 |
|||
| Quaid’s Historical Address | |||
PAF Shaheeds |
|||
Sqn Ldr
Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui On 6 September, 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui led a formation of 3 F-86 aircraft on a strike against Halwara airfield. The formation was intercepted by about 10 Hunter aircraft out of which Squadron Leader Rafiqui accounted for one in the first few seconds. But then his guns jammed due to a defect and stopped firing. However, Rafiqui refused to leave the battle area which he would have been perfectly justified to do; instead he ordered his No. 2 to take over as leader and continue the engagement while he tried to give the formation as much protection as was possible with an unarmed aircraft. This called on the part of Squadron Leader Rafiqui. The end for him was never in doubt but he chose to disregard it and, in the process, his aircraft was shot down and he was killed but not before enabling his formation to shoot down 3 more Hunter aircraft. Rafiqui’s conduct was clearly beyond the call of duty and conformed to the highest traditions of leadership and bravery in battle against overwhelming odds. For this and his earlier exploits, he is awarded Hilal-i-Jurat and Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Squadron Leader Munir-ud-Din
Ahmed During
the war, a high-powered heavily defended radar station near |
 |
 |
|
Sqn Ldr
Alauddin Ahmed Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed, led his squadron in twenty combat missions against the Indian ground and air forces. His leadership throughout the operations was cool, courageous and most determined which inspired the greatest confidence amongst pilots of his formations and resulted in destruction of many Indian tanks and vehicles. In his last sortie, he attacked and blew up an important ammunition train at Gurdaspur rail-head in complete disregard of his personal safety. During this attack on September 13, his aircraft was damaged and he was reported missing over enemy territory. Subsequently, it was confirmed that the officer died in this action. For his exemplary leadership, courage and valour, Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Flt Lt Yunus Hussain Flight
Lieutenant Yunus Hussain fought in air battles
aggressively, fearlessly and with great professional skill. During
one such engagement he fought singly against 6 enemy aircraft and
shot down 2 Hunters. Though his own aircraft was damaged in this
encounter, he managed to bring it back to base safely. On 6 September,
while attacking Halwara airfield, his small formation was intercepted by
a large number of enemy and, although his aircraft was hit, he refused
to break off the engagement, in complete disregard of personal safety,
and was reported missing from this mission. He became a symbol of
courage and professional ability for other pilots. For his gallantry,
valour, professional skill and devotion
to duty he is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Sqn Ldr
Muhammad Iqbal Squadron
Leader Muhammad Iqbal flew many operational
missions which played a vital part in the success of the Pakistan
Air Force during the India-Pakistan War. He carried out these missions
with determination, enthusiasm, outstanding ability and at great personal risk. His performance,
throughout, was exemplary and highly inspiring for the personnel
under his command. For his outstanding leadership, valour,
loyalty and invaluable services to the Pakistan Air Force and the
country, he is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Flt Lt Saifullah Khan
Lodhi Flight
Lieutenant Saifullah Khan Lodhi was a navigator
of exceptional ability and a completely dedicated officer. He possessed
unusual skill, enthusiasm and drive, which enabled him to make valuable
contribution towards operations. He undertook several operational
missions most cheerfully and enthusiastically, invariably attaining
outstanding results. It was on one such mission on 11 September
‘65, that he lost his life. For his extreme dedication to
duty, Flight Lieutenant Saifullah Khan
Lodhi is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Leading Aircraftman Leading
Aircraftman Anwar Hussain Khan was on duty
at a vital point. His position was rocketed by enemy aircraft and
the place caught fire. Anwar Hussain
was the only person on duty over there. He fought the fire single-handedly
with the available fire appliances and managed to control it and
thus saved expensive equipment. During his brave and selfless struggle,
he was engulfed by the fire and lost his life. His death is an example
of courage and unfaltering devotion to duty towards the service
as well as to the country. He is granted the award of Tamgha-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas On
the morning of Friday, 20th August, 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas,
a pilot still under training, was in the front seat of a jet trainer,
taxing out for take off. An instructor pilot from the same unit
forced his way into the rear cockpit, seized control of the aircraft
and having taken off, headed the aircraft towards |
 |
|
|
Wing Commander On the outbreak of war on 3rd
December 71, Wing Commander Mervyn L Middlecoat was on a training visit abroad. He returned to
|
 |
|
|
Wing Commander On 4th December, 1971 one of
our combat air patrols over |
 |
|
|
Sqn Ldr
Khusro Squadron Leader Khusro had retired from the PAF but was recalled for the
war. In spite of many personal problems, he showed great keenness,
courage, determination and fighting spirit. On 6th December, 1971,
he volunteered for a bombing mission to |
 |
|
|
Sqn Ldr
Muhammad Nasir Dar Squadron Leader Muhammad Nasir Dar, a signals officer, achieved Shahadat as a result of a direct bomb hit on his place of
work during war. He continued to work in spite of the heavy air
raid and declined to take shelter. For his devotion to his work
above and beyond the call of duty, he has been awarded the Sitara-i-Basalat. |
 |
|
|
Sqn Ldr
Ishfaq Hameed Qureshi Squadron Leader Ishfaq Hameed Qureshi was recalled
from PIA for operational flying, with a B-57 Squadron. From the
onset of hostilities he displayed distinct qualities of patriotism
and aggressiveness to achieve positive results. This was a source
of inspiration to other aircrew. Unfortunately, he was unable to
return from his second mission of the war on 5th December, 1971.
Ishfaq displayed exceptional determination
and tenacity under very adverse conditions that existed at his base
from 4th morning of December till the night he went for his last
mission. For his dedication, courage and display of excellent fighting
spirit he has been awarded the Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Sqn Ldr Squadron Leader Muhammad Aslam Choudhry flew a total of
fifteen missions since the outbreak of war. As he had spent most
of his service in training establishments, he had to start with
a disadvantage in a fighter squadron. But he was a keen pilot and
managed to polish up his fighter flying in a comparatively short
time. He was always keen to fly operational missions. On 10th December,
1971, while leading a section of 2 F-86s in Chhamb
Sector on a close air support mission, his flight was engaged by
6 Hunters. Being heavily out-numbered, he was presumed to have been
shot down by one of the enemy. He was officially declared missing
in action. For his valour, courage, determination
and devotion to duty he has been awarded the Sitara-i-Jurat. |
 |
|
|
Sqn Ldr
Peter Christy Squadron Leader Peter Christy
was on deputation to PIAC when recalled for war duties. He showed
great keenness to fly, and in spite of overwhelming family responsibilities,
he was ever willing to take on any mission at any odd hour of the
day or night. He was completely devoted to the task in hand. His
sense of humour under war conditions,
his dedication to the cause of the country and his personal courage
contributed immensely to the Squadron’s morale. On 6th December,
1971, he was detailed as navigator for a bombing mission to |
 |
|
|
Flt Lt Javed Iqbal Flight Lieutenant Javed Iqbal flew two missions
against heavily defended Indian airfields. He displayed great courage,
enthusiasm and determination. Although he was the junior-most pilot
in the squadron, he volunteered for these missions in complete disregard
of personal safety. His devotion and dedication was source of pride
for all aircrew of his unit. On 5th December, 1971, he was detailed
on a bombing mission to |
 |
|
|