Karachi: Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force inaugurated Martyrs Monument at PAF Museum, Karachi today.
The Air Chief laid floral wreath at the monument and offered “Fateha” for the martyrs of 1965 and 1971 wars. While addressing at the occasion, the Air Chief said, “History never dies; it reflects the past of the nation and provides guidance for setting the milestones for the next generation. Great nations always remember their heroes and rekindle their memories, to act as a harbinger of happiness and hope for the generations to come.”
The Air Chief further said, “This monument is a sincere effort to pay tribute and commemorate the sacrifices of our martyrs of 65’ and 71’ wars, and a symbol of remembrance which would serve as a beacon of light for our future generations. Each name engraved on this monument is a complete chapter of history in itself, full of glory and the supreme sacrifices made by our heroes.” A large number of war veterans, retired and serving PAF Officers participated in the ceremony.
Today was Air Force Day to remember and pay tribute to bravery of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots in defence of the motherland, in 1965 war against India.
Air Vice Marshal Salman Bukhari today morning laid floral wreath at the grave of Captain Rashid Minhas Shaheed and observed Fateha.
The martyrs of the air force are the heroes of the nation. The PAF will thwart the evil designs of the enemy whenever they will raise the evil eye towards Pakistan, Bukhari said on the occasion.
He said the heroes like Rashid Minhas and M.M. Alam will emerge to defend the nation, whenever the country will face trying times. He said the nation was proud of the feats of its martyrs. A ceremony was also held at Air Headquarters Islamabad, in which Air Marshal Rashid Kamal, Acting Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, laid floral wreath and offered fateha at the Martyrs’ Monument.
Principal Staff Officers and a large number of Airmen attended the ceremony. The day started with special Du’aa and Quran Khawani for the Shuhada of 1965 and 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives in action since creation of Pakistan.
A similar ceremony was held at Karachi, where a PAF contingent led by Air Vice Marshal Salman Ahsan Bukhari, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command offered “Fateha” and laid floral wreath at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (Nishan-e- Haider) on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. Floral wreaths were also laid on the graves of PAF Shuhada throughout the country.
