Cabinet approves continuation of service of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu

Federal Cabinet on Tuesday in its meeting approved the continuation of the services of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu after the completion of his current term, citing his vital role in national defence coordination during the recent conflict.

Pakistan Air Force remained at the forefront in the defence of the country and forced the enemy to its knees during the Maarka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The exploits of the PAF were attributed to the visionary leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, who revolutionised the PAF on the modern technological lines.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed was appointed as the Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force on March 19, 2021.

He was granted a one-year extension to his tenure on 17 March 2024, making him the second chief in Pakistan Air Force history to receive such an extension after Anwar Shamim, who received an extension during the military government of General Zia Ul Haq in 1981.

In November 2024, the Government of Pakistan revised the tenure of the service chiefs of the Pakistan Armed Forces from three to five years, which consequently extended Sidhu's term as air chief until March 2026.

Now the cabinet has approved the continuation of his service as CAS without any retirement date given.

Other than the recent conflict with India, the Pakistan Air Force, under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Sidhu's command, also carried out four cross-border airstrikes against various terror groups involved in the activity against Pakistan.

This includes 2022 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, 2024 Pakistani airstrikes in Iran, March 2024 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan and December 2024 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan.

Babar Sidhu was commissioned in the GD (P) Branch of the Pakistan Air Force in April 1986. During his career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, an Operational Air Base and Regional Air Command.

In his staff appointments, he has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operational Requirement & Development), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training-Officers) and Additional Secretary at Ministry of Defence. He has also served as Director General Projects, Director General Air Force Strategic Command, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Air Defence) and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration) at Air Headquarters Islamabad.

In recognition of his services, he has been awarded with Tamgha-i-lmtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-lmtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-lmtiaz (Military) and Nishan-i-lmtiaz (Military).

He also played an instrumental role when the Pakistan Air Force inked its largest export agreement in the nation's history with the Azerbaijan Air Force in February 2024, entailing the sale of JF-17C Block-III fighter jets valued at $1.6 billion.