KARACHI: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has expressed heartfelt grief over the demise of a war veteran of the Pakistan Air Force, retired Group Captain Saif-ul-Azam, Sitara-i-Jurrat.

Mr Azam, a veteran of the 1965 India-Pakistan war, breathed his last in Bangladesh after a prolonged illness on Sunday.

While paying tribute to Mr Azam, the air chief acknowledged his heroic deeds during the 1965 war and the 1967 Arab-Israel war. The air chief further added that the late group captain was an exceptional fighter pilot who would always be remembered for his valour and professionalism.

Mr Azam was born in Pabna district of East Bengal in 1941. He was commissioned as a fighter pilot in October 1960.

Saif-ul-Azam passes away in Bangladesh

During the 1965 War, he served in the No 17 Squadron at PAF Base Sargodha. Apart from inflicting heavy damage on Indian forces in 12 ground-attack missions, the group captain had one IAF aircraft kill to his credit as well. For his valour and devotion to duty in the 1965 war, he was awarded with Sitara-i-Jurrat.

Mr Azam also attained global repute when he shot down three Israeli aircraft during the 1967 Arab-Israel war.

In recognition of his heroic contributions, he was honoured with the military awards by the governments of Jordan and Iraq as well. The US government also bestowed upon him the title of ‘Living Eagle’ in 2001.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2020