Effective strategy by PAF averted imminent war: ACM Rao Qamar Suleman

By M S Baig

Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman on Saturday paid inaugural visit to PAF Base, Mushaf (Sargodha), after assuming the command of Pakistan Air Force. On his arrival at the Base, he was presented with a guard of honour by smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force. The New Air Chief will undertake series of visits to various PAF Bases and would unfold his vision for preparing PAF to meet the challenges of 21st century Air Operations. While referring to the incidence of 26/11, the Air Chief lauded the performance of PAF Airmen, who played a vital role in averting an imminent war. He said, “ when the Surgical Strikes threat was about to cross the threshold, I devised an Air Strategy plan and unfolded it to the then CAS and within 4 ‑ 5 hours the whole PAF was on Red Alert Status and present everywhere to defend and launch offensive operations.”

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While talking to the pilots, the Air Chief said, “you are cutting edge of PAF and Nation pins high hopes on you to defend, deliver and sacrifice and keep up the glorious traditions of PAF air warriors.” He emphasized upon them to maintain the highest level of standards pertaining to various aspects of Air Operations. Addressing a joint session of Airmen, the Air Chief said “the cardinal points of my vision are Integrity, Professional Excellence and Teamwork. The top most priority will remain operational preparedness of PAF. Today, the PAF is passing through transit phase, we will be handling and operating old and new weapon systems of various capabilities, you are required to maintain these assets for their optimum performance.

The induction of new systems programme is on track. These systems will be requiring knowledge based training, thus my focus will be on modern training techniques and on flight safety. All measures and quality assurance procedures must be adopted for preserving the assets of PAF.” Earlier, on his arrival at the Base, the Air Chief was received by Air Vice Marshal Attique Rafique, Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command, Pakistan Air Force and Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf.

Posted in: Pakistan