Air Force Day is observed on Sunday, with ceremonies and events across the country to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the 1965 war.
As part of the commemorations, the contingents of the PAF will visit the tomb of the national hero Rashid Minhas Shaheed to deposit a crown and present a salvation in his honor.
Air Force Day is marked each year to remember the decisive air battles of the 1965 war, when the PAF pilots, despite their number of slowdown, inflicted heavy losses on the Indian Air Force and protected Pakistan’s air space.
One of the most remarkable exploits of the war was recorded on September 7, 1965, when the squadron chief Muhammad Mahmood Alam (MM Alam) shot down five Indian hunter planes in a few minutes, including four in just 30 seconds. The file remains unrivaled in the history of air combat.
Pakistan Air Force observes September 7 as martyrs day
September 07, 2025: Martyrs’ day observed the martyrs of Pakistan Air Force on September 7 in all the PAF bases on a national scale. The day started with special prayers and the Khawani Koran, dedicated to the martyrs of 1965 and… pic.twitter.com/r2kurdxxlc
– DGPR (Air Force) (@DGPR_PAF) September 7, 2025
The PAF also launched successful strikes on the Indian air bases in Pathankot, Halwara and Jamnagar, paralyzing enemy operations in the very appearance of the conflict. His support on the fronts of Lahore and Sialkot proved to be decisive in the repair of Indian soil offensives.
In early May, when I improve the Pakistani-Indian shock since Pahalgam’s attack, Pakistan Air Force killed Indian fighter planes before a cease-fire was negotiated by US President Donald Trump.
The officials say that the day recalls the inheritance of the value of the PAF and its preparation continues to defend the sky of Pakistan. The ceremonies held at the national level highlight the sacrifices of Air Force personnel and the resilience of the nation in time of conflict.
At Air Headquarters, Islamabad, a ceremony of the central martyrs day took place, where the marshal of the air chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, honored the opportunity as chief guest. Source: DGPR (Air Force) x Post
President, PM rents Pakistan Air Force
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for his vital role in the safeguard of the country in the 1965 war.
In his message, President Zardari praised the sacrifices and heroism of the PAF, saying that the day did not only concern the recall of past victories, but also on the honor of the sustainable spirit of service and devotion which defines force. “My heart is in depth out of our martyrs and Ghazis whose courage and sacrifices continue to inspire the nation,” he said.
On Air Force day, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tributes rich to martyrs and Ghazis of the Pakistani Air Force. He said that the PAF has always defended the heaven of the nation with unequaled courage and professionalism, the 1965 war in Marka-E-Haq Bunyānum-Marsūs.
– The president of Pakistan (@Presofpakistan) September 7, 2025
Asif Ali Zardari, president of Pakistan, shares a message with the country on Air Force.
He recalled how, against overwhelmingly chances in 1965, PAF pilots showed an extraordinary bravery and determination, writing an unforgettable chapter in history. Referring to both the 1965 war and subsequent operations, notably Marka-E-Haq Bunyanum Marsoos, the president noted that the air warriors had always taken up the challenge, offering a decisive response to the enemy and instilling pride in the nation.
Stressing the modern capabilities of the PAF, President Zardari said that the world had witnessed his remarkable skills and professionalism, which he described as one of the highest guarantees of Pakistan’s security. He expressed his confidence that the Air Force would continue to defend the country’s sovereignty with the same resolution and the same passion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, also praised PAF for his professionalism and strength in air combat over the decades. He said the Air Force, working alongside other armed forces, had played a decisive role in operations such as Marka-E-Haq.
I salute our brave air warriors and their families on Air Force day. Pakistan is proud of the courage, dedication and commitment demonstrated by its air force. Their exceptional service and prowess guarantee that our sky is safe and their determination and their value …
– Shehbaz Sharif (@cmshehbaz) September 7, 2024
The PM Shehbaz shares a message with the country on Air Force.
The Prime Minister added that the Air Force Day serves as a reminder for future generations of the dedication, determination and bravery of the Pakistan Air Warriors in the protection of the nation.