Pakistan Defence

Express News screengrab of the army chief delivering his speech at the ceremony in Sargodha.

SARGODHA: Praising the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif remarked, “PAF has always maintained the highest state of operational preparedness and professional excellence.”

He was speaking at a ceremony in Sargodha that marked the re-equipment of 19 Squadron of the PAF with ex-Royal Jordanian F-16 aircrafts.

The army chief said that “this day will surely be remembered as a landmark in the history ofsherdils of PAF.”

He further added that the country’s air force has “measured up to the expectations of the people in safeguarding the sacred soil and skies of Pakistan.”

Speaking about the improvement in the relationship between the Pakistan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as a result of the provision of new aircrafts, the COAS said that the “transfer of these fighting falcons on mutually beneficial terms has further strengthened the historic relationship.”

Fight against terrorism

Raheel Sharif stated that “the role of air power in modern day warfare has become increasingly important. In the event of military conflict an effective air force creates a favourable fighting environment for the national military effort and provides a position of advantage”.

Commenting on the efforts against the fight against terrorism, the Army chief further said that PAF and Pakistan Army were committed towards greater integration and cooperation in order to get the desire effects in this regard.
PAF always maintains highest state of professional excellence: Gen Raheel Sharif – The Express Tribune