ISLAMABAD - Air Chief Marshal (r) Muhammad Anwar Shamim, the former Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, and a veteran of 1965 and 1971 wars, breathed his last at the CMH Rawalpindi on Friday, after prolonged illness. He was 81.
His funeral prayers would be offered at sports ground, PAF Complex, Sector E-9 Islamabad at 1400 Hrs today. He would be buried with full military honours at Sector H-11 graveyard, Islamabad. He has left behind a widow, two daughters and a son, says a press note issued here by the PAF on Friday.
Air Chief Marshal, Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, has expressed his extreme grief on the sad demise of former PAF Air Chief. The Air Chief further said that Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Anwar Shamim very ably led PAF both in peace and during the Soviet-Afghan War. The Air Chief acknowledged historic contributions of Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Anwar Shamim that transformed the Pakistan Air Force on modern lines that included induction of state of the art F-16 Fighting Falcons, Chinese A-5 aircraft, state of the art Air Defence System and the creation of Regional Air Commands.
Air Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim was born on 1st of October, 1931, in an educated family from Haripur (Hazara). He became a member of the then functional University Air Squadron, to begin his childhood dream career of a fighter pilot in Pakistan Air Force. He joined RPAF in 1950 and on completion of his pilot training at the Royal Australian Air Force, he was granted commission in March 1954.
Some of the major courses include, Flying Training and Jet conversion from Australia, Flying Instructors, Staff College, National Defence College and Senior Officers Inter-Defence Management Course from USA.
His major appointments during the active service included, Officer Commanding No 11 Sqn and No 33 Fighter Wing. Former Air Chief commanded three PAF Bases, Sakesar, Korangi Creek and Masroor. At Air Headquarters, he served as ACAS (Ops), ACM (Retd) Anwar Shamim also served Royal Jordanian Air Force as Air Advisor to His Majesty King Hussain Bin Talal (1968-1970) and played key role in reforming the Jordanian Air Force after 1967 Arab-Israel war.
He actively participated in 1965 and 1971 wars. His leadership during war missions was aggressive and served as an excellent example for his juniors. On his act of outstanding bravery and heroism, he was awarded with Sitara-i-Jurrat (gallantry award) during the 1965 war. On July 23, 1978 at the age of 47, he became Chief of the Air Staff and retired on 5th March 1985 after serving almost seven years. Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Anwar Shamim was a well decorated officer. Among his decorations are Sitara-i-Imtiaz (M), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (M), Nishan-i-Imtiaz (M) and Sitara-i-Jurrat. He has also authored a book "Cutting Edge PAF" which illustrates his experiences in PAF.