- By: Ibn-e-Taha
- Khan_adnan040@yahoo.com
Since its’ inception Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had prided itself on credo of professionalism, focussed devotion and nurturing integrity, dedication and self respect. It is the only hurdle in eyes of enemies of Pakistan, which has thwarted any aggression against Pakistan due to exceptional commanders. Earlier four commanders of PAF were British origin and the appointment was called as Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C). Under command Pakistani officers to these British masters envisioned modernization, phasing out old vintage aircraft and providing best trained available human resource.
In today’s PAF pilots’ cadre batch of of 50-60 aviation cadets pass through rigorous training before being posted at a flying squadron (Sqn). During stay at a fighter flying Sqn a pilot is groomed by rigorous training on navigation, bomb drops, ground support, offencive/defencive, air defence, counter offencive, deep strike, aerial firing and dog fight manoeuvres. These fighter pilots are also groomed through regular educational courses at different ranks (junior/mid career/command and staff/staff college/NDU courses) within/outside the country. They are also detailed on field and staff duties providing an experience of flying operations and latest trends in strategies and air defence. They also learn human resource management, financial management, administration, medical care, education/training, public speaking and writing skills, food & clothing, housing & accommodation, civilians and civil matters, public relations and a vision for a progressive tactical air force. All these credentials are added to profile of a fighter pilot by the time he an Air Marshal(AM) rank. At AHQ his vast experience is utilized for formulating of futuristic policies, planning and implementation. An Air Marshal is eligible to command PAF, but left with only one odd of those who joined him at the Risalpur academy in the same course on induction. Sometimes the gap leads to difference of next 4-6 junior courses from where next Air Commander has to be finalized. It remains the prerogative of Govt of Pakistan to appoint the Air Chief out of the potential candidates. Subsequent paragraphs highlight summary of all the Pakistani Air Chiefs, who left formidable marks of their personality on PAF.
- Air Marshal Asghar Khan (23-07-1957 till 22 July 1965):
Father of PAF, Asghar Khan was commissioned on 22 Dec, 1940 in the British Indian Army and took over as fifth C-in-C of PAF. In 1942, Asghar Khan was transferred to the Royal Indian Air Force, where he carried out bombing missions through “Hawker Hurricane” aircraft on Burma front. Asghar Khan was the first Indian pilot to fly a jet fighter (Gloster Meteor Mark III), while on fighter leaders’ course in UK. In 1944 he again faced the Japanese in second front in Burma, this time as Sqn commander No 9 Sqn known as Griifins. He also shifted this Sqn to Peshawar after independence. He was appointed as first Commandant of PAF Academy Risalpur. During Kashmir operations (1947-48), Asghar Khan delivered heavy mortars to Gilgit through training aircraft (Harvards). He holds the honour of receiving Jinnah at Risalpur academy on 13 April, 1948, where Quid delivered his famous speech underscoring the need of a strong air force for Pakistan. In establishing a cutting edge, Air Commodore Khan (1955-56) carried out negotiations with other countries for equipment procurement for the PAF. Resultantly PAF inducted F-86, B-57, RB-57, C-130, F-104 (star-fighter), T-33, RT-33, T-37 during his tenure and H-43B helicopters, F-27, SA-16, H-19D helicopters after his retirement. In 1957, Air Vice-Marshal Khan established Air Force Education Command with establishment of the PAF Air War College, College of Aeronautical Engineering, PAF model school Peshawar and Combat Commanders’ School (CCS). He initiated monthly Air staff presentation meetings where serviceability of aircraft, maintenance issues, human resource related matters and overall flying missions allotted and conducted are discussed. He established Inspectorate team to visit PAF bases/units and evaluate their working and highlight irritants faced by them. He also established the first maintenance depot, PAF bases of Sargodha and Samungli, and ensured installation of first hi-powered radar at Badin. He formed Ski and Survival school at Kalabagh (Nathiagali), SOC at Sakesar. He also introduced concept of inter- sqn armament competition and annual flight safety trophy. On 10 April, 1959, during his tenure, PAF shot down the first Bharti intruder Canberra aircraft over Gujar Khan. Asghar was a graduate of “Joint Services Staff College” and “Imperial Defence College (UK)”. PAF has dedicated its’ training academy at Risaplur on his name.
- Air Marshal Nur Khan (22-7-1965 till 31-07-1969):
Air Marshal Nur Khan joined Royal Indian Air Force reserve in 1940, and was trained as an air crew from the United Kingdom. He graduated in RIAF on 6 January 1941 and as gunnery and bomber pilot in UK. He was the only student pilot earning “Above average” assessments on armament, gunnery and bombing from British instructors. On return in 1942–43, he actively participated in Burma campaign and carried out high angle diving bomb attacks against Japanese through “Vultee Vengeance” aircraft. For outstanding professionalism he was a flying genius. He was also posted as Liasian officer at High Commissioner office of Pakistan in UK. During 1965 war, he participated in several support missions and was awarded Hilal-e-Jurat. He had commanded PAF Base Chaklala, which is renamed on is name and is now known as PAF Base Nur Khan. He also commanded PAF Academy Risaplur, PAF Base Peshawar and Masroor. During his tenure as C-in-C, PAF inducted Chinese origin F-6, Mirage III, MI-6 helicopters, B-56 aircraft, Beach craft and Alouette helicopters. In 1967, Nur Khan volunteered to serve in the allegiance of Arab countries’ Air Forces against Israel during the Six-Day War. He served in many aerial missions. He was decorated with “Order of independence” and “National Order of the Cedar” by Lebanon Govt. Israeli president Ezer Wiseman who was also Israeli air chief and defence minister wrote in his autobiography about Nur Khan “Nur Khan was a formidable fellow and I was glad he was Pakistani not an Egyptian”. Nur Khan also graduated from “RAF Staff college” and qualified “Joint Services Staff College”. His management skills were utilized by placing him MD PIA and president Pakistan Hockey Federation.
- Air Marshal Abdur Raheem Khan (01-09-1969 till 02-03-1972):
Graduated in RIAF, Abdur Raheem Khan was initially posted at No 7 Sqn of RIAF. He was decorated by British with Burma Medal. After war in 1946 he was selected for Advanced Fighter Training Course in UK. After independence, he actively flew during insurgency of 1949 in Miranshah. In 1951, he became the first Pakistani to break the sound barrier by flying as supersonic aircraft. Later he attended RAF Staff college Andover. Upon completion of “Fighters Leaders’ ” course in UK (1952), he commanded the first fighter jet Sqn of PAF, comprising “Attacker” aircraft. He commanded PAF Base Mauripur(Masroor) in 1959. He was in-charge of PAF operations during war of 1965 and was C-in-C during 1971 war. He also boarded one of the unarmed C-130 along-with crew to ensure bombing at enemy’s front in 1965 war, for which he was decorated with Hilal-e-Jurat. Due to his excellent coordination with Pak Army, Jurrian was conquered on ground by Pak army troops. As C-in-C he ensured construction of aircraft pens to diminish vulnerability of aircraft. He also implemented partial reversion from centralized to Sqn level maintenance. UN military observer to Pakistan General Chuck Yeager of USAF appreciated performance of PAF during 1971 war. He was a graduate of “Imperial Defence College” (UK). He served at PAF Base Masroor and PAF Staff College. He had also served as Pakistani ambassador in Spain. He was the only Sub-continent Air chief who was invited as chief guest at the passing out parade at Cranwell (UK).
- Air Marshal Zafar Chaudhry (03-01-1972 till 14-04-1974:
Air Marshal Zafar Chaudhry, was educated at Punjab university, commissioned in RIAF in April, 1945 and was inducted in No. 7 Sqn in 1946. He qualified as an instructor on the North American T-6G Harvard. In 1965, Air Commodore Chaudhry served as Director Air Operations and Plan. He qualified “Royal Air Force Staff College” and “British Joint Services Staff College”. He also underwent “Imperial Defence College” course in UK. Chaudhry served as “Station Commander” PAF Sargodha (Mushaf), PAF Academy Risalpur, Director Air Operations and ACAS (Air operations) at AHQ. He inducted Falcon, and Mirage V aircraft in PAF during his tenure as Air commander. Title of the office was changed from “C-in-C” to the “Chief of Air Staff (CAS)” during his stay as Air Chief. Chaudhry was the last Air Marshal (three star officer). He was succeeded by Air Chief Marshal Zulfiqar Ali Khan the first four-star general. After retirement he was appointed MD PIA and later joined WWF in Pakistan. Later Chaudhry became an activist and was one of the founding members of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and served as MD PIA also. He had a literary taste and would enjoyed reading “Deewan-e-Ghalib” and other poetry in spare time. He also introduced legacy of Mushayeras in PAF. He penned down two books after retirement.
- Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zulfiqar Ali Khan (15-04-1974 till 22 July 1978):
ACM Zulfiqar Ali Khan was the Ninth commander of PAF and commissioned in PAF on 21 December 1950. He was the first graduate of Risalpur, who took aver as CAS. In 1965, Sqn Ldr Zulfiqar actively participated in the Indo-Pakistan war, commanding No 9 Sqn. From 1966 to 1968, he also served as Air Attaché at the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi. In 1968, he was posted in East Pakistan, where he was in-charge of operations wing of Dacca Air Base.? He also served as commandant Risalpur Academy and commandant Air War College. As CAS he oversaw induction of the aircraft like MiG-15, Mushhaq , Cessna, FT-5 and provided support in rebuilding Mirage aircraft at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zulfiqar Ali Khan was also made senior member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, He also revitalized CCS. After retirement, Zulfiqar Ali Khan was appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to Switzerland (1979-1981). In 1989, he was again appointed as an ambassador to USA. He also enjoyed the honour of flying an F-16 at the age of 45 years while posted as an ambassador to USA. He also received Legion of Merit (LOM) from USA. Zulfiqar established a trust for welfare of PAF personnel titled “Shaheen Foundation”.
- Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim (22-07-1978 till 04-03-1985):
ACM Anwar Shamim joined PAF academy in 1952 and was selected for Advanced Flying Training at Royal Air Force college Point Cook (Australia). After graduation he joined a fighter Sqn where his flying skills were honed and he became top professional. He underwent Fighters’ Leaders school and was declared the best pilot of the course. During war of 1965, Anwar Shamim was posted as Officer Commanding Flying wing, PAF Base Mushaff (Sargodha). He led the destruction mission of Amritsar radar on 11 Sep, 1965 and was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat. He was sector commander of Air defence during war of 1971. Later he served as DD (Operations), Director (Plans), Director (Projects), ACAS (Operations) and DCAS (Operations). He commanded three air bases including Masroor. Shamim spearheaded research and development projects of SUPARCO and initiated integrated missile programme. First Hatf missile system was also developed under his administration. He oversaw the induction of F-16 and A-5 aircraft in PAF, creation of three regional (corps size) air commands. During his tenure, PAF was on constant alert due to violation of air space from Afghan border. He also faced possible air strikes by Israel (via Bharat), which were intercepted. Israeli F-16s panicked and returned to Bharat. Air Force Strategic Command (AFSC) was also established, with objectives to give aerial and external protection to senior academic scientists and the nuclear deterrence development. Shamim also helped Zimbabwe in establishing their air force by sending Air marshal Azeem Daudpota to Zimbabwe. He also served as advisor to His majesty King Hussain of Jordan. He was a cricketer, hockey, Tennis and a Soccer player. He also served as President of “Pakistan and Asian Squash Rackets Federations”. After retirement he started writing in newspapers and also published a book “Cutting Edge PAF: A Former Air
Chief’s Reminiscences of a Developing Air Force”.
- Air Chief Marshal Jamal Ahmed Khan (06-03-1985 till 09-03-1988):
After initial training, Jamal was commissioned in the fighter Sqn (Arrows). He was part of the first jet aerobatic team “Pay bills” performing awesome pilots’ skills on “Attacker! Aircraft. During RAF’s Fighter’s Weapons Instructor’s Course, he was declared an exceptional pilot in air-to-air gunnery missions. He also had advanced flying training in Germany. Flt Lt Jamal was amongst the team members which created a world record on 2 Feb 1958 forming a loop while flying with 16 Sabres in one formation. He was also trained in the United States as a test pilot and qualified to fly the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. He also underwent Joint Services Staff College (UK). He holds world record of shooting down only kill during night from a F-104 (Star-fighter) which was a Bharti aircraft during war of 1965. He was recipient of Sitara-e-Jurat for this kill. He was the first Pakistani to fly F-16 A in the United States. He commanded PAF Base Sargodha (Mushaf) and is the only Air Chief who has commanded two air forces of the world United Arab Emirates Air Force (1977-1980) and PAF. He served PAF as DD(Plans), DD(Operations), Chief Inspector, ACAS(Plans), DCAS (Operations) and VCAS before taking over as CAS. He also faced Bharati threats when she deployed its’ armed forces on forward areas (exercise Brass Tracks) for a probable aggression. Jamal however alerted PAF on all fronts and Bharat could not dare attack Pakistan. As CAS he prepared “Air Force Manual” outlining ideas of a commander and duties and responsibilities of all PAF personnel. He also established JCOs academy for training/grooming of PAF JCOs.
- Air Chief Marshal Hakimullah Khan Durrani (09-03-1988 till 08-03-1991)
ACM Hakimullah earned trophies for “Best Pilot” and “Best performance in ground subjects” on graduation from Risalpur academy on his graduation. He rose from F-86 (sabres) to F-104 aircraft and went onto command the same Sqn. During war of 1965, he intercepted an Gnat flown by Flight lieutenant Brijpal Singh Sikand, and forced him to land at Pasrur airstrip, Pakistan. During 1971 war, he was commanding the only Mirage squadron of PAF. Wing-Commander Hakimullah flew the Mirage-IIIA in the western front. He carried out bombing mission on airfields of Amritsar, Pathankot, Avantipura and Mukariyan railway station (Bharat) destroyng 100 bogeys full of ammunition. He was also decorated with Sitara-e-Jurat after the war. He was the first commanding officer of CCS established for fighter flyers’ training on modern patterns. He was later appointed Project Director for induction of Mirage aircraft, which he successfully achieved. He had been Personal Staff Officer to CAS and a base commander of a fighter base. Due to exceptional flying skills he was sent to Libyan Air Force on deputation. In 1981, Air-Commodore Hakim was appointed Project-Director of Project Falcon, overseeing the acquisition of F-16s. Before taking over as CAS, Hakimullah had also served as ACAS (Flight Safety), SASO(ADC), DCAS (Administration) and DCAS (Operations). He ensured ordering of sixty F-16s which were on hold due to Pressler amendment. Seeing operational capabilities he arranged retired Mirages from Australia. It not only provided PAF with new Mirages induction but also ensured serviceability of the existing fleet from the package of spares contracted along-with. He also inducted Mistral missiles. During his tenure PAF successfully conducted Exercises Hi-Mark and Fire-power demonstration (1989). PAF also participated in exercise Zarb-e-Momin.
- Air Chief Marshal Farooq Feroz Khan (9-03-1991 till 08-11-1994).
Thirteenth commander of PAF ACM Farooq Feroz was also selected as a cadet for flying training at USA. Upon completion pilot training program from the USAF Academy, Feroze joined a fighter Sqn operating F-104 aircraft. He was known for his skills while manoeuvring aircraft in a combat mode from subsonic to supersonic speed. Farooq Feroz had served as an exchange officer with the United States Air Force, completing several years of aerial combat training with the American pilots. He was also attached to the Royal Air Force as a military liaison officer, and flew British aircraft in their inventory. In 1965, Sqn Ldr Farooq flew various combat missions on his F-104 Starfighter. He was amongst first group of fighter pilots who were sent to France for their conversion to French Mirage-III. After this conversion, he was posted as an air adviser to the Eastern Air Command in East-Pakistan, providing mission support to conduct combat air patrol near the Kalaikunda air force Station (Bharat). He served as ACAS (Plans), DCAS (Operations) and VCAS. He also headed PIAC as Chairman and MD. He is the only CAS, of being appointed as Chairman Joints Staff Headquarters (JSHQ). He also enjoys longest service of 40 years. He faced the hardest US sanction of “Pressler amendment” where all the US military hardware was put to a halt. He nevertheless, ensured PAF was kept in an optimum operational capability.
- Air Chief Marshal Abbas Khattak (09-11-1994 till 06-11-1997):
ACM Abbas Khattak was one of the attackers on Pathankot airfield (Bharat) during 1965 war where 13 Bharti aircraft were destroyed by PAF. The strike destroyed mostly the new induction Mig-21s, which were not operated later by Bharat during the entire war. He qualified “Air Command and Staff College” from USA, Armed Forces War course from NDU and “Royal College of Defence Studies” course from UK. He also held key appointments of Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Southern Air Command (SAC), DCAS (Training) and DCAS (Operations) before taking over as CAS. As DCAS (Training), he played a pioneering role in aviation and flight safety programs. As CAS, he attempted to acquire the Mirage-2000. He also worked with China to develop the K-8 Karakorum (training aircraft). Khattak initiated program for a modern fighter aircraft for coming years. The aircraft was initially named FC-1, but than renamed as JF-17. He also established a PAF museum recording history and achievements of PAF.
- Air Chief Marshal Pervaiz Mehdi Qureshi (07-11-1997 till 20-11- 2000):
ACM Mehdi was recipient of “Sword of Honour” for best all round performance during training at Risalpur. During 1965 war, he actively flew F-86 for close air support combat missions. During war of 1971, he actively participated from East Pakistan. In 1977, Squadron-Leader, Mehdi joined faculty of the CCS. He qualified to fly F-16 and later commanded a fighter Sqn (Griffins). He also served as DCAS (Operations), Air Defence Command and VCAS. As Air Chief, Mehdi backed up the military’s plans for enhancing communication capabilities between three sister services. In 1998, Mehdi issued directives to the F-16s to escort the C-130 airlifting nuclear devices to weapon-testing sites in Balochistan. During his stay as CAS, Kargil skirmishes took place in 1999.
- Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir (21-11- 2000 till 20-02-2003):
ACM Mir, commanded PAF as 16th Air Leader of PAF. He was commissioned in PAF in 1967. He was amongst the formation which shot down Bharti SU-7 aircraft over Shakargarh on 12 Dec, 1971. Mir served as an Air Attaché at Embassy of Pakistan in USA. From the Chinese weapon system (F-6) he qualified to fly F-16 Fighting Falcon. Mushaf Mir, acted as an ACAS (Plans) and negotiated with other countries to acquire aircraft for future of PAF. Mir was also appointed as Project-Director (Project Falcon) that started to negotiate with Turkey and Jordan to to acquire F-16As/Bs. He was also posted as a military adviser to the Saudi Arabian Army and later assumed the short-time command of the Pakistan Armed Forces-Middle East Command. Mir commanded No. 33 Wing and later took over the command of the Southern Air Command as AOC. In 1999, Air Marshal Mir was appointed as the chairman of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra, where he ensured immediate repair/overhaul/maintenance of Mirages, F-6s, Mushhaq aircraft and PAF radars. During his stay as CAS, he commanded and provided strategy to deploy troops during the military standoff with India. Later he went onto facilitate the USA military’s war logistics for war operations in Afghanistan. During his tenure, the PAF F-6 aircraft were retired transferred to Bangladeshi Air Force.
- Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saa’dat (18-03-2003 till 18-03-2006):
ACM Kaleem was graduated with Rashid Minhas in 51st GD(P) course. He had actively participated during war of 1971. He underwent Flying Instructors’ Course from Risalpur, Staff College and Air War Course from the PAF Air War College. He qualified Flying Instructors’ Course (FIS), Combat Commanders’ Course (CCS), French Inter Services War course and NDU. It was during this time that the JF-17 aircraft prototype flew its’ first hours. Air Headquarters’ were shifted to its permanent location in Islamabad and PAF achieved its’ best Flight Safety record of its history when in the Year 2004. PAF had the largest ever flying operations Exercise Hi-mark 2005, holding its’ first ever tri-service war-games. After retirement, in 2019, ACM Kaleem Saa’dat became the first president of the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), an independent research think tank founded with specializations in Aerospace, Aviation, Security, Air Doctrine and Economics. He held more than 3000 flying hours under his belt.
- Air Chief Marshal Tanveer Mehmood Ahmed (18-03-2006 till 18-03-2009):
ACM Tanveer Ahmed had flown all of the fighter aircraft flown by PAF during his stay in PAF. They included American F-86 Sabre, Chinese MiG-15, F-6, F-7, French Mirage-III and Mirage-V. He enjoyed unique honour of being ADC (as Flight lieutenant) and Personal Staff Officer (PSO) as an Air Commodore to two different CAS. He also served as DCAS (Administration), DCAS (Operations) and VCAS. He brought entire working/functioning of the PAF on-line. He introduced Spada SAMs, Chinese AWACS, Swedish AEW&C, locally upgraded/maintained and active Air Defense system, Retrieval of Peace Gate-IV F-16s from the USAF, complete up-gradation of older F-16 fleet to most modern version, highly potent BVR AAMs along with host of other weapons from the US, High Tech Simulators, induction and local manufacturing capability of UAVs, Automated Inventory Management System and local manufacturing of Block-1 of the JF-17 weapon system. He especially built a lot of accommodation for the low paid employees in addition to building a major new air base. He built PAF hospitals at major PAF bases. By bringing the PAF on-line, he streamlined all of the budgeting, logistics, procurements and accounting systems of the PAF.
- Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman (19-03-2009 till 18-03-2012);
ACM Rao succeeded ACM Tanvir as 19th Air Chief. Rao had 3400 flying hours of fighter flying. As Chief of Air Staff, ACM, Suleman developed PAF’s counter terrorism policy, which was a new role. He conducted operational exercises as Hi-Mark 2010, Azm-e-Nau, Saffron Bandit etc. He also planned operational training exercises with other modern air forces like USAF (Red & Green Flags), Turkish Air Force (Anatolian Eagle and Indus Viper), UAE Air force (ATLC), PLA Air force (Shaheen I), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al Saqoor), Jordanian Air Force (Falcon Meet). He enabled PAF to defeat the terrorists successfully through new operational trainings and exercises. During his tenure in 2010, there was not a single accident despite extensive operational exercises, overseas deployments and maximum flying, making 2010 an accident-free year for the first time in history of PAF. He started JF 17 aircraft production at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra and raised two JF 17 aircraft Squadrons. He introduced JF 17 to the world by sending it in various air shows like Farnborough Air Show (UK), Zhuhai Air Show (China), Dubai Air Show (UAE), “Air Show Turkiye,” and Centennial Celebration to celebrate 100 years of Turkish Air Force.
- Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt (19-03-2012 till 19-03-2015).
ACM Tahir was commissioned in PAF on 6 March 1977. He served on various flight assignments and flew with Griffins and Eagles. Like all running candidates for next promotion, he qualified the CCS. He also commanded a fighter Sqn, a combat flying wing and a PAF base. He served as Deputy Director Special Operations and Development at the AHQ. Butt also served as a military adviser to the Zimbabwean Air Force which (1984-1986). He had also served as Deputy Director (Plans), Director Flight Safety, ACAS (Training), ACAS (Personnel), DG NAB (KPK), Commandant National Security College, NDU, AOC (SAC), DCAS (Personnel) and VCAS. He was a graduate NDU Islamabad earning M Sc in Defence and Strategic Studies.He also served as Chief Instructor (CI) and commandant of the National Security College at NDU. He was selected for Combat Commanders’ School and graduated as a combat fighter in special operations. Prior to being appointed as chief of air staff, Tahir Rafique was serving as the VCAS.
- Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (19-03-2015 till 19-03-2018).
ACM Sohail Aman was graduated from PAF Academy Risalpur in 1980. He qualified attended elite CCS and Air War College. He also attended “Kings’ college” London with MA in defence studies. PAF under the leadership of Aman decimated terrorist network without collateral damages.He rebuffed Bharti claims of surgical strikes and sent an unequivocal message PAF was ready and capable of countering any misadventure. He also saved millions of dollars by focusing on indigenization. His focus on modernisation, training and morale boosting made PAF fully ready for conventional or non-conventional challenge. He under-went Kings’ College London at UK graduating with MA in defence studies. ACM Sohail has also flown F-15s in Saudi Arabia and Tornado’s in the United Kingdom.
- Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan (19-03-2018 till 19-03-2021):
Mujahid was a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Command and Staff College, Jordan and National Defence University, Islamabad. Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan held master’s degree in War Studies and Defence Management. He served in PAF as PSO to CAS, ACAS (Operations), DCAS (Operations), DG (C4I), DCAS (Support) and DG AFSC. He had flown various training and fighter aircraft including F-16, F-6, FT-5, T-37 and MFI-17 Mushhak. He enjoys great honour of planning for shooting down two Bharti aircraft (Mig-21 and SU-30) on 19 Feb, 2019, giving a loud message to the world PAF is ready in defence of aerial frontiers. He rebutted the claim of any PAF F-16 shot down during these skirmishes. He was a humble commander who promoted fraternity, cohesion and esprit de- corpse amongst personnel of PAF. He enjoys the unique honour of commanding two PAF bases operating main weapon system of F-16. He also expedited production of JF-17 aircraft within country. He was decorated Nishan-e-Imtiaz (civilian) by Govt of Pakistan for defending country without a full war escalation.
- Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu (19-03-2021 till date):
Legacy of the fighter pilots’ is alive today in form of worthy Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar. An outstanding pilot who has successfully completed all the milestones a PAF fighter pilot may envisage. He is a graduate of CCS, Command & Staff College (UK), National Defence University and Royal College of Defence Studies (UK). He also holds a master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He enjoys distinctive honour of planning the shooting down of two Bharti aircraft on 27 Feb, 2019. His focus remained on indiginization, progressive flying and training/education on latest flying trends in the world. He had served as ACAS (Operational Requirement & Development), ACAS (Training-Officers), Additional Secretary at Ministry of Defence, DG (Projects), DG Air Force Strategic Command, DCAS (Air Defence) and DCAS (Administration) at Air Headquarters. Due to his outstanding professionalism, Sidhu’s tenure has been extended for another year by Govt of Pakistan.
All the air commanders of PAF had gone through tough and progressive career making them thorough professional, man of steel nerves and a humble human being. Pakistan is lucky to have a committed, hard hitting and one of the world’s finest organization in the country. PAF feels pride in all of its’ worthy commanders who ensured security of aerial borders and safety of poople of Pakistan. May Allah be with PAF and Pakistan (Ammen).