Islamabad – Across Pakistan, Air Force Day is being observed today on September 7, with patriotic fervor, commemorating the extraordinary courage and skill displayed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the 1965 war with India.
On 6 and 7 September 1965, PAF pilots turned the tide of the conflict by downing more than 50 Indian aircraft, an achievement that astonished the world and remains a defining chapter in Pakistan’s military history.
Central Ceremony in Islamabad
The central Martyrs’ Day ceremony was held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, addressing the gathering, reaffirmed the PAF’s resolve to modernize and expand its technological frontiers.
“He affirmed that Pakistan Air Force would remain committed to advancing its capabilities in space, electronic warfare, cyber technologies, niche domains and indigenous defence production to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation,” Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.
ACM Sidhu said Martyrs’ Day “symbolises the extraordinary bravery, impeccable professionalism and unparalleled spirit of sacrifice demonstrated” by the armed forces. He stressed that the PAF, “well-cognisant of the fast-changing security dynamics, stood committed to its mission with singularity of purpose.”
He added: “The latest link in [the] chain of victories secured by PAF in Marka-i-Haq / Bunyanum Marsoos has once more proved our will and capability to guard the aerial frontiers of our motherland.”
The ceremony began with special prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran, “dedicated to the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars, as well as to all those who have rendered the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the creation of Pakistan”.
ACM Sidhu also laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered fateha to honour the fallen heroes.
Tributes at Rashid Minhas’ Grave
A solemn ceremony was also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas, the youngest recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military award. A smartly turned-out PAF contingent presented a guard of honour, while Air Vice Marshal Amir Shehzad laid floral wreaths and offered prayers at the site.
Remembering 1965 Aerial Victories
During the 1965 war, PAF pilots not only secured Pakistan’s skies but also carried out successful strikes against Indian airbases at Pathankot, Halwara, and Jamnagar, inflicting heavy losses on the adversary. Despite being outnumbered, PAF pilots displayed exceptional bravery and tactical brilliance, supporting ground forces at Lahore and Sialkot fronts and preventing Indian advances.
One of the most celebrated feats came on September 7, 1965, when Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam (M.M. Alam) shot down five Indian Hunter aircraft in less than five minutes over Sargodha, including four within 30 seconds. This remarkable achievement remains a unique record in aerial combat history.
Legacy of Sacrifice and Modern Excellence
Paying “heartfelt tribute” to the fallen heroes of PAF, the air chief said, “We owe our heroes an eternal debt of gratitude for their supreme sacrifices, which serve as an enduring example for future generations.”
He also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir in their “legitimate and indigenous struggle for the right to self-determination.”
The PAF released a new song titled Shaheen to mark the day.
National Leadership’s Messages
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the PAF’s “decisive” role during both the 1965 war and the more recent conflict with India, known as Marka-i-Haq / Bunyanum Marsoos.
“In recent history, the Pakistan Air Force, together with the armed forces, played a decisive role in Marka-i-Haq [and Bunyanum Marsoos] and the way it defeated the enemy on all fronts amazed the whole world,” PM Shehbaz said. He added that the performance of the PAF was “a manifestation of fearless leadership, the skill of the fighter sons, superior strategy, and effective implementation of multi-faceted combat capabilities.”
“Our heroes of the Pakistan Air Force proved with their bravery that no matter how strong and well-armed the enemy is, it can never defeat passion and courage,” he observed.
President Zardari said: “Whether it was the 1965 war or the more recent Marka-i-Haq Bunyanum Marsus, our air warriors have always risen to the challenge, giving the enemy a decisive response and filling the nation with pride.”
He recalled that in 1965, PAF pilots, “against overwhelming odds, wrote a story of extraordinary bravery and determination. Their daring actions not only defended our skies but also lifted the morale of an entire nation.”
The president expressed confidence that the PAF would “continue to protect our skies and sovereignty with the same resolve and passion that has always defined it.”
Also See: ISPR Marks Pakistan Defence Day 2025 with 1965 War Documentary, Patriotic Song ‘Allah Hu’
