ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, on Saturday urged India to adopt a “mature stance” to resolve the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, the Chief of Air Staff said Pakistan remained committed to peace but was fully capable of responding decisively to any aggression.
“We expect a mature stance from the adversary to resolve the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” the Air Chief said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the people of Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination.
Pakistan’s military preparedness
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said Pakistan’s armed forces were professionally competent, well-trained and equipped to address both internal and external challenges.
“There is no greater honour than serving as guardians of the nation,” he told cadets, recalling the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army.
He said Pakistan was actively pursuing a policy of regional and global peace but remained ready to deliver a strong response to any aggression.
“Any aggression against the country will be met with a strong response,” he added.
The Air Chief Marshal noted that the global environment was increasingly volatile, marked by shifting power dynamics and regional conflicts with wider implications.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) addresses Passing Out parade of cadets of 153rd PMA Long Course at #Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul today. @OfficialDGISPR #PMA #ISPR
And Passing out of 38th Technical Graduate Course,… pic.twitter.com/O58zNZwRcu
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) April 18, 2026
Recent military successes
Highlighting Pakistan’s military operational capabilities, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu referred to Pakistan’s response to India during the May 2025 military conflict, which he said demonstrated integrated tri-services coordination.
He said the Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos operations reflected “resolute and unified response” enabled by real-time situational awareness and network-centric warfare capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), in coordination with other services, upheld its tradition of operating effectively despite numerical disadvantages.
He said that the PAF downed advanced enemy aircraft during the longest beyond-visual-range (BVR) air battle in history and carried out precision strikes on bases and ground assets deep inside Indian territory.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu also said that Indian advanced defence systems, including the S-400, and command-and-control centres were neutralised at various locations.
“Without any doubt, Pakistan Air Force could have gone further but showed matchless responsibility and restraint as we inherited a mature strategic culture,” he said.
Modernisation and future capabilities
The Air Chief Marshal said the capabilities demonstrated were the result of sustained restructuring, modernisation and indigenisation efforts within the PAF.
“The indigenous battle-tested capability developed in record time gives us immense confidence that our sovereignty will never be undermined by any aggressor,” he said.
He added that the PAF was pursuing multiple strategic projects, with several nearing completion, to further enhance frontline capabilities and address evolving geopolitical challenges.
Passing-out ceremony
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 18 April, 2026:Passing Out parade of cadets of 153rd PMA Long Course, 38th Technical Graduate Course, 72nd Integrated Course, 15th Mujahid Course and 27th Lady Cadet Course was held at #Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul today.
Cadets from several… pic.twitter.com/Wdqfwd02DE
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) April 18, 2026
The ceremony marked the graduation of cadets from the 153rd PMA Long Course, 38th Technical Graduate Course, 72nd Integrated Course, 15th Mujahid Course and 27th Lady Cadet Course.
Cadets from several friendly countries, including Iraq, Maldives, Mali, Nepal, Palestine, Qatar and Sri Lanka, also graduated.
Sidhu reviewed the parade and awarded honours to distinguished cadets.
He congratulated the graduates and praised the inclusion of female cadets, describing the academy as one of the world’s finest military training institutions.
The Air Chief also commended the instructors for providing high-quality training and said Pakistan had emerged as a “stabiliser” in the international system through its commitment to peace and security.
