PAF Base Chaklala Named After Nur Khan

[Windjammer]

ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): The country’s most busy airbase Chaklala renamed as Nur Khan Airbase Wednesday, acknowledging the legendary and upfront leadership qualities of the officer of the one of the potent air-forces of the world. Chief guest of the ceremony was first native Air Chief of PAF Air Marshal (R) Asghar Khan while the function was attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt besides retired air chiefs of the PAF and other military officers of the tri-service.
Air Marshal Asghar Khan recalled the history of PAF whereby it had forced the three-time bigger adversary to repent due to the sheer accumen and wisdom of the then Air Chief of PAF Nur Khan.

“His war plan completely changed the adverse picture and nefarious mindset of the adversary,” he said.
He falicitated the Chief of Air Staff for renaming the airbase which is a clear testimony of the heroic contribution of Air Marshal Nur Khan.

Paying tributes, Chief of Air Staff said that Air Marshal Nur Khan’s sagacity in handling the activities of the Base (as Nur Khan was first Base Commander of the Chaklala airbase) especially amid all the myhem, reflect his organized, innovative and exemplary approach as a commander.

” Air Marshal Nur Khan, with his wisdom and foresight, elevated both men and machines under his charge, to near perfection. He had the charisma to inspire and infuse the spirit among men under his command to perform their duties most meticulously, regardless whether it was the time of peace or war,” he said.

Recalling the days of 1965 war and at the time he had just taken over the command of PAF, he said, when the balloon went up, he was there in the front, marshalling his force and orchestrating his moves with immaculate planning and aggressiveness that helped PAF dominate three time large Indian Air-force.

“He was the most shining example of a fearless leader who always led through personal example whether it was famous C-130 night sortie in 1965 or later, the daring overpowering of the Fokker hijacker as the PIA boss,” Air Chief said.

Recounting the services of his predecessors, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique said that their visionary leadership is a beacon of light and source of inspiration for all of them, particularly in these trying times, when the security paradigm has undergone a complete shift.
“The new environment has brought in a host of new challenges. The first line of defence of our security installation, that is, our own population, is no more impregnable, and therefore, now has to be defended against.”

He said by no choosing of our own, the enemy from within has to be accorded a much higher priority. “While we prepare even harder and pray that no more of unfortunate incident, take place,” he said.

In his address of welcome the commander of the newly renamed Nur Khan Airbase shed light on the history of the airbase since its came in to being back in 1935. During second World War the Royal Air Force used it as forward airbase. After independence the base became a forward operational station for Royal Pakistan Air-force and it was put under the command of Squadron Leader Nur Khan.

In 1965, the base participated in 23rd March fly-past with six C-1 30s, which was probably the largest ever fly-past with 128 aircraft of PAF.

During 1965 war the Base carried out 17 trans-frontier combat missions and the second of the missions called “Operation Gibralter” was personally led by Air Marshal Nur Khan.

During 1971 war the base conducted 11 trans-frontier missions including the C-1 30 Bombing mission of the elusive Jaisalmir airfield. After the war, the Base became heavily engaged in ferry support of F-6s from China , Mirages from France and logistic support for the construction of the Karakorum Highway.

In early 80s, Air Headquarters started shifting to Chaklala and remained here till its final shifting to Islamabad. The period was also known for carrying out extensive international operations for the Base due to induction of F-16, A-5 and F-7 fighters. During 90s, US embargo forced PAF towards self-reliance thus enabling to establish various important facilities on self-help basis at the Base.

Later, Air Chief presented souvenirs to Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Begum Farhat nur Khan.

Begum Farhat Nur Khan exhibiting her deep love and affection for PAF presented a rare and priceless Aviation painting to the Air Chief.

PAF Base Chaklala remaned after Nur Khan | Diplomatic News Agency

 

[fatman17]

good to see that AM Asghar Khan was invited.

 

[Windjammer]

Earlier a stamp was also issued on Nur Khan's birthday as a commemorative for his remarkable achievements both within and outside the air force.

 

[farhan_9909]

Nur khan also known as THE MAN OF STEEL

 

[Umair Nawaz]

well done as always PAF

 

[Arsalan]

i think PAF base Chaklala or now the PAF Base Nur Khan must be moved from the place it is currently situated.
It is surrounded by very populous area, garbage dumps are also there in vicinity causing all the problems related to birds.
More importantly, an Air Force base in populous area is not a very good idea, specially not for Pakistan after the PNS Mehran and PAF Minhas attackes.
not a very secure facility.
I understand that this involves LOTS of costs but still we need to start working in this direction.

 

[fatman17]

there are many WWII abandoned airfields scattered all over the country. they are away from populous areas. they could be upgraded with complete facilities. however, within 2-3 years you will see population around the airbase like markets, schools hospitals etc.

in the end if we have cordoned off (barbed-wire fence) 'no go areas' around the perimeter walls of military bases that would boost the security of all bases.

chaklala, mehran, masroor, peshawar are some of the major bases that need to be re-located. PN is building PNS Akram for its PNA assets.

 

[Najam Khan]

i think PAF base Chaklala or now the PAF Base Nur Khan must be moved from the place it is currently situated.
It is surrounded by very populous area, garbage dumps are also there in vicinity causing all the problems related to birds.
More importantly, an Air Force base in populous area is not a very good idea, specially not for Pakistan after the PNS Mehran and PAF Minhas attackes.
not a very secure facility.
I understand that this involves LOTS of costs but still we need to start working in this direction.

New international airport (fools in the power call it New Benazir Airport...no comments) is almost completed in Fatejhang. By 2014 all commercial flights will be routed there. Because of its close distance to the center, CHK will always remain important. Not to mention POL depots, flying clubs and its military role. Decades ago our govt should have this coming, now with division of its civil role traffic will decrease, but developing a new base to address this issue is very difficult.

Placing more bird shooters at the base and spreading awareness among locals through a sound media campaign are some solutions they can work on.

Other wise this is what it is going to happen...

 

[airmarshal]

I said it at some other thread that new Islamabad Airport be named after him. He is a great contributor to Pakistan. Whichever organization he led, he took it to the top. Take a look at PAF, PIA, Pakistan Hockey, Pakistan cricket. Every time he was in charge, that organization literally went to the top!

I do have sympathy with Benazir in the way she died but unfortunately, she took Pakistan to the top only in corruption and that to me is not a great service!

 

[Windjammer]

 

[Imran Khan]

PAF Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt and Air Marshal (Retd) Asghar Khan at renaming of PAF Base Chaklala as PAF Base Nur Khan ceremony held at the air base on October 10, 2012.

 

[Imran Khan]

 

[Jango]

... PN is building PNS Akram for its PNA assets.

At pasni???

The Naval Chief also talked about the new P-3's being stationed at the base once it gets completed.

 

[fatman17]

At pasni???

The Naval Chief also talked about the new P-3's being stationed at the base once it gets completed.

most all PNA assets will be based there. PNS Mehran will be handed back to PAF.

 

[DV RULES]

i think PAF base Chaklala or now the PAF Base Nur Khan must be moved from the place it is currently situated.
It is surrounded by very populous area, garbage dumps are also there in vicinity causing all the problems related to birds.
More importantly, an Air Force base in populous area is not a very good idea, specially not for Pakistan after the PNS Mehran and PAF Minhas attackes.
not a very secure facility.
I understand that this involves LOTS of costs but still we need to start working in this direction.

In vain, in our country status conscious people love to live in PAF societies, DHA, Cantts and they proudly saying that, second; who allows them to start such constructions? off course some influenced corrupt people from PAF Bases or Garrisons so if you move these installations even in the center of Indian ocean you will see social frustration city around them even there.

May be you got the point.