Written by: Izmi Herlani
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the esteemed architect of Pakistan,
stands as an enduring beacon of hope and resolute determination. As the nation
commemorates his birthday on 25 December, it reflects on his bold declaration that
Muslims were not merely a minority but a distinct nation deserving of their own
homeland. His impactful assertion, “India is not a nation; it is a subcontinent
composed of nationalities,” illuminated the profound differences among
communities and laid the foundation for the Two Nation Theory. Through tireless
negotiations with both British authorities and the Indian National Congress, Quaid
transformed this theory into a political reality, culminating in the birth of Pakistan on
14 August 1947. Revered for his unwavering commitment to democracy, freedom
and social justice, he also recognised the vital importance of military strength in
safeguarding the nascent nation. His strong belief, “There is no power on Earth
that can undo Pakistan,” continues to resonate across generations, inspiring
resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Quaid’s ideology and vision are not merely guiding principles; they are a
lighthouse of aspiration that lights our path towards becoming a truly great nation.
His conviction in unity, faith and discipline reverberates deeply within our hearts,
reminding us of the strength we possess when we stand together. In a world fraught
with challenges, Quaid astutely recognised the vital role of Air Power in securing the
future of our fledgling nation, understanding that it was not just about military might
but about safeguarding our very sovereignty. With fierce determination, he
championed the establishment of Pakistan Air Force in 1947, a bold testament to his
visionary leadership and an indelible mark on our national identity.
Today, Pakistan Air Force stands as a proud embodiment of Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision and the indomitable spirit of Pakistan. With its head
held high, PAF soars with purpose and determination. Quaid’s resonant words “A
country without a strong Air Force is at the mercy of any aggressor. Pakistan
must build up her Air Force as quickly as possible. It must be an efficient Air
Force, SECOND TO NONE” continue to echo, motivating our Shaheens to perform
their duties with utmost dedication. These words serve as a cornerstone of
persistence, upholding his legacy while safeguarding national interests which has
been the driving force behind PAF’s evolution into the formidable guardian of
Pakistan’s skies. As it evolves into a Next Generation Air Force, PAF draws strength
from its rich history and the lessons learned from past challenges.
Quaid-e-Azam was an exceptional leader whose exemplary conduct set a
powerful precedent for others to follow, inspiring those around him to unite towards a
common goal and establishing himself as a lasting source of motivation for leaders
worldwide. His visionary ideals for Pakistan Air Force were firmly anchored in an
unrelenting dedication to professionalism, integrity and an unyielding sense of duty.
Quaid famously proclaimed, “With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty,
there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve,” a statement that
encapsulates his profound belief in the immense potential of personnel at large and
illuminates the path to greatness through dedication and hard work.
In a bold move, leadership of Pakistan Air Force has been pivotal in steering
PAF towards a transformative journey of self-reliance and indigenisation, in the last
three years, empowering its personnel to confront challenges with courage and
perseverance. Motivated by Quaid-e-Azam’s exhortation that “I charge you to
remember that only with discipline and self-reliance can Pakistan Air Force be
worthy of Pakistan,” the present leadership of PAF has actively catalysed
significant advancements in technology and operational capabilities. At the forefront
of this visionary initiative is the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park
(NASTP), a ground breaking endeavour that bridges the divide between academia
and industry while diminishing reliance on foreign suppliers. NASTP is not just a hub
for innovation; it is a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures research and development
across vital sectors, including aviation, space, information technology and cyber
technologies. By spearheading advancements through its Software Development
House and fostering local talent, NASTP empowers start-ups and SMEs to thrive.
Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in a comprehensive modernisation drive that
integrates cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning,
positioning Pakistan to tackle contemporary challenges head-on. With NASTP
facilitating the creation of pioneering products and services, PAF stands poised to
transform strategic foresight into unmatched operational prowess, driving forward a
vision where innovation and modernisation converge to herald a new era of
technological advancement and sustainable economic growth.
Quaid-e-Azam expressed profound reverence for the martyrs of Pakistan,
stating, “The sacrifices of our martyrs are the foundation of our freedom. We
must always remember their courage and dedication, for they laid down their
lives for our future” emphasising the essential role their courage and dedication
played in shaping the nation’s identity and progress. This sentiment profoundly
reflects the legacies of valiant figures of the 1965 and 1971 wars such as Squadron
Leader Sarfaraz Rafiqui, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas and many more, who displayed
extraordinary bravery and selflessness in defending the homeland. Each of PAF
heroes epitomized the qualities of unity and devotion that underpin the remarkable
achievements of Pakistan Air Force. Quaid urged the nation to honour their legacy
by upholding the values for which they fought, reminding us that these martyrs stand
as enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice, inspiring generations to safeguard our
skies and sovereignty.
Quaid-e-Azam’s influence on Pakistan is both profound and enduring. He not
only forged the nation from struggle but also instilled values of democracy, equality
and justice that resonate today. As the guiding light for future generations, his ideals
serve as a moral compass, inspiring the people of Pakistan to honour his legacy and
strive for a brighter, more prosperous future. His vision for Pakistan Air Force as a
formidable and unparalleled fighting force underscores his understanding of the
crucial role Air Power plays in modern warfare and national defence. His foresight in
establishing a strong, independent Air Force not only aimed to safeguard Pakistan’s
sovereignty but also to instill a sense of pride and resilience in its people. By
emphasising professionalism, innovation and a commitment to excellence, Quaid-eAzam laid the foundation for an Air Force that continues to evolve and adapt,
ensuring that it remains SECOND to NONE in all aspects.
