PAF Chief hails victory, warns adversaries of greater strength

WEB DESK: In an address to cadets at the Pakistan Air Force Academy, the Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sadhu said that the presence of Saudi cadets at the institution serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two great nations and their armed forces.

He framed the sacred duty of defending the nation’s aerial frontiers as a trust placed in the young officers, reminding them that the hopes of the entire nation rest on their shoulders. Reflecting on a recent conflict, the Air Chief attributed Pakistan’s decisive victory in what he termed the “Battle of Truth” to the exemplary unity demonstrated by the nation and its armed forces, which together defeated a numerically superior enemy.

“This triumph was the result of the combined role of all elements of national power and, above all, the special blessings of Allah,” he stated. He further highlighted that the victory was an outcome of tri-services synergy, aggressive decision-making, and the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Detailing the PAF’s role, he noted that when Pakistan’s sovereignty was attacked, the air force upheld its legacy of fighting while outnumbered and successfully downed the enemy’s most advanced aircraft. “Our actions and operations were not only effective but also balanced and proportionate,” he explained. “Our objective was to secure peace with honor.”

He asserted that the world had never before witnessed such bold use of integrated airpower coupled with specific technologies, establishing a new paradigm for modern aerial warfare. “Once again in 2025, the PAF proved its professional excellence and dominance across all domains,” he added.

Outlining the force’s strategy, the Air Chief described how the PAF revamped its operational doctrine to align with contemporary war concepts, all while navigating financial constraints and technology access. It adopted an aggressive and creative strategy for innovation, he said, inducting multiple modern fighter jets and technologies in record time through its Smart Induction Program.

He paid tribute to every member of the PAF for their professional conduct and hard work under difficult conditions, praising the force for defending the homeland with bravery and in harmony with sister services. “The entire nation is proud of the PAF’s courage and valor,” he said.

“This victory is proof of our national leadership’s unwavering resolve,” the Air Chief stated, adding that the PAF’s performance is clear testament to its professional prowess. While reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and friendly relations with all, he issued a stark warning: “If our national sovereignty is challenged again, our adversary will find the Pakistan Air Force far stronger and better prepared.”

He concluded by emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a responsible nuclear power with strengthened global and regional ties, and affirmed that the national leadership, armed forces, and the brave nation stand fully resolved to safeguard the country’s ideological, geographical, and aerial frontiers at all costs. “The Pakistani people’s trust in their armed forces is unparalleled, earned through decades of selfless service, sacrifice, and an unflinching commitment to national defense,” he said.