ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday said the country has re-established itself as a “regional stabilising force” after the May clashes with India.
The Air Chief was addressing a graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force’s Academy in Risalpur city of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
He noted that, for the first time in history, the Pakistan Air Force had carried out a full-spectrum, multi-domain operation incorporating space assets, electronic warfare, long-range vectors, unmanned aerial systems, killer drones, and loitering munitions.
“In the wake of Marka-i-Haq, Pakistan has successfully emerged as a regional stabiliser,” the Air Chief said.
“As a responsible nuclear power, our relations with key global and regional powers have further strengthened, which is a testimony to the untiring effort of our diplomatic strategy and credible military prowess,” he noted.
Pakistan had downed six Indian jets in the air combat that raged between May 6 and 10 before ending after the US mediation. Pakistan has since framed the conflict as Marka-e-Haq, or “Battle of Truth”.
“The rising global relevance of Pakistan remains a growing concern for our adversary, and it exploits every opportunity to malign and destabilise Pakistan on the international front,” said the air chief in a veiled reference to India.
Graduation Parade – PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force attends as chief guest.@DGPR_PAF #GradutaionParade #PAF #PakAirforce #PakistanTV #PakistanTVGlobal pic.twitter.com/iEULAFS2Vy
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) December 2, 2025
He added that the victory in Marka-i-Haq is the result of the harmony among the three armed forces, decisive offensive planning, and the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
He said that the recent conflict has set a textbook example for modern-era aerial warfare. In 2025, once again, the Pakistan Air Force proved its professional excellence and superiority in all domains.
“We also responded to their pre-emption on May 10, alongside the Pakistan Army, with a paralysing punch, striking their bases and ground assets deep inside the enemy’s territory from north to south, besides neutralising the state-of-the-art S-400 air defence system and command-and-control centres.”
“The hopes of the entire nation rest on your young shoulders. The nation and the armed forces of Pakistan demonstrated a remarkable example of unity and defeated the enemy despite its numerical superiority,” the Air Chief told the passing out cadets.
He said the PAF had adopted an assertive and forward-looking strategy, noting that its Smart Induction Programme had enabled the rapid integration of multiple advanced fighter aircraft and cutting-edge technologies.
Today at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur, new officers from 151 GD (P), 97 Engineering, 108 AD, 98 EC (RSAF), 10 NAV, 28 A&SD, 11 Log, and 134 Combat Support courses were officially welcomed into the Pakistan Air Force. The ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer… pic.twitter.com/t9hLZlWRIP
— Farha Khan (@iam_farha) December 2, 2025
The Air Chief reaffirmed that no threat to national security would be tolerated. He commended every member of the PAF for their professionalism and dedication while operating under demanding circumstances.
Air Chief Sidhu added that the PAF, in close coordination with the other armed forces, had defended the homeland with remarkable courage and unity. He said the entire nation stands proud of the PAF’s bravery and boldness.
“Pakistan is a peaceful country and seeks friendly relations with all. However, if national sovereignty is challenged again, the enemy will find the PAF far stronger and better prepared.
Acknowledging the presence of Saudi cadets at the ceremony, he said it reflected the strong friendship and close cooperation between the two nations and their armed forces.
