Written by: Asma Ishaq
From the day it was born, Pakistan Air Force embraced a vision far greater than the size of the young nation it served. Guided by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s immortal words — “A country without a strong Air Force is at the mercy of any aggressor” — the PAF vowed to be “Second to None.” That vow became its creed, and over the decades, PAF has not only safeguarded Pakistan’s skies but also emerged as a symbol of innovation, resilience and national pride.
While its primary mission has always been the defence of Pakistan’s airspace, the PAF’s contribution extends far beyond the battlefield. From the deserts of Thar to the snow-clad peaks of the North, the men and women in blue have been first responders in every national crisis. During the 2005 earthquake and the 2010, 2012, 2022 & 2025 floods, PAF personnel worked round the clock to deliver relief supplies, evacuate stranded citizens, and set up medical camps in inaccessible regions. Its air mobility and disciplined efficiency made it a lifeline for millions.
The same spirit is evident in peacetime pursuits — the PAF’s educational institutions, such as the Fazaia Schools & Colleges and Air University campuses, continue to nurture young minds with a blend of academic excellence and national character. Its medical services offer world-class care not only to personnel but to civilians in remote areas. Even in sports, PAF has been a breeding ground for champions who have brought laurels to the country in the fields of Kabadi, Squash and Winter Sports. This integration of defence and development has made the PAF not just a shield of Pakistan but also one of its most dynamic engines of progress.
The world first witnessed the mettle of the PAF in the 1965 War. Against overwhelming odds, its pilots wrote history with unmatched skill and courage. The daring strikes on Indian air bases and the aerial victories in dogfights turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour, earning admiration even from adversaries. In 1971, despite the nation being divided, PAF pilots fought valiantly across multiple fronts, defending the country’s territorial integrity with professionalism and devotion that remains an enduring source of pride.
Fast forward to 2019 — when the enemy’s misadventure across the Line of Control met with a swift and surgical response. Operation Swift Retort showcased a new era of PAF precision and professionalism. Not only did Pakistan retaliate decisively, but it also established air superiority, shooting down 02 intruding Indian aircraft while ensuring no collateral damage. The world watched as the PAF once again proved that courage, training and clarity of mission can outmatch numerical superiority.
Following 2019, a new phase of transformation began under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. With a clear-eyed understanding of emerging threats and technological demands, ACM Sidhu initiated a modernization drive that balanced ambition with pragmatism. Despite financial limitations, he plugged critical capability gaps and steered the force into the era of fifth-generation warfare. His signature initiative, the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), stands as a testament to this vision. Spread across Pakistan, these parks have become incubators of aerospace innovation, defence technology and research. They not only contribute to the national exchequer through indigenization and exports but also lay the foundation for a self-reliant Pakistan. The NASTP project symbolizes the fusion of national security with economic growth — a forward-looking strategy that transforms Pakistan’s air power into a driver of national prosperity.
The real test of ACM Zaheer Baber Sidhu’s reforms came during the May 2025 conflict — and the results spoke louder than words. In a lightning display of precision and technological superiority, PAF executed a series of coordinated strikes that left the Indian Air Force reeling. Within hours, seven IAF aircraft were downed, including advanced fighters, while Pakistan’s pride the JF-17 Thunder destroyed India’s much-touted S-400 air defence system. Equally devastating were the attacks on Indian C2 centres, air bases and key military installations stretching from the North to Kandla in the South. Adding a new dimension to warfare were PAF’s killer drones — stealthy, autonomous systems that penetrated deep into Indian territory, reaching as far as New Delhi. Undetected and undeterred, they struck critical command nodes and communication hubs with lethal precision, redefining the contours of modern aerial combat. This was not just a victory of machines, but of vision, leadership and doctrine — a triumph crafted by years of foresight and preparation.
Under the bold and visionary stewardship of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Pakistan Air Force has evolved from a defensive shield into a multidomain powerhouse. Its strategic modernization, technological innovation and operational brilliance have elevated Pakistan’s stature in the global arena. Today, Air Forces around the world look towards PAF to learn from its Multi-Domain Operations — a model of Efficiency, Precision and Adaptability.
As the PAF celebrates its journey from infancy to invincibility, it stands as a testament to what vision, discipline and devotion can achieve. From the Quaid’s dream of being “Second to None” to becoming a force that makes Pakistan insurmountable — the story of the Pakistan Air Force is, indeed, the story of Pakistan’s rise itself.
