LAHORE: The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore marked PAF Day with a discussion highlighting the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) evolution from the 1965 war to its modern multi-domain capabilities.
The event, titled “The PAF’s Legacy: From the Spirit of 1965 to Marka-e-Haq”, was held on September 7, 2026, and brought together PAF war veterans, serving and retired officials, academics and intellectuals.
Ms Ezba Walayat Khan, Research Assistant at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address.
Air Commodore Khalid Farooq Chishti (Retd), a PAF veteran, was the keynote speaker. He traced the development of the air force and highlighted the institution-building role of Air Marshal Asghar Khan and the frontline leadership of Air Marshal Nur Khan during the 1965 war.
He also discussed the role of Air Marshal Abdur Rahim Khan during the 1971 war, linking these historical developments to the technological transformation of the PAF in recent years under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
Recalling episodes from the 1965 and 1971 wars, Chishti paid tribute to the sacrifices of PAF personnel and outlined what he described as the force’s evolution into a more disruptive air force.
He attributed this transformation to realistic training, modernisation, operational initiative and greater coordination among the armed services.
The veteran also highlighted tri-services coordination during Marka-e-Haq, which he said was strengthened through coordination under Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to Chishti, the PAF’s operational effectiveness allows it to maintain readiness, seize the initiative and operate against a numerically superior adversary.
He said the institution’s enduring legacy was built on courage, professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, comradeship and honour, values that continue to be carried forward by successive generations.
In his concluding remarks, CASS Lahore President Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd) said PAF Day should be viewed not only through the victories of 1965 but also through decades of what he described as “silent wars”.
He referred to indigenous development of the JF-17, protection of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, defence against Soviet incursions, support to allies and deterrence during successive security crises.
Suleiman paid tribute to the foundations laid by Air Marshal Asghar Khan, the leadership of Air Marshal Nur Khan during the 1965 war and the resilience of Air Marshal Abdur Rahim Khan during the 1971 war.
He said these developments helped establish a tradition of professional excellence and courageous leadership within the PAF.
Suleiman also highlighted the force’s current capabilities, saying that under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF has developed into a next-generation, multi-domain force incorporating cyber, space, electronic warfare and unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities.
He cited their practical demonstration during Marka-e-Haq in 2025, alongside tri-services coordination facilitated by CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The CASS Lahore president reaffirmed the PAF’s readiness to respond to any Indian “misadventure” and paid tribute to the force’s war heroes, martyrs, as well as its combat, maintenance and support personnel.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion covering air warfare, leadership decision-making and financial challenges.
Participants also discussed differences in the professional cultures of the PAF and Indian Air Force, indigenous capability development and the commitment of PAF personnel.
The participants appreciated CASS Lahore for organising the discussion, describing it as an engaging forum for examining the PAF’s historical experience, institutional development and evolving security capabilities.