Air Marshal Sohail Aman appointed as new air chief

E-Paper | February 23, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday approved the appointment of Air Marshal Sohail Aman as new air chief, after promoting him to the rank of air chief marshal.

He is set to take over the command of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) tomorrow as the government issued a notification for his appointment as the new chief of air staff with effect from March 19, 2015.

Earlier, outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt called on PM Nawaz in Islamabad.

The premier lauded the services of the outgoing chief of air staff for national defense and the role of PAF in the ongoing war against terrorism.

Prime Minister said that the PAF made exceptional progress and attained professional excellence under the leadership of Air Chief Marshall Tahir Rafique Butt.

Air Marshal Sohail Aman, who is an accomplished fighter pilot, was commissioned in the GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in November,1980. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College and Royal College of Defence Studies (UK) and his career encompasses a wide range of operational, training and command assignments.

During his remarkable career in PAF, he has flown various fighter and training aircrafts in PAF's inventory. He also holds a Master’s degrees in International Studies from Kings College UK and Strategic Studies from Air War College. During his illustrious career in PAF, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, Combat Commanders’ School, an Operational Air Base and Regional Air Command.

Aman remained on various important staff appointments including director operations, director plans and assistant chief of the air staff (operations) at Air Headquarters, in addition to air officer commanding, central air command and deputy chief of the air staff (training).

Currently he is serving as deputy chief of the air staff (operations) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he has been decorated with the award of Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.

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Awais Ali

Mar 18, 2015 05:01pm

A very professional man. We are proud on you PAF. You are one of the best Air force in the world when comes to profession, training, skills and competence of pilots. World recognizes Pakistani pilots one of the best.

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Kamal Pasha.

Mar 18, 2015 05:16pm

Congratulation Air Marshal Aman and good luck.

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pittmanway

Mar 18, 2015 05:38pm

all the best sir,keep flying high (I don't know what happened when they came at Abbottabad and went)as nation is tightly asleep in many ways and forms

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Mar 18, 2015 05:50pm

Welcome to the club.

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Jason Rafei

Mar 18, 2015 05:51pm

Seems to be a very decorated officer.

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Atif

Mar 18, 2015 06:06pm

What a profile! Hope he serves the nation well.

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Jamil Kaludi

Mar 18, 2015 06:35pm

Where is the picture of the New Air Chief Marshall Sohail Aman? Dawn you can do better than putting a picture of a fighter plane. Would have been nice to see the man whom the honour, title, and responsibility was bestowed upon.

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rabz

Mar 18, 2015 07:40pm

MashaAllah. God bless Pakistan.

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jamesmartell

Mar 18, 2015 08:36pm

I dont care what his qualifications are, my question is, is he capable of doing the job? what other candidates applied and was the selection process fair or self interest only?

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Zak

Mar 18, 2015 11:06pm

@jamesmartell PAF is too professional to allow politically motivated appointments. PAF is considered one of the best and articles have been written in Jane defense magazine , whether PAF orcIsraeli Air Force was better. Western experts came out 50/50 on either.

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Zak

Mar 18, 2015 11:24pm

What more can one say! “The Pakistan Air Force is stronger than ever. Since the last Indo-Pak air war of 1971, the Pakistan Air Force has with steely determination built up numbers, lethal capabilities and a combat force now counted as one of the most disciplined and well-trained air forces in the world. Headlines Today has a disturbing proof that all this has made India worried.” India Today 20th April 2011'

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m. a

Mar 19, 2015 04:03am

I want to congratulate to Sohail Aman. I am hoping him a great character, and hard work like previous persons. I am also hoping that he is not a mere dirt in the eyes of Nawaz. He is not a servant of any body except the Pakistan and the almighty God.

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moin kamal

Mar 19, 2015 05:23am

The Whole nation is Proud of PAF. My brother-in-law gave his life flying C130 over Gilgit in 1968. We hope we get best Fighters for PAF .

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Sameer H.

Mar 19, 2015 07:45am

Air Marshal Sohail Gul Khan who was VCAS was superseded. He should have been appointed in my opinion. Professional solider and a Sword of Honour winner of his course.

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Abdullah

Mar 20, 2015 11:23pm

@jamesmartell Yep. He is VERY capable for the job. Dunno about the selection, thats for Nawaz Sharif to decide. But as far as I know, He is better than the other two candidates, qualification put aside

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nadeem Ahmad

Mar 21, 2015 12:48am

I want to congratulate to new air chief marshall Sohail Aman. In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he has been decorated with the award of hilal-i-Imtiaz, sitara-i-Imtiaz and tamgha-i-Imtiaz. I am hoping him a great character, and hard work professional solider. In my opinion he should have been appointed as professional sword of honour winner of career encompasses a wide range of operational, training and command assignments. I remembered those days in my early childhood. I played cricket with him, rizwan,usman, majid and faiq Ahmed in sheikh Zia (late) plot near Sohail Aman house.I respected his doctor brother and beloved father. I honoured my childhood friend. I remember those days when he succeeds in Issb for gdp exam.

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saad

Mar 25, 2015 05:48pm

@Abdullah disagreed! Air Marshal sohail Gul khan a sword of honor holder. A ccs topper a very accomplished officer was a much better choice! But politics always come into play!

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