LAHORE, Nov 29: Four air commodores were promoted to the rank of air vice-marshals on Thursday.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Air Force here, the promoted officers included Air Commodores Sajid Habib, Syed Athar Hussain Bukhari, Sohail Gul Khan and Muhammad Jamshaid Khan.

Air Vice-Marshal Sajid Habib was commissioned in the air force on Oct 20, 1978, in Flying Branch. He has commanded a fighters’ squadron, a wing and an operational air base. He has also served as defence and air attaché at Pakistan embassy in Turkey.

In his staff appointments he has served at air headquarters as director-general, air intelligence. He is a graduate of Flying Instructors’ School, Combat Commanders’ School, Turkish War College and National Defence University, Islamabad. He holds master’s degree in War Studies and is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (mil).

Air Vice-Marshal Syed Athar Hussain Bukhari was commissioned in the air force on Oct 20, 1978 in Flying Branch. He has commanded fighters’ squadron, a wing and an operational airbase. In staff appointments he has served at air headquarters as deputy chief director JF-17.

He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Iranian War College, National Defence University, Islamabad, and National Defence University, USA. He has also served as directing staff in war wing at National Defence College, Islamabad. He holds master’s degrees in War Studies from Pakistan and in National Security Affairs from the USA. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Basalat.

Air Vice-Marshal Sohail Gul Khan was commissioned in the air force on April 20, 1979 in Flying Branch. During his career he has commanded a fighters’ squadron, a wing and an operational air base. In staff appointments he has served at air headquarters as director operations. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Staff College UK and National Defence University, Islamabad. He holds master’s degrees in Strategic Studies from Pakistan and in Defence Studies from the UK. He is the recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Mil).

Air Vice-Marshal Muhammad Jamshaid Khan was commissioned in the air force on April 20, 1979 in Flying Branch. During his career he has commanded a fighters’ squadron, and an operational base. In staff appointments he has served at air headquarters as ACAS Plans, and Operational Requirement and Development. He has also served as deputy commandant at PAF Air War College. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, PAF, Air War College and Iranian Supreme National Defence University. He holds master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies and is a recipient of Sitara-i-Basalat. —Staff Reporter