ISLAMABAD:Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Thursday said that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) stands as the guardian of the country’s air frontiers, and that every air warrior demonstrated exceptional capability during Marka-e-Haq.
Addressing a ceremony held at Air Headquarters to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, he said the PAF displayed unmatched capability, resilience and dominance during the operation, upholding its glorious legacy with distinction.
He said the courage, professionalism and operational readiness of PAF personnel played a central role in the success achieved during Marka-e-Haq.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said Pakistan’s resounding success was the result of a unified national approach involving all elements of national power, coupled with the blessings of Almighty Allah.
He said India levelled baseless allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam false-flag incident, adding that Pakistan had offered an impartial investigation into the matter.
Despite Pakistan’s offer, he said, India resorted to aggression, which was met with a full and decisive response by the Pakistan Air Force. He said that the PAF played a vital role in defeating the enemy and safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The Air Chief said the PAF conducted a full-spectrum, multi-domain operation for the first time in the history of aerial warfare. The world, he said, witnessed the superb execution of the PAF operation, which was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed.
He said the PAF destroyed some of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets, as well as the S-400 air defence system. “The enemy was brought to its knees much sooner than anticipated,” he remarked.
He further said Pakistan’s “cyber kings” effectively neutralized the enemy’s cyber security infrastructure and outperformed it in aerial, electronic and cyber warfare, adding that Marka-e-Haq highlighted the PAF’s growing strength across modern combat domains.
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said the Pakistan Air Force taught the enemy an exemplary lesson from Srinagar to Bathinda, while the Indian Air Force faced humiliation during the operation.
He said the PAF would always live up to the expectations of the brave and resilient people of Pakistan, assuring that the force would continue to remain a symbol of pride for the nation.
The Air Chief said that at the heart of this success was the Pakistan Air Force’s indigenous kill chain, which seamlessly integrated all operational elements into a single, formidable force package.
Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said the PAF could have gone even further, but exercised restraint through responsible and well-calibrated use of force.
Referring to future challenges, the Air Chief said the PAF remains singularly focused on rigorous preparation to meet emerging threats and evolving warfare requirements.