ISLAMABAD - Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt has said that Pakistan Air Force had made earnest efforts to modernise its fleet to meet the ever-demanding challenges of the 21st century.
In his message to the nation on Independence Day, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt said, "While drawing perpetual guidance from Quaid's vision, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has made his best efforts to meet the challenges."
According to the statement released by the Pakistan Air Force, the air chief said, "I feel great pride in reassuring you that the personnel of Pakistan Air Force are imbued with the unmatched spirit of sacrifice, devotion to duty and absolute commitment towards their sacred mission."
"May Allah Almighty guide our endeavours in fulfilling the onerous responsibility of responding to all national security challenges to our beloved motherland in line with the wishes of the people of Pakistan. On the auspicious day of independence, similar ceremonies were also held at all PAF air commands, air bases and other establishments," he added.
The Pakistan Air Force joined hands with the nation to celebrate the Independence Day of the country with due fervour and dignity. The Day commenced with offering of special "Dua'" in mosques of Pakistan Air Force all over the country after the Fajr prayers.
All airmen and civilian staff of Pakistan Air Force, assembled at their respective bases, units and headquarters to say Pakistan's national anthem.
The flag hoisting ceremony was held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Air Vice Marshal Junaid Ahmed Siddiqui hoisted national flag and read out the air chief's message of the day.