We Are More Prepared Than Ever,” Air Chief Zaheer Warns Adversaries

RISALPUR — Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said on Tuesday that the success in Marka-e-Haq was achieved through the unified efforts of the three armed forces, strategic offensive planning, and the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He added that if Pakistan’s sovereignty is ever threatened again, the Pakistan Air Force will respond with even greater strength and preparedness.
The air chief was addressing a graduation parade at the Pakistan Air Force’s Risalpur Asghar Khan Academy.

Air Chief Sidhu said that the presence of Saudi cadets at the PAF Academy is a symbol of the strong friendship and cooperation between the two great nations and their armed forces.

He told cadets that they have been entrusted with the sacred duty of defending the aerial frontiers of the motherland.

“The hopes of the entire nation rest on your young shoulders. The nation and the armed forces of Pakistan demonstrated a remarkable example of unity and defeated the enemy despite its numerical superiority,” he added.

He said that the decisive victory achieved in the Marka-e-Haq was the result of the combined strength of all elements of national power, and above all, the special blessings of Allah Almighty. When Pakistan’s sovereignty was attacked, the Pakistan Air Force maintained its legacy of fighting outnumbered and shot down the enemy’s most advanced aircraft.

He stated that their actions and operations were not only effective but also balanced and appropriate. The objective was to establish peace with dignity. He added that the world had never before witnessed such a bold use of air power, integrated with specialized technologies.

He said that the recent conflict has set a textbook example for modern-era aerial warfare. In 2025, once again, the Pakistan Air Force proved its professional excellence and superiority in all domains.

The PAF aligned its operational doctrine with evolving warfighting concepts and strategies, taking into account financial constraints and the availability of technologies,” he continued
.He said that the PAF has adopted a highly aggressive and innovative strategy. Through its Smart Induction Programme, the PAF has integrated multiple advanced fighter aircraft and technologies in record time.

The air chief said that no threat to national security would be tolerated. He praised every member of the PAF for their professional conduct and hard work under challenging conditions.

Air Chief Sidhu stated that the PAF, together with all other armed forces, defended the homeland with courage and coordination. The entire nation takes pride in the bravery and audacity of the PAF.

He said this victory is a testament to the firm resolve of national leadership, and the performance of the PAF is a clear reflection of its professional expertise.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country and seeks friendly relations with all. However, if national sovereignty is challenged again, the enemy will find the PAF far stronger and better prepared. As a responsible nuclear power, Pakistan’s relations with global and regional key powers have further strengthened.”

He said that Pakistan’s national leadership and armed forces, along with the brave and determined nation, are fully committed to defending the country’s ideological, geographical, and aerial frontiers at any cost. The trust of the Pakistani people in their armed forces is unparalleled, earned through decades of selfless service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defense, the air chief concluded.

The parade features cadets from several key courses, including 151 GD(P), 97 Engineering, and the 108th Air Defence Course. Additionally, cadets from the Navigation Alpha, Admin and Special Duties, and 11 Logistics courses are also participating.

This significant event will also see the graduation of cadets from the Combat Support and the 98th EC Royal Saudi Air Force courses.

During the ceremony, Pakistan Air Force fighter jets and the Sherdil Aerobatics Team will perform a flypast, showcasing their skills and adding to the grandeur of the occasion.