ISLAMABAD: The Pakis­tan Air Force (PAF) Academy in Risalpur has been named after retired Air Marshal Asghar Khan, who was the first Muslim commander-in-chief of the PAF.

To celebrate the event in a befitting manner, a grand ceremony was held at the PAF Academy in Risalpur where Mr Khan was the chief guest.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was also present in the ceremony, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

Former air chiefs, war veterans and a large number of retired and serving senior officers attended the ceremony.

The aviation cadets of the PAF Academy presented a well-synchronised parade on a showery night.

A short documentary encompassing the brilliant career of the father of the Air Force was also shown during the ceremony.

Later on, Mr Khan unveiled the plaque of PAF Academy Asghar Khan in a thunderous applause.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Chief Aman said Mr Khan was a man of high integrity and character who served the nation with his visionary leadership and earnestly worked for the upgrade and improvement of the PAF.

He said renaming of this prestigious institution after him was a befitting tribute to legendary Asghar Khan, who was a true son of the soil.

The air chief added that Mr Khan inculcated a strong value system in the rank and file of the PAF which had been embraced by his successors with the utmost dedication.

He said Mr Khan would remain an icon and enduring symbol of inspiration for generations to come.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2017