KAKUL: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, on Saturday urged India to adopt a mature and responsible attitude to resolve the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations resolutions and the hopes of the Kashmiri population.
During the passing-out ceremony at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, he emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces are dedicated to defending the nation’s sovereignty, emphasizing that there is no greater honor than protecting the homeland. He also recalled the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s military personnel over the years.
The Air Chief highlighted that Pakistan’s defense forces are highly trained, technologically advanced, and capable of facing both internal and external threats. He pointed out that the military’s strength was vividly demonstrated during Pakistan’s decisive operations in May 2025, known as Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which targeted Indian positions and stunned the international community.
He explained that these operations showcased the joint operational capability of Pakistan’s tri-services, enabled by real-time battlefield intelligence and modern warfare strategies. The integrated approach of land, air, and sea forces allowed for precise strikes and rapid deployment, which he attributed to national unity and divine support.
Further, the Air Chief praised the Pakistan Air Force’s resilience and skill in combat, citing the successful downing of advanced enemy aircraft during the longest-ever Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air engagement in history. He also noted the successful targeting of enemy bases and ground installations across India, including the neutralization of sophisticated defense systems such as the S-400 missile systems and command centers.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s military showed restraint and responsibility in the face of aggression, thanks to a mature strategic culture developed over decades. The remarkable capabilities demonstrated during Marka-e-Haq are the result of ongoing modernization and indigenous development efforts by the Pakistan Air Force.
The Air Chief expressed confidence that Pakistan’s self-reliant defense systems ensure the nation’s sovereignty remains protected from any external threat. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its forces further to adapt to the shifting geopolitical landscape of the region.
Highlighting regional stability, he stated that Pakistan remains committed to pursuing peace despite regional tensions and conflicts. He called on India to adopt a mature stance and resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully, in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris.
Finally, he reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and emphasized that Pakistan is prepared to respond decisively to any aggression, advocating for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.
