Pakistan celebrates Air Force Day in honour of 1965 war heroes

(Web Desk): The nation is observing Air Force Day across the country to commemorate the historic aerial battle fought on 7th September during the 1965 war.

On this day in 1965, the valiant pilots of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) wrote a glorious chapter of courage and bravery. With unmatched skill and fearlessness, PAF heroes crushed the enemy’s sinister intentions, making the entire nation proud.

This memorable day marks the moment when the fearless air warriors of the PAF played a decisive role in securing Pakistan’s success in the 1965 Pakistan-India war.

One of the most legendary feats of that war was accomplished by Squadron Leader M.M. Alam, who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and skill. In a record-making aerial combat, he downed five Indian fighter jets within one minute—a moment that remains one of the golden chapters of PAF’s history and is often described as miraculous.

Paying tribute to the PAF, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Air Force Day, said he is proud of the unmatched capabilities the Pakistan Air Force has demonstrated in aerial warfare. He highlighted that the PAF’s invincible multi-dimensional combat strength is a testament to its innovation and excellence.

The Prime Minister added that the PAF has proven that the spirit of a nation cannot be defeated by any enemy. He further said that the PAF played a decisive role in the historic battle of “Operation Swift Retort”, leaving the enemy stunned and the world amazed.

It is also worth noting that on this day, martyr Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas, the only PAF officer awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, will be honoured and remembered for his supreme sacrifice.