The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) observed September 7 as Martyrs Day at all PAF Bases throughout the country. 

The day started with special prayers and Quran Khawani for the martyrs of 1965 and 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives in action since creation of Pakistan.

Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, was the chief guest at the Martyrs Day ceremony, which was held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, the air chief said, “On the memorable and historic day of September 7, I pay tribute to all heroes of Pakistan Air Force who stood like a rock against enemy aggression and brought its nefarious designs to dust. 

He said, “Today we salute our martyrs and veterans for their determination, courage and spirit of sacrifice and renew our pledge that we will never allow any harm to our sacred homeland.” He added that Pakistan's valiant armed forces were well versed in protecting the country’s borders and people and were fully capable of defeating the enemy. 

Highlighting the current situation in Kashmir, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said, “We also express our solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been fighting against oppression and tyranny for seven decades. To pay homage to the martyrs, the air chief laid wreaths at the Martyrs Monument and offered Fateha for them. Principal staff officers, officers, airmen and PAF civilians attended the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider) in Karachi. Air Vice Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, offered ‘Fateha’ and laid wreaths at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. Similar wreath-laying ceremonies were held at the graves of PAF Martyrs all over the country.