PM Shehbaz praises PAF on Air Force Day

ISLAMABAD – PM Shehbaz Sharif has praised the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its decades-long record of professionalism, courage and sacrifice in defending Pakistan's aerial frontiers. In his message on Pakistan Air Force Day on September 7, the PM said the PAF had demonstrated its professional capabilities, strength and dominance during aerial conflicts over the years. On Defence and Martyrs Day, we salute the immortal courage of our martyrs, the valour of our veterans and the unwavering resolve of their families. Their sacrifices are the sacred trust upon which Pakistan's freedom, sovereignty and security stand. From the battlefields of 1965… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 6, 2026 PM said the force had developed a distinguished legacy based on bravery, sacrifice and professionalism, while always responding to the nation's call with courage during challenging times. Recalling the September 1965 war, Sharif said PAF aviators showed remarkable determination in protecting Pakistan's airspace and successfully defended the country's aerial boundaries. PM paid tribute to the personnel who lost their lives in the defence of the homeland, saying their supreme sacrifices remained a matter of national honour. He showed the PAF's role in May 2025, when Pakistan faced another military challenge. He said the PAF, working alongside the sister armed services, defeated the adversary during Marka-i-Haq. Sharif attributed the achievement to bold leadership, tactical expertise of combat crews, effective planning and coordinated multi-domain warfare capabilities. He said these capabilities had been strengthened through a comprehensive strategy of modernisation and indigenisation adopted in recent years. Sharif said the nation was proud that the PAF had once again preserved its historic tradition of defending Pakistan with courage and determination. He wished the Pakistan Air Force continued professional success and progress, expressing confidence that it would remain ready to protect Pakistan's sovereignty and aerial frontiers against any future challenge. Pakistan's PM Shehbaz lauds PAF's valor and professional excellence