Islamabad (Web Desk): The 54th Pakistan Air Force day is being celebrated across the country today (Saturday) to pay homage to the martyrs of PAF in defending the country during the Indo-Pak War in 1965.
A notable event of the war was that Pakistan Air Force flying ace Muhammad Mahmood Alam (MM Alam) shot down five planes of Indian Air Force (IAF) in less than a minute.
With just two days in the war, PAF fighters had shot down 50 Indian aircraft.
Addressing the Martyrs' Day ceremony at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan says Pakistan Air Force is ever ready to protect the blue skies of the country.
He said PAF's glaring victory against the enemy during Operation Swift Retort showed to the world the capability of our Shaheens.
The Air Chief said sacrifices of our forefathers demand unity and patriotism amongst us.
Talking about the Kashmir issue, he said we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers in their struggle for the right of self-determination.
Later, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan laid floral wreath and offered Fateha at the Martyrs' Monument.
Principal Staff Officers and a large number of Airmen attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile, a wreath laying ceremony was also held at the grave of country's youngest Nishan-e-Haider Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed in Karachi in In connection with PAF Day.
A PAF Contingent led by Air Vice Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, offered 'Fateha' and laid floral wreath at the grave of Rashid Minhas Shaheed on behalf of the Air Chief.
The contingent paid homage to the young pilot who sacrificed his life in the defence of motherland, showing exceptional courage and determination.