President Zardari Visits Air Headquarters, Lauds PAF’s Capabilities

President Asif Ali Zardari made a visit to Air Headquarters (AHQ) on Tuesday, offering encouragement to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) after its effective defense of Pakistan’s airspace and strong response to recent actions from India.

Upon his arrival, the President was greeted by a Guard of Honour presented by a well-prepared contingent of the Pakistan Air Force, according to a press release from the Presidency.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF Chief of the Air Staff, met with President Zardari at the AHQ.

The President voiced his satisfaction with the PAF’s readiness and affirmed the government’s complete support for the air force as it strives for excellence, stated the President’s Secretariat.

During their discussion, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu provided details on the PAF’s ongoing modernization efforts, including operational structure, objectives, and force development strategies, with a focus on future warfare.

He attributed the PAF’s achievements in the recent confrontation to exceptional training, strategic inductions, operational preparedness, and a domestically developed kill chain enhanced by expertise in contemporary warfare.

The Air Chief emphasized that the PAF, for the first time, executed Full Spectrum Operations, employing multi-domain warfare capabilities during the recent conflict.

This included integrating space, cyber, and electronic warfare, along with strategically using specialized technologies, resulting in significant advantages that contributed to Pakistan’s triumph.

President Zardari conveyed his deep appreciation for the Pakistan Air Force personnel’s outstanding professionalism, unwavering dedication, and strong resolve.

He recognized the crucial role of the PAF in protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during the recent conflict, which led to a decisive victory.

He also commended Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s leadership in modernizing the PAF and rapidly incorporating advanced technologies, which have greatly improved the Pakistan Air Force’s operational readiness and reshaped the region’s strategic dynamics.

The President emphasized that the Pakistan armed forces’ bold and forward-thinking leadership enabled Pakistan to provide a robust and timely response, ensuring the air force remains at the forefront of technological and strategic advancements.

Subsequently, President Zardari visited the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre, where he received a briefing on the Pakistan Air Force’s overall operational capabilities.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to the nation’s steadfast confidence in its armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, as a key element in defending the country.