Islamabad  - President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday appointed Air Marshal Sohail Aman as new chief of air staff of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).  He will replace outgoing Chief of Air Staff Tahir Rafique Butt who is going to retire today (Thursday).
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved appointment of Air Marshal Sohail Aman as new air chief, after promoting him to the rank of air chief marshal.
Sohail Aman was commissioned in the GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in November, 1980. The new chief of air staff, an accomplished fighter pilot, is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College and Royal College of Defence Studies (UK).
His career encompasses a wide range of operational, training and command assignments, said a PAF press release issued here. During his remarkable career in PAF, Sohail Aman flew various types of fighter and training aircraft in PAF inventory.
He holds master’s degree in international studies from Kings College UK and a master’s degree in strategic studies from Air War College.
During his illustrious career in PAF, he has commanded a fighter squadron, combat commanders’ school, an operational airbase and regional air command.
He also served as director operations, director plans and assistant chief of the air staff (operations) at air headquarters, air officer commanding, central air command and deputy chief of the air staff (training).  He was performing duties as deputy chief of the air staff (operations) at Air Headquarters Islamabad before his appointment as chief of air staff.
In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he was decorated with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).
Meanwhile, the outgoing Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, on Wednesday separately called on President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood and discussed matters of mutual interest.
The president lauded the services rendered by the outgoing chief of air staff for the country and in transforming Pakistan Air Force into a more vibrant force.
The president also wished the outgoing chief of air staff good health, success and happiness in his future life. The prime minister also eulogised services of Tahir Rafique Butt for national defence and the role of PAF in the ongoing war against terrorism. The prime minister said that the PAF made exceptional progress and attained professional excellence under the leadership of Air Chief Marshall Tahir Rafique Butt.