THIS is apropos of Karam A. Siddiqui’s letter (March 7). The writer has referred to some unnamed retired education officer and hero of the 1965 war. But the impression he has tried to create is that let alone any retired education officer, even a war hero can be shunted out for being very vocal against the service.

Second, he seems unhappy that there is disparity between the perks and facilities of officers of the flying and ground branches.

This is an unwanted criticism of a fine service and its conditions of service. PAF discipline does not prohibit criticism provided it is done respectfully and through proper channel and is meant for improvement of service conditions and not for venting personal grievances, real or imagined.

As regards the disparity, yes there is disparity in emoluments and career progression between officers of flying and ground branches. My own student rose to become air chief.

This should not surprise or be objected to by anyone who has a shred of knowledge what the air force is there for. It is to fight a war or prepare for war. Who in the PAF fights a war, it is the pilot.

Who gives life during training for war, it is the pilot. Who gives his life while fighting a war, it is the pilot and not an education or any other officer of ground branch who generally is exposed to risk no more than other citizens in the war zone.

Therefore, if an officer of the flying branch, called GDP, gets more, there is a reason for it.

GROUP CAPTAIN (r) S.M. ANWAR Karachi

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...