Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Anwar Shamim NI(M),SJ
By Najam Khan | January 5, 2013
Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Anwar Shamim NI(M),SJ passed away yesterday on January 4, 2013 (aged 81). He was 10th Chief of the PAF (23 July 1978 5 March 1985) and a war veteran from 1965 and 71 war. ACM Anwar Shamim commanded PAF bases , Sakesar, Korangi Creek and Masroor; No.11 Sqn and No.33 Fighter Wing (Sargodha).
Anwar Shamim modernized PAF by procuring state-of-the-art F-16 aircraft from US and A-5 ground support aircraft from China in January 1983. These procurement not only meant end of service of obsolete fleet of B-57 bombers, but it also provided PAF with a quantum leap and massive technological edge over its adversary.
Anwar Shamims services include expansion of PAF role and tasks by creation of three commands (Southern, Northern and Air Force Strategic command), reforming PAF training and war doctrines as well. His legacy: PAF will remain the most-competent and hard-hitting fighting force forever. May Allah bless his soul, Amen!
F-16′s induction ceremony Jan15 1983.
L-to-R :Sami Tuur, Shahid Lateef, Shahid Javed, President Gen Zia-ul-Haq, ACM Anwar Shamim(CAS), Ali K Khattak, M. Avais and Muzzafar Ali.
L-to-R: Flt Lt Cecil Choudhry (late), Wng Cdr Anwar Shamim (late) and Flt Lt Imtiaz Bhatti group photo taken after bombing run on Amritsar radar station, India on September 11 1965 war. The somke-blackened portion on F-86F Sabres gun panel in the background is a witness to this successful mission.
During the 1965 war, Anwar Shamim led 14 air defence/escort missions and 5 ground attack missions. For his immaculate strategic planning, leadership, courage and displaying unparalleled flying skills he was awarded Sitara-i-Jurat.
