Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Sunday said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was committed to advancing its capabilities in electronic warfare and cyber technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He made the remarks while addressing the central Martyrs\u2019 Day ceremony held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, as the nation observes the Pakistan Air Force Day to honour PAF martyrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe (ACM Sidhu) affirmed that Pakistan Air Force would remain committed to advancing its capabilities in space, electronic warfare, cyber technologies, niche domains and indigenous defence production to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation,\u201d said a press release by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PAF solemnly observed Martyrs\u2019 Day across all its bases nationwide, ISPR noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The day commenced with special prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran, \u201cdedicated to the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars, as well as to all those who have rendered the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the creation of Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, ACM Sidhu underscored the proud legacy of sacrifice, courage and professionalism that defines the PAF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasised that Martyrs\u2019 Day \u201csymbolises the extraordinary bravery, impeccable professionalism and unparalleled spirit of sacrifice demonstrated\u201d by the armed forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The air chief stressed that well-cognisant of the fast-changing security dynamics, the PAF stood committed to its mission with singularity of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe latest link in [the] chain of victories secured by PAF in Marka-i-Haq \/ Bunyanum Marsoos has once more proved our will and capability to guard the aerial frontiers of our motherland,\u201d he was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As New Delhi launched deadly air strikes<\/a> on Pakistan in early May over allegations about the Pahalgam attack<\/a>, which Islamabad denied<\/a>, PAF downed<\/a> six Indian jets<\/a> in retaliation. After tit-for-tat strikes<\/a> on each other\u2019s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The martyrs of Marka-i-Haq \u2014 the term used for the period of conflict with India \u2014 along with the country\u2019s military and civilian leadership, were conferred with a total of 488 national awards<\/a> on August 14. These included eight Sitara-i-Jurat, seven Sitara-i-Basalat, 23 Tamgha-i-Basalat and 79 Imtiazi Sanad for PAF personnel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his address today, the PAF chief reiterated his firm resolve to make \u201cevery possible effort for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan in the evolving global environment\u201d, the ISPR statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paying \u201cheartfelt tribute\u201d to the fallen heroes of PAF, the air chief said, \u201cWe owe our heroes an eternal debt of gratitude for their supreme sacrifices, which serve as an enduring example for future generations.\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n He further expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of India-occupied Kashmir in their \u201clegitimate and indigenous struggle for the right to self-determination\u201d, the press release added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ACM Sidhu also laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs\u2019 Monument and offered fateha for the departed souls to pay homage to the martyrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To mark the Defence and Air Force Day, the PAF released a new song titled \u201cShaheen\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the PAF\u2019s \u201cdecisive\u201c role<\/a> during the military conflict with India<\/a> in May, when the air force shot down six<\/a> Indian jets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>President, PM hail PAF\u2019s \u2018decisive role\u2019 during India conflict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n