ISLAMABAD, 07 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on the occasion of Air Force Day, paid tribute to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its professional capabilities, sacrifices and vital role in defending the country’s aerial frontiers, saying the force had repeatedly demonstrated its capabilities during times of conflict. In his message, the prime minister said the PAF had displayed professional competence, skill and dominance in aerial conflicts over the decades. He said the distinguished institution had a proud history of sacrifice, valour and professionalism and had always responded to the nation’s call with exceptional courage. Recalling the September 1965 war, Prime Minister Shehbaz said PAF air warriors had demonstrated passion and determination to safeguard Pakistan’s airspace and laid down their precious lives in defence of the motherland. He paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of the PAF for their supreme sacrifices, saying their contributions were a matter of national pride. The prime minister also highlighted the PAF’s role in Marka-e-Haq, referring to the Pakistan-India conflict in April-May 2025, and said that the PAF, in complete coordination with the other armed services, successfully confronted the adversary. He attributed the PAF’s performance to bold leadership, tactical brilliance of combat crews, excellent planning and the coordinated use of modern multi-domain warfare capabilities. Shehbaz Sharif said the nation was proud that the PAF had once again upheld its glorious tradition of confronting a numerically superior adversary. He expressed his best wishes for the continued professional development and success of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed confidence that it would remain prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and aerial frontiers against any challenge. The prime minister concluded his message with the slogans: “Pakistan Air Force Zindabad! Pakistan Paindabad!”