ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force observed 7th September as Martyrs’ Day at all PAF Bases across the country to honour the supreme sacrifices of its martyrs and pay homage to their courage, valour and devotion to duty.
The day commenced with special prayers and Quran Khawani for the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 Wars, the brave martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and all PAF personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the inception of Pakistan.
Fizaon K Pasbaan pic.twitter.com/LjDqWdxuLi
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) September 6, 2026
At the main ceremony at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, paid tribute to PAF martyrs and said their sacrifices formed the foundation of the force’s legacy of courage, professionalism and commitment to the defence of Pakistan.
Today in History
On 07 September 1965, with unrelenting resolve Pakistan Air Force continued to engage the enemy deep in its territory, launching a series of daring strikes against vital Indian airfields despite darkness, distance and formidable enemy defences.
At Jamnagar,… pic.twitter.com/pOo9qNomdu
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) September 6, 2026
He said the deeds of the country’s forefathers were not merely chapters in history but a living legacy that placed a profound responsibility on the present generation.
“Our Shuhada are enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice and national resolve. Their legacy reminds us that the defence of our motherland is a sacred trust, which we shall continue to uphold with steadfast commitment.”
The Air Chief later laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered Fateha in remembrance of fallen PAF personnel.
PM Salutes Air Force
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Pakistan Air Force Day, paid tribute to the courage, professionalism and determination of the country’s air warriors.
He recalled the PAF’s role in the defence of Pakistan’s skies during the September 1965 war and its response during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025.
On Pakistan Air Force Day, I salute the courage, professionalism and indomitable spirit of our valiant air warriors.
From the heroic defence of our skies in September 1965 to the decisive response during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, the Pakistan Air Force has upheld its proud legacy…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 7, 2026
“From the heroic defence of our skies in September 1965 to the decisive response during Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, the Pakistan Air Force has upheld its proud legacy of valour, precision and sacrifice,” the prime minister said.
He said the force had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty through preparedness, technological advancement and coordination with the other armed services.
Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the PAF’s fallen personnel, saying their sacrifices would remain permanently etched in the nation’s memory.
“The entire nation is proud of the Pakistan Air Force and stands firmly behind our sons and daughters in uniform,” he said.
President Highlights PAF Legacy
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the PAF on Air Force Day, highlighting the vision of the force’s founders and its development into a professional air service.
“Certainly, the founding fathers of PAF laid the foundation of this elite organisation in line with Quaid’s vision of an air force being second to none and developed it accordingly, pursuing excellence in all domains. We are proud that PAF has amply displayed its capability,… pic.twitter.com/rIjNjQsh0m
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 7, 2026
“Certainly, the founding fathers of PAF laid the foundation of this elite organisation in line with Quaid’s vision of an air force being second to none and developed it accordingly, pursuing excellence in all domains,” the president said.
He said the country could take pride in the PAF’s capabilities, professional expertise and performance in aerial conflicts over the decades.
“We are proud that PAF has amply displayed its capability, professional prowess and dominance in aerial conflicts over decades,” Zardari said.
The commemorations across PAF bases and messages from the country’s leadership marked 7 September as a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Pakistan.
