Air Force Day celebrated on 7th September

During 1965 war, Pakistan Air Force played remarkable role throughout the war and backed up all the major operations of the war. It was a gigantic task against an adversary having with quantitative superiority in men and material. To achieve this, PAF had adopted courageous approach, which ultimately provided an impregnable shield to the country’s airspace. This accomplishment was primarily attributable to the visionary leadership of earlier Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Asghar Khan and dynamic and aggressive leadership of Air Marshal Nur Khan. On 6 September 1965, air support for 10 Division continued throughout the day, as 18 F-86 Sabres kept pounding guns, tanks, APCs which were trying to advance towards Lahore, Jassar and Kasur. Apart from the army officers and jawans’ resistance and sacrifices, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was instrumental in saving Lahore.
What many didn’t know was that it was the PAF that played a major role in frustrated General Chaudhry of Indian Army’s ambition for his cocktail party at Gymkhana Lahore. PAF air support at this crucial juncture turned the tables on the enemy. The diary of Pakistan Army’s No. 10 Division records: “At this crucial juncture, appeared 6 PAF Sabres led by Squadron Leader Sajjad Haider and destroyed the enemy armor and infantry trying to cross the BRB Canal”. In this limited space, it is not possible to give all the names of martyrs and ghazis, as it would require a book to describe their valor and bravery. M.M. Alam created history of Air warfare on 7th September by setting new record of shooting down five Indian aircraft in a minute while defending Pakistan’s Airspace against the aggressors.
On 7 September, 1965, Squadron Leader Shabbir Syed led a flight of four F-86s on two separate strike missions against Kalaikunda, during which he and his flight destroyed on the ground ten Canberra light bombers and two unidentified enemy aircraft. In the ensuing aerial combat, he destroyed one enemy Hunter. For displaying exceptional flying skill and outstanding valour he was awarded Sitara-i-Jurat. On 1st September, 1965 Sqn Ldr Sarfraz Rafiqui shot down two Indian Vampires in Kashmir. On 6 September he led a formation of three F-86s against Halwara. In the ensuing battle, his guns jammed after shooting one Hunter. Still, he refused to leave the battle area, providing cover to his formation. He laid down his life in an outstanding display of courage against overwhelming odds. For his bravery and selfless leadership he was awarded both Sitara-i-Jurat and Hilal-i-Jurat.
During 6/7th September, for the loss of only 6 aircraft (including accidents), PAF had destroyed 50 enemy aircraft on ground and in the air, and damaged 8, not counting the undermined losses inflicted by PAF’s night bombing. This marvelous performance of PAF was substantiated by a letter sent by President of Pakistan to Air Marshal Nur Khan, complimenting the PAF on its first two days of full-scale operations. Subsequently, PAF remained in virtual control in vital battle areas, as the IAF after 7th September, showed growing reluctance to engage an aerial combat. This record-breaking performance of PAF is primarily attributable to Air Marshal Asghar Khan, who was instrumental in transforming the PAF personnel into excellent and devoted professionals. His visionary approach had prepared the PAF well to undertake the adversary with great degree of assured success.
On the other hand, Air Marshal Nur Khan’s farsightedness played a significant role in anticipating the impending flare up in time and very promptly deciding to order a ‘Red Alert’ on 1st September. This action greatly facilitated in preparing the PAF for imminent war. As the war broke, PAF adopted a very offensive strategic plan of crippling IAF on ground through air strikes, while preparing, if required, to fight a secondary battle in the defense of its own air bases. The employment of assets was accomplished in a very innovative and professional manner. Single squadron of PAF F-104s managed to attain and maintain air superiority throughout the conflict. The Star Fighters were employed as top cover for the F-86s representing a threat to the IAF fighter fleet. Resultantly, brilliantly flown PAF Sabers inflicted more losses on the IAF Hunters, Gnats and Mysteres.