ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday approved the name of Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar as the new chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
According to a statement from the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Marshal Sidhu will take over the command from March 19 upon the completion of Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan’s tenure.
Zaheer Ahmad will replace outgoing Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar. Babar was among three air vice-marshal to be promoted as vice-marshal in July 2018.
Govt of Pakistan has appointed Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu as new Chief of the Air Staff wef 19 March, 2021 pic.twitter.com/Kdc9V08RtT
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) March 17, 2021
Having commanded a fighter squadron, an operational airbase, and regional air command, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar was commissioned in the GD (P) branch of the PAF in April 1986.
During his stunning career, Zaheer served as assistant air chief for operation research and development (R&D), assistant air chief for training officers, and the director-general of projects at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
A graduate of the Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, and the United Kingdom’s Royal College of Defence Studies, he has also served as the additional secretary at the Ministry of Defence.
In recognition of his outstanding services, he has been awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).
Earlier in the day, President Dr Arif Alvi conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Civil) on outgoing Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan at a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadar.
It is worth mentioning here Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan had paid a farewell call on the Director-General Inter-Services (ISI) Intelligence Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid in Islamabad on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Air Chief appreciated ISI’s performance in guarding and furthering national interests.
The Director-General ISI thanked the Air Chief for his contribution in enhancing the professional capability of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during his illustrious career, during the meeting.
Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan also paid a farewell call on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
COAS appreciated the services of the air chief during a long and illustrious career, especially his role during Operation Swift Retort when Pakistan shot down two Indian jets and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar was given a guard of honor upon his arrival at the GHQ. He also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada.
