Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday praised the Pakistan Air service’s (PAF) long history of professionalism and sacrifice, saying the service had responded time and again to the task of defending Pakistan’s aerial frontiers in times of crisis.

On Pakistan Air Force Day, celebrated on September 7, Shehbaz claimed the PAF had shown “professional capability, prowess and dominance in Aerial Conflicts” over the decades in a statement.

“This illustrious organization has a glorious history of sacrifice, valor and professionalism and has always responded to the call of the nation with great courage,” he said.

Recalling the battle of September 1965, the prime minister said PAF aviators showed “passion and resolve” in defending Pakistan’s airspace and paid the ultimate price in defending the country.

In September 1965, enthusiasm and determination of Pakistan Air Force pilots to protect the aerial frontiers of Pakistan duly made them victorious in the expanse of skies, he added.

“They gave up their precious lives in the defense of the motherland. “It is indeed a national honor to pay rich tributes to Shuhada on their supreme sacrifices,” he added.

Pakistan observes Air Force day every year on September 7 to pay tribute to the role of PAF in the 1965 war. It falls on the same day as the Defense and Martyrs’ Day commemorations to mark the armed battle between Pakistan and India.

The prime minister also mentioned PAF’s contribution in Marka-e-Haq, referring to the confrontation with India that lasted from April 22 to May 10, 2025.

The PAF was important to Pakistan’s military reaction during the clash, especially through the use of integrated multi-domain capabilities.

Shehbaz stated the PAF collaborated with the other military services during the fight and praised its performance due to leadership, preparation, combat skills and contemporary warfare capabilities.

“In the same spirit, last year in May 2025, when the aggressor again challenged a peace-loving country, the Pakistan Air Force in perfect synergy with Sister Services defeated the adversary during Marka-e-Haq,” he stated.

He attributed the success to “bold leadership, tactical brilliance of combat crew, excellent planning” and coordinated deployment of “Multi-Domain Warfare Capabilities” achieved through modernization and indigenization.

“The nation is proud that Pakistan Air Force has once again lived up to the glorious legacy of fighting the outnumbered, which has always been its hallmark!” the prime minister stated.

Shehbaz also prayed for the continuing professional growth of the PAF and hoped the force will always be ready to defend the sovereignty and aerial frontiers of Pakistan.

He stated, “On this day of special occasion, I wish continued professional success and progress to Pakistan Air Force.”

“As always, I am sure Pakistan Air Force will rise to any possible occasion to defend sovereignty and aerial frontiers of Pakistan.