Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday hailed the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) decades-long record of professionalism and sacrifice, saying the force had repeatedly risen to the challenge of defending Pakistan's aerial frontiers during times of conflict.

In a message marking Pakistan Air Force Day, observed on September 7, Shehbaz said the PAF had displayed professional capability, prowess and dominance in aerial conflicts over the decades. This distinguished organisation has a proud history of sacrifice, valour as well as professionalism and always responded to the nation's call with profound courage, he added.

Recalling the September 1965 war, the prime minister said PAF aviators had demonstrated passion and resolve in safeguarding Pakistan's airspace and paid the ultimate price in defending the country. They laid down their precious lives for the defence of the motherland, and it is a national honour to pay glowing tributes to the Shuhada for their supreme sacrifices, he stated.

The prime minister also highlighted the PAF's role in Marka-e-Haq, referring to the conflict with India that lasted from April 22 to May 10, 2025. Shehbaz said the PAF had worked alongside the other armed services during the conflict and credited its performance to leadership, planning, combat skills and modern warfare capabilities.

Concluding his message, the prime minister expressed his best wishes for the PAF's continued professional development and reaffirmed his confidence that the force would always remain prepared to defend Pakistan's sovereignty. He ended with the slogans: Pakistan Air Force Zindabad! Pakistan Paindabad!