ISLAMABAD, July 5: The government on Wednesday promoted three air force officers to the rank of air vice marshal (AVM).

According to a press release of the PAF public relations directorate, Air commodores Atique Rafique, Wasimuddin and Muhammad Hassan have been promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

The three officers were commissioned in flying branch of the Pakistan Air Force on October 7, 1977.

A graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Armed Forces War College, Germany, and National Defence College, Islamabad, AVM Atique Rafique has commanded a fighters’ squadron, the Combat Commanders’ School and an Operational Air Base.

He has also served as Chief Project Director of F-16s.

He is recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat.

AVM Wasimuddin is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Turkish Air War College and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. He also holds Masters Degree in International Affairs from Kings College UK. During his career he has commanded a fighters’ squadron, a fighters’ wing and an operational air base.

He has also served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) at the Air Headquarters. He is recipient of Sitara-i-Basalat.

AVM Muhammad Hassan is a graduate of Flight Instructors’ School, Combat Commanders’ School, Turkish Air War College and National Defence College, Islamabad. During his career he has commanded a fighters’ squadron, a fighters’ wing and an operational air base.

He has also served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) at the Air Headquarters.

He has served in Turkey on exchange posting. He is also a recipient of Tamgha-i-Basalat.