PAF pilots who downed Indian jets receive gallantry awards

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has awarded Pakistan Air Force officers who demonstrated impeccable skills during the intrusion by Indian jets in a standoff between the two countries last year.

President Dr Arif Alvi conferred upon military awards to the officers and soldiers of the armed forces in recognition of their meritorious services to the nation.

Wing Commander Noman Ali Khan received Sitara-i-Jurat (third highest military award of Pakistan) for downing Indian air force’s MiG-21 Bison, which led to the capture of IAF pilot Abhinandan who violated Pakistan’s airspace on February 27, 2019.

Wing Commander Hassan Mahmood Siddiqui was awarded Tamgha-i-Jurat (fourth highest military award of Pakistan) for shooting down an Indian Su30 during Operation Swift Retort.

Air Vice Marshal Zafar Aslam and GP Rana Ilyas received Sitara-i-Basalat for their respective roles in planning and air defence operations during the PAF’s Operation Swift Retort. Wing Commander Omar Chaudhry was conferred Tamgha-i-Basalat posthumously.

Tamgha-i-Basalat is an operational award given by President of Pakistan to military personnel for acts of valor, courage or devotion while performing their duty.

Pakistan Air Force had launched Operation Swift Retort after to combat enemy’s designs in the wake of the situation after Pulwama incident.

In total, one Sitata-i-Jurat, 23 Sitata-i-Basalat, two Tamgha-i-Jurat, and 44 Hilal-i-Imtiaz Military were conferred upon to martyrs and officers of the three forces. The ceremony was traditionally scheduled on March 23, 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.