PAF carrying out precise operations against terrorists: air chief
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt on Monday said that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was very clear-minded about its targets and along with Pakistan Army was carrying out categorical and precise operations against terrorists and anti-state elements.
“We are targeting the hideouts of terrorists, weapon-dumping sites, logistics and all places from where terrorists are causing damages to the country,” he said while talking to APP after the launching ceremony of two PAF books titled “History of Pakistan Air Force (1999-2013)” and “Sentinels in the Sky”, at the Air Headquarters.
“PAF would not sit idle unless we completely eliminate all the places from where the terrorists were operating against the nation and the country,” the air chief said.
He said that PAF has been transformed into a new force during the last 15 years and equipped with modern hardware and training facilities.
While addressing the books launching ceremony, attended by former air chiefs, a large number of PAF serving/retired officers, families of martyrs and war veterans, the air Chief said, “While keeping pace with the demands of a compelling future, we can never be oblivious to what our predecessors achieved in the past. The extraordinary sacrifices rendered by our great heroes, while guarding the aerial frontiers of our beloved motherland, will always remain a source of inspiration for all of us.”
“Ever since the birth of PAF, our evolving annals have chronicled many an occasion when we were put to the test, but manfully rose to each challenge. The nation salutes its valiant sons who either attained the lofty station of martyrdom, or returned home with pride as Ghazi. For us they are all heroes who deserve our enduring gratitude and respect,” he added.
“In our rich history the past fifteen years merit a special significance as the era entailed the need for replacing our aging arsenal and aligning ourselves along the contours of the future air power employment across the entire range of conflict, from sub-conventional to the strategic. Ably led by my predecessors, PAF met each challenge and has transformed itself into a modern air force of 21st century,” he said.
Tahir Rafique Butt said that throughout this era, the air force gained strength from a process of continuity when each successive leadership built on the achievement of its predecessor.
“We take pride that it was in this timeframe that PAF also earned the distinction of being the first air force to co-produce its own combat aircraft,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the war veterans and families of martyrs highly appreciated the humble endeavour made by PAF in recognising their sacrifices made for the country. They thanked the air chief for arranging such a memorable event in their honour, which would go a long way in their lives.
“History of Pakistan Air Force: Entering the New Century” is the fourth volume in the sequel of PAF history books which encapsulates the official account of PAF from 1999-2013. The official history of PAF till 1998 has already been documented in previous three volumes.
The book is written by Air Commodore (r) Qadeer Hashmi who has also served as the director of media affairs at the Air Headquarters.
As a writer the officer has already co-authored a famous book titled “The Aviation City”.
“Sentinels in the Sky” summarises the heroic deeds of PAF’s personnel who were awarded gallantry awards for displaying extraordinary valour during Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. The book is co-authored by Colonel Azam Qadri (r) and Group Captain Muhammad Ali.
Colonel Azam (r) had a distinguished career of over 25 years in the army. As a writer the officer has authored “What more can a soldier desire”, a famous book on Major Shabbir (Shaheed).
Co-author Group Captain Muhammad Ali is a serving officer of PAF and has more than 25 years of commissioned service.
In his previous literary endeavours, he has contributed a large number of articles for various national and international magazines and newspapers.
At the end of the ceremony, the chief guest presented the books to former air chiefs, present on the occasion.
