Pakistan Leadership Pays Tribute to PAF Martyrs on Air Force Day 2026
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s national leadership paid tribute to the martyrs and personnel of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Monday as the country observed Air Force Day, commemorating the force’s sacrifices and role in defending Pakistan’s aerial frontiers.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages praising the PAF’s professional record, operational capabilities and sacrifices.
President Zardari paid tribute to PAF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice and expressed confidence that the force would remain prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and airspace.
He said the PAF’s founders had developed the institution in accordance with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of building an air force capable of achieving the highest professional standards.
The president said Pakistan was proud of the PAF’s capabilities and professional performance in aerial conflicts over the decades.
Zardari Highlights PAF’s Role in Marka-e-Haq
President Zardari also highlighted the PAF’s role alongside Pakistan’s other armed services during Marka-e-Haq, the May 2025 confrontation with India.
He attributed the force’s performance to leadership, tactical planning, combat crews and the development of multi-domain warfare capabilities through modernisation and indigenisation.
The president said PAF personnel had upheld what he described as the force’s longstanding tradition of courage and professionalism.
Shehbaz Recalls PAF’s 1965 Role
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid particular tribute to PAF personnel who served during the 1965 Pakistan-India war.
He said the determination of Pakistani aviators to protect the country’s aerial frontiers became an enduring part of the PAF’s history.
The prime minister also honoured air force personnel who lost their lives in defence of Pakistan, describing remembrance of their sacrifices as a national honour.
Shehbaz said the PAF had demonstrated professional capability and aerial prowess over several decades and wished the force continued success and progress.
Pakistan Observes Air Force Day on September 7
Pakistan observes Air Force Day annually on September 7, a day after Defence Day, to commemorate the role of PAF personnel in the 1965 war and honour airmen who sacrificed their lives in service to the country.
One of the best-known figures associated with the day is Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, popularly known as M.M. Alam.
Pakistan’s official account of the 1965 conflict credits Alam with shooting down five Indian Hawker Hunter aircraft in less than a minute during aerial combat.
Air Force Day commemorations focus more broadly on the officers and airmen who served throughout the PAF’s history and those who died while defending Pakistan.
PAF Releases Special Air Force Day Song
The Pakistan Air Force also released a new commemorative song to mark Air Force Day 2026.
According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the song honours the courage and sacrifices of PAF personnel while highlighting the force’s professional capabilities and commitment to defending the country.
The Air Force Day observance follows Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day on September 6, when the country’s civilian and military leadership similarly honoured members of the armed forces who lost their lives in service.
The two commemorations place particular emphasis on remembrance of fallen personnel, national defence and the armed forces’ stated commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
