SARGODHA, November 9: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded the role played by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in counter-terrorism in the country and said the nation was proud of their professional capabilities.
In an interaction with airmen including officers and staff here at the Mushaf Ali Mir Airbase, the Prime Minister said, “The PAF always played a vital role in the country’s defence.” The Prime Minister mentioned the contribution of PAF in military operation Zarb-e-Azb by achieving the desired targets in elimination of terrorists.
“The falcons of Pakistan Air Force are our pride,” the Prime Minister told the PAF’s airmen. He congratulated the troops on the successful culmination of ‘Highmark’ exercises, conducted every four years to enhance the operational preparedness of the PAF.
The Prime Minister said, “The PAF played a significant role in the country’s defence by working in association with armed forces and navy.” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was given a comprehensive briefing at the Command and Control Centre on High Mark’s successful culmination and its achieved objectives.
The High Mark excercise was started in September’s last week across the country. Earlier, on his arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and senior officers of the PAF. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif accompanied the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister was presented a guard of honour and salute by a smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force. The Prime Minister also reviewed the parade and witnessed the fly-past of a formation of the F-16 fighter jets belonging to Squadron 9 and the SAAB aircraft. The Prime Minister also had a group photo with air crew. -DNA
