THIS is apropos of the letter ‘PAF’s Kashmir hero’ (Feb 18) by Air Cdre (r) Syed Sajjad Haider on the occasion of the demise of an 87-year-old PAF hero Air Cdre (r) Syed Mansur Ahmed Shah (Polly Shah as he was known to his colleagues in the PAF).

It was a treat to learn about the late Polly Shah’s accomplishments, both during war and peace. Young serving officers of the armed forces look up to such fine officers who are held by them as their role models. Polly Shah was one of them.

Our country has produced so many heroes who have rendered invaluable service to the nation. We all owe a lot to them.

PAF’s 1965 war hero Air-Cdre (r) M. M. Alam (SJ and Bar) as a young and energetic squadron leader shot down five Indian Air Force aircraft within a minute in the 1965 war with India.

This is a great achievement, a world record. He has set very high standards of professionalism for the next generation.

I pray to Almighty Allah that our armed forces train their officers and men to the same levels of professionalism and patriotism.

Alam is hospitalised and needs our prayers for a miraculous recovery from his present state of ill health. Let us all pray for him. We owe a lot to him.

CDR (r) ABDUL QAYUM KHANKarachi