The Pakistan Air Force celebrated 27th February as a day of decisive victory in Operation Swift Retort. Besides an august ceremony at Air Headquarters, a scintillating Air Show at Karachi and an Aviation Art Exhibition at Islamabad were also arranged to mark this historic event.
The icing on the cake was a breath-taking airs how by Pakistan Air Force which was held at Sea View Karachi. Governor Sindh Imran Ismail and Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah attended the ceremony as guests of honour. Air Vice Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command was also present at the occasion. After a fly past by PAF aircraft including F-16, JF-17, Mirage, MI-17 and Augusta-139 helicopters, JF-17 Thunder aircraft, flown by Wing Commander Mudassir Riaz, appeared on the horizon. The audience were left spell bound to see the spectacular manoeuvres of this aircraft, rightfully called the Pride of the Nation.
Next to enter the venue was F-16 Fighting Falcon for solo aerobatics display. Wing Commander Zeeshan Ali Munawar, with his jaw dropping and mesmerizing aerobatic maneuvers enthralled the audience. At the twilight of this exciting spectacle, appeared on the venue in coloured smokes the PAF aerobatics team Sherdils in 9 ship formation of K-8 aircraft. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the breathtaking aerobatics of the daredevils. The spectacular air display concluded with their trademark bomb burst manoeuvre, leaving behind an awe stricken audience.
Later in the day, an Aviation Art Competition and Exhibition under the theme of “PAF Air Battles – Particularly Operation Swift Retort” was also held at Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad. Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser and Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives Mr Asad Umar attended the ceremony as the guests of honour. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also present at the occasion. Air Vice Marshal Aamir Masood, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Training) in his opening address highlighted the significance of organizing this event.
“Pakistan Air Force, living up to its legacy, yet again made its mark through professional excellence and valour during Operation Swift Retort last year. Indeed, PAF prompt, measured and surprising response busted the aggressor’s arrogance” said the Air Chief while addressing the ceremony.
“While I assure Pakistani nation, on the preparedness of PAF to counter threats, we will not compromise on sovereignty or territorial integrity of Pakistan. Let there be no doubt that, PAF is, and would remain, reassuring fundamental of national defence.” He added that prior to aggression last year, our national leadership had made it amply clear that no misadventure against Pakistan would ever go un-responded. He further said, “Today, I reiterate that commitment and caution; to respond to aggressor was our compulsion, but measured and calibrated response was entirely our choice. Make no mistake; PAF when responds to irresponsible act, we may not always exercise restraint.”
The budding artists from all over the country participated in various categories including painting, sketching, digital painting and photography. The first prize in the categories of Aviation Photography and Aviation Sketching was clinched by Awais Ahmed Lali. Amber Munir won the first prize in Aviation Painting, while Hamid Ali got first position in Digital Aviation Painting Category.
Besides the creations of the novice artists, the masterpieces of renowned aviation artist Group Captain (Retd) Masood Akhtar Hussaini, Aero models by Wing Commander (Retd) Mohammad Nadeem and the sketches of famous aviation artist & cartoonist Shujaat Ali have also been put on display in the three days exhibition which will be opened for general public on 28 & 29 February, 2020.
Former Air Chiefs and a large number of PAF officials witnessed the ceremony. Earlier, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the Guard of Honour. Another important event of the ceremony was a spectacular fly past by two formations of PAF fighter aircraft including F-16, JF-17 and Mirage aircraft. The ceremony was rounded off with soulful performance by the young students of Fazaia School and College.
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