President visits Air Headquarters, expresses satisfaction over PAF's combat readiness

President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Air Headquarters (AHQ) on Tuesday to boost the morale of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) following its resounding success in defending the aerial frontiers of Pakistan and delivering a decisive response to recent aggression from India.

Upon his arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented a Guard of Honour to the president, a Presidency’s news release said.

Chief of the Air Staff, PAF Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu called on President Zardari at the AHQ.

The president expressed his satisfaction over the PAF's combat readiness and reiterated an all-out support from the government to the air force in its pursuit of excellence, the President's Secretariat said in a statement.

During the meeting, Sidhu shared insight into various ongoing modernisation projects of the PAF's operational construct, force goals and plans for the force structure with a keen focus on future warfare.

In the recent standoff against India, he attributed PAF's success to the matchless training, smart inductions, seamless operational readiness and a homegrown kill chain sharpened by the mastery of modern warfare.

The air chief highlighted that for the first time in its history, the PAF conducted Full Spectrum Operations during the recent conflict, employing multi-domain warfare capabilities.

This included the integration of space, cyber and electronic warfare, alongside the strategic application of niche and disruptive technologies, which collectively generated decisive effects that significantly contributed to Pakistan's victory over India.

The president expressed his profound appreciation for the exemplary professionalism, unwavering commitment and indomitable spirit demonstrated by the personnel of the Pakistan Air Force.

He acknowledged the pivotal and decisive role played by PAF in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan during the recent conflict, which culminated in a historic and resolute victory.

He also lauded the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, recognising his role in modernising the PAF and swiftly integrating advanced technologies that have significantly enhanced operational readiness of the Pakistan Air Force and have recalibrated the region's deterrence landscape.

The President highlighted that the bold and visionary leadership of Pakistan armed forces had enabled Pakistan to deliver a firm and timely response to Indian aggression, ensuring the air force remains at the forefront of technological and strategic advancement.

Later, President Zardari also visited National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre where he was briefed about the overall operational capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.

The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the nation's unwavering confidence in its armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, as a vital pillar in the defence of the homeland.