth anniversary of Air Commodore Fuad Shahid Hussain, SBt, TPk. At the time of independence, he was among the few Muslim officers who chose Pakistan, joining No 5 Squadron of RPAF on Tempests. As a young fighter pilot he proved his mettle, emerging as the Service’s pioneering aerobatic pilot. Then Flying Officer Hussain’s artistry ignited the first Pakistan Day aerial display at Lahore on 21 March 1948, where treetop‑height slow rolls, inverted runs and thrilling aerobatics on Tiger Moths, Harvards and Tempests stole the young nation’s heart.

Building on this brilliance, he was selected for the prestigious Pilot Attack Instructors Course at the Central Gunnery School, Leconfield. There, Flt Lt Hussain secured first position in April 1949 and set a Commonwealth record in Air‑to‑Air shooting; the Commandant hailed him as “outstanding in every way,” with the finest result ever witnessed at the School. At Drigh Road, before the Prime Minister, cabinet and 150,000 spectators, his 450‑mph dives, perilously low rolls and inverted climbs made low‑level aerobatics synonymous with his name. Air Chief Marshal Lord Tedder declared that a generation of pilots was yet to be born to match his perfected standards. For such sustained feats of gallantry and professional excellence, he was decorated with Sitara‑e‑Basalat and Tamgha‑e‑Pakistan. PAF war heroes such as Air Cdre MM Alam, Sqn Ldr Sarfraz Rafiqui (Shaheed) and many more honed their combat art under his exacting tutelage.

Today, as engines of PAF fighters thunder across open skies and silhouettes carve through the horizon, our proud squadrons carry more than steel and fire; they carry a commanding ethos. His legacy lives on in the discipline, precision and excellence that define those who follow in his path, an enduring testament to a leader who set the bar where only the exceptional could reach.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 18 July, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Squadron Leader Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui (Sha...
17/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 18 July, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Squadron Leader Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui (Shaheed), HJ, SJ– a brave son of soil whose name is etched in the annals of air combat of the 1965 War. From winning the prestigious Atcherley Trophy as Best Pilot of the 13th GD(P) Course to commanding the elite No 5 Squadron, his journey was marked by relentless excellence, disciplined leadership and unwavering integrity. Trained in United States and United Kingdom, he attained mastery in aerial combat and gunnery, earning glowing praise as a superb fighter pilot and combat leader.

On 01 September, 1965 over Chamb, Sqn Ldr Rafiqui and his wingman, Flt Lt Imtiaz Bhatti, unleashed a devastating assault on IAF, downing four Vampire fighters in a single engagement. The crushing blow compelled the adversary to withdraw nearly one-third of its frontline Vampire fleet from combat operations, marking a strategic setback achieved through exceptional professionalism, unwavering resolve and razor-sharp precision. Then, on 06 September, leading three F‑86 Sabres against heavily defended Halwara, he shot down an enemy Hunter and stayed in the fight even after his guns jammed, shielding his formation in an unarmed aircraft until he embraced Shahadat. For his gallantry, leadership and selfless devotion to duty, he was decorated with Hilal-Jurat and Sitara‑e‑Jurat.

Today, an air base, prominent boulevards and institutions across Pakistan proudly bear his name, ensuring that the legacy of his unmatched courage, gallantry and chivalry continues to inspire generations of Pakistan Air Force warriors in their unwavering pursuit of excellence and service to the nation.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 07 July, we honour the birth anniversary of Flt Lt Saeed Afzal (Shaheed), SJ, a decorated S...
07/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 07 July, we honour the birth anniversary of Flt Lt Saeed Afzal (Shaheed), SJ, a decorated Shaheed of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Born into a distinguished military family, he drew early inspiration from his father, Brig Muhammad Afzal Khan. From his formative years at PAF College Sargodha to his commissioning in 1964, he distinguished himself through unwavering determination, iron discipline and natural leadership. Upon joining No 14 Squadron, he swiftly earned recognition as a calm and resolute fighter pilot, equally adept at executing demanding night missions and enduring the rigours of intensive peacetime training.

On 04 December 1971, flying F‑86 Sabre over East Pakistan, Flt Lt Saeed Afzal went into battle against four Indian Hunters, outnumbered yet utterly undeterred. He shot one down, then pressed on as more enemy fighters joined, refusing to break away and choosing the mission over his own safety in a gripping last stand. Flt Lt Saeed's aircraft was eventually shot down in combat, his sacrifice sealing a legacy of fierce resolve and devotion to duty. For his courage and gallantry against overwhelming odds, he was awarded Sitara‑e‑Jurat.

Today, his name lives on as one of PAF's eternal Shaheens, a shining reminder that true greatness is defined by courage, selfless sacrifice and the unwavering resolve to lay down everything in the service of Pakistan.

Today in HistoryOn 06 July, we proudly commemorate the birth anniversary of Air Commodore Muhammad Mahmood Alam, SJ with...
05/07/2026

Today in History

On 06 July, we proudly commemorate the birth anniversary of Air Commodore Muhammad Mahmood Alam, SJ with Bar, SI(M) — the legendary “Little Dragon” of Pakistan’s skies. His name remains synonymous with unmatched courage, razor-sharp precision and an iron resolve in the face of aerial combat.

In the crucible of the 1965 Indo‑Pak war, then Sqn Ldr M M Alam led No 11 Squadron from the cockpit, flying an extraordinary 227 sorties in just 17 days and executing relentless low‑level strikes & air‑defence missions that turned Sargodha & Adampur into proving grounds of Pakistan’s resolve. On 06 September, during a bold assault on Adampur, he pierced through enemy Hunter formations at treetop height, downing two IAF aircraft and damaging three more in a single decisive strike under intense fire; an act of valor for which he was conferred the conveted Sitara-e-Jurat.

Yet, it was on 07 September over Sargodha that the “Little Dragon” etched his name into aviation history forever. In a breathtaking display of skill and dominance, he shot down five Indian Hawker Hunters in less than a minute during one continuous aerial engagement. The extraordinary feat brought his wartime tally to nine enemy aircraft destroyed and two damaged, earning him Sitara-e-Jurat with Bar.

Today, his medals, unparalleled combat record, the PAF base and prominent landmarks that carry his name stand as lasting tributes to a fighter pilot whose brilliance, valor and composure under fire continue to inspire & define the spirit of Pakistan Air Force.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 06 July, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat (S...
05/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 06 July, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat (Shaheed), SJ & Bar—one of Pakistan Air Force's most celebrated warrior airmen. Born in Ludhiana, India, he grew up in Lahore, where he studied at St. Anthony’s School and briefly attended Burn Hall College, Abbottabad, before joining the Pakistan Air Force in 1951. Commissioned in 1954 as part of the 16 GDP(I) Course, he earned the Best Performance Trophy in ground subjects. A gifted military aviator and an accomplished aerobatics pilot, he became a distinguished member of PAF’s renowned Falcons and Sabre-9 teams, dazzling audiences with spectacular air displays and record-setting manoeuvres. He was also among the first Pakistani pilots selected to train on the F-104 Starfighter in the United States.

During the 1965 War, he commanded No. 9 Squadron, leading daring missions deep inside enemy territory and spearheading vital night interceptions against Indian Canberra bombers. In the 1971 War, despite adverse weather that had grounded flying operations, he lead a strike package against the heavily defended Jamnagar Air Base. On 12 December 1971, after a strike mission his aircraft was hit and lost in action. Wing Commander Middlecoat lives on not merely as a warrior of extraordinary courage whose unmatched gallantry earned him the Sitara-e-Jurat and the rare distinction of a Bar to the award but as a gentle and noble soul whose heroism continues to inspire generations. Soft-spoken yet resolute, his life was itself an enduring act of courage. His sacrifice still resonates deeply, reminding us that true greatness lies in selfless service, unwavering conviction and the willingness to give everything; even one's life, for a cause greater than oneself.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 02 July, we honour the death anniversary of Air Commodore Imtiaz Ahmed Bhatti SJ, SI(M), SB...
01/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 02 July, we honour the death anniversary of Air Commodore Imtiaz Ahmed Bhatti SJ, SI(M), SBt, a decorated Ghazi of 1965 war whose courage and professionalism became a reference point in Pakistan’s airpower history.

In the crucible of the 1965 Indo‑Pak War, then Flt Lt Imtiaz Bhatti flew relentless combat missions. On 01 September, he struck a blistering blow in the Chamb sector by shooting down two Indian Vampire aircraft in a single engagement. The blazing dogfight drove the Vampires out of the war, showcased the fighting spirit of Pakistan Air Force and turned the skies into a testament of Pakistan’s resolve, earning him Sitara‑e‑Jurat for outstanding gallantry. His service remained equally distinguished in 1971, when he was recalled from instructor duty to Sargodha and tasked to lead the “killer control” anti‑aircraft unit. Using his vast flying experience, he transformed its accuracy and the unit went on to play a key role in thwarting enemy raids. Over his career he received Sitara‑e‑Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara‑e‑Basalat, held key Command & Staff appointments & later carried Pakistan’s flag abroad as Ambassador & High Commissioner to Burundi, Madagascar, Malawi & Tanzania.

Today, Air Cdre Imtiaz Bhatti’s name is etched among the valiant sentinels who have defended Pakistan’s skies with courage, honour and an unyielding sense of duty, inspiring future generations of PAF Shaheens.

AirForce

Today in HistoryOn this day, 01 July, we honour the birth anniversary of Group Captain Muhammad Ghulam Tawab, SJ, SBt, a...
01/07/2026

Today in History

On this day, 01 July, we honour the birth anniversary of Group Captain Muhammad Ghulam Tawab, SJ, SBt, a decorated Ghazi of the 1965 Indo-Pak war whose courage and command reshaped the air battle over South Asia.

In the crucible of September 1965, then Wing Commander Tawab left his desk as Director Flight Safety at Air Headquarters and strapped into the F-86 Sabre with No 19 Squadron at PAF Base, Peshawar. From the very first day of hostilities, he set the standard by flying 24 combat missions, commanding 16 air defence sorties and delivering eight close support strikes. He was also a proud member of historic No 19 Squadron formation that provided top cover for the blows that smashed Srinagar airfield & Jammu radar and for the textbook strike on Pathankot, where fourteen MiG-21 and Mystere fighters of IAF lay burning on the tarmac. His four-ship Sabre formation tore into Indian armour at Chamb and Wagah, destroying ten enemy tanks, twenty vehicles and turning an armoured thrust into a shattered Indian retreat.

For his conspicuous gallantry in the air, exceptional leadership in combat and unwavering participation in operations that became a source of inspiration for an entire generation of Pakistan Air Force fighter pilots, then Wing Commander Ghulam Tawab was awarded the prestigious Sitara-e-Jurat. His name remains indelibly inscribed among the valiant sentinels who have defended Pakistan's skies with courage, honour and an unyielding sense of duty.

Today in HistoryOn this day, 29 June, we honour the birth anniversary of Squadron Leader William D. Harney, SJ, a distin...
29/06/2026

Today in History

On this day, 29 June, we honour the birth anniversary of Squadron Leader William D. Harney, SJ, a distinguished Ghazi of the 1965 War and one of Pakistan Air Force's most accomplished and courageous bomber navigators. Commissioned in 1960 as an Operational Navigator, Sqn Ldr William Harney rendered exemplary service with No 31 Wing, mastering the demanding art of bomber navigation aboard the formidable B-57 aircraft. During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, then Flt Lt Harney displayed exceptional gallantry by leading daring night-time strike missions deep inside enemy territory. Flying at low altitudes and under relentless anti-aircraft fire, he navigated precision bombing attacks against heavily defended Indian air bases, including Ambala, Pathankot and Jodhpur, demonstrating remarkable courage, composure and professional excellence. In recognition of his distinguished combat performance and unwavering devotion to duty, he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat, earning him an enduring place among Pakistan Air Force's celebrated air warriors.

His saga of valour did not end there. During the 1971 War, while serving with No 7 Squadron, he once again undertook daring operational missions in highly contested environments. Among these, the celebrated strike on Agra airfield remains a shining testament to his superb judgment, navigational mastery and steadfast resolve. Executed with precision and calm under immense pressure, the mission epitomised the finest traditions of Pakistan Air Force. The legacy of Sqn Ldr William D. Harney continues to resonate across generations of PAF aircrew, serving as an enduring symbol of courage, professionalism, sacrifice and unwavering devotion to the defence of the motherland.

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