Islamabad, September 7, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday lauded the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its decisive role during the May 2025 military confrontation with India, as the nation observed Air Force Day across the country.
Air Force Day, marked annually on September 7, is commemorated a day after Defence Day to honour the sacrifices of Pakistan’s soldiers in the 1965 war.
In their messages, both leaders praised the professionalism and operational readiness of the PAF, calling it a cornerstone of Pakistan’s national defence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the day was dedicated to the bravery and sacrifices of PAF personnel. “We are proud that the Pakistan Air Force has consistently displayed professionalism and strength in air combat over the decades,” he noted. Referring to the May conflict, termed Marka-e-Haq Bunyan-um-Marsoos, he said the PAF, alongside the armed forces, “played a decisive role that amazed the whole world.”
He added that the PAF’s “fearless leadership, superior strategy, and multi-faceted combat capabilities” had demonstrated its innovation and commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty. “As always, the Pakistan Air Force will rise to every occasion to protect our skies. Long live the Pakistan Air Force! Long live Pakistan!” he concluded.
President Zardari also paid tribute to the air warriors, recalling their heroism during both the 1965 war and the more recent confrontation. “Whether it was 1965 or Marka-e-Haq Bunyan-um-Marsoos, our air warriors have always given the enemy a decisive response and filled the nation with pride,” he said.
The day was marked with ceremonies across all PAF bases. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), special prayers were offered for the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars and all those who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland.
At Air Headquarters in Islamabad, a central Martyrs’ Day ceremony was held with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he said the PAF’s victory in Marka-e-Haq Bunyan-um-Marsoos once again proved its ability to guard Pakistan’s aerial frontiers.
“The Pakistan Air Force is well aware of the fast-changing security environment and remains committed to advancing capabilities in space, electronic warfare, cyber technologies, and indigenous defence production,” the Air Chief said.
To mark the occasion, the PAF also released a new song titled Shaheen, sung by Shuja Haider, as a tribute to the force’s professionalism and sacrifices.
