ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets participated in a tactical landing exercise on the Islamabad-Lahore motorway on Wednesday.

Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed was the chief guest on the occasion. On his arrival at the venue, he was received by Air Vice Marshal Zaffar Aslam, Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command.

Fighter jets along with trainer aircraft from various PAF squadrons participated in the exercise, which over the last decade has become a regular feature of operational preparedness.

Pictures of the PAF fighter jets landing on the motorway made the rounds on social media.

After landing on the carpeted road, the aircraft were refueled before they took off for their respective bases.

“PAF regularly undertakes road runway operations as part of its operational preparedness plan. Air Vice Marshal Zaffar Aslam acknowledged the close coordination and support of various civil and military departments, especially National Highway Authority, FWO and Motorway Police, whose assistance played an instrumental role in conduct of this exercise,” said the PAF in a statement.

According to the Air Force, the aim of the exercise is “utilisation of vast network of highways for conducting air operations during warlike situations”.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2020