CASS,Veterans, scholars and defence experts discuss PAF’s evolution, leadership, modernisation and operational readiness
LAHORE, September 7, 2026: The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised a special event titled “The PAF’s Legacy: From the Spirit of 1965 to Marka-e-Haq” to commemorate PAF Day and reflect on the evolution of the Pakistan Air Force.
The event brought together PAF war veterans, serving and retired officials, academics, scholars and intellectuals for an in-depth discussion on the institution’s history, leadership, operational development and future challenges.
Ms Ezba Walayat Khan, Research Assistant at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address, setting the context for the discussion on the PAF’s enduring professional and operational legacy.
Air Commodore Khalid Farooq Chishti (Retd), a PAF veteran and the event’s speaker, traced the development of the Pakistan Air Force through key periods of the country’s military history. He highlighted the institution-building contribution of Air Marshal Asghar Khan and the frontline leadership of Air Marshal Nur Khan during the 1965 war.
He also discussed the pivotal role played by Air Marshal Abdur Rahim Khan during the 1971 war and linked these historical foundations with the technologically advanced PAF of today under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
Recalling major episodes from the 1965 and 1971 wars, Chishti paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s air warriors. He said the PAF had evolved from a defensive-offensive force into a more disruptive and technologically capable air force, supported by realistic training, modernisation, initiative and joint-service cooperation.
He further highlighted the importance of tri-services synergy, pointing to its role in recent operational developments and the coordination provided by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to the speaker, the PAF’s operational effectiveness enables it to maintain readiness, seize the initiative and operate effectively despite facing a numerically superior adversary.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President CASS Lahore, said PAF Day should be viewed not only as a commemoration of the victories of 1965 but also as a recognition of decades of less visible national security efforts.
He referred to indigenous development of the JF-17, the protection of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, defence against Soviet incursions, support to allies and deterrence during successive regional crises as important elements of the PAF’s broader legacy.
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman also paid tribute to Air Marshal Asghar Khan, Air Marshal Nur Khan and Air Marshal Abdur Rahim Khan, describing their leadership and resilience as important foundations of the PAF’s professional culture.
He noted that under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF has developed into a next-generation, multi-domain force incorporating capabilities across cyber, space, electronic warfare and unmanned aerial systems. He also referred to their practical demonstration during Marka-e-Haq in 2025 and stressed the importance of coordination among Pakistan’s armed services.
The CASS Lahore president reaffirmed the PAF’s readiness to respond to threats and paid tribute to its war heroes, martyrs and the personnel serving in combat, maintenance and support roles.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion covering air warfare, leadership decision-making, financial constraints and indigenous capability development. Participants also discussed differences in the professional cultures of the PAF and Indian Air Force, as well as the dedication and service of PAF personnel.
The discussion provided an opportunity for veterans, academics and defence practitioners to examine the lessons of the past while considering the changing requirements of modern air warfare.