THIS is apropos of Karam A. Siddiqui’s letter (March 7). The writer has referred to some unnamed retired education officer and hero of the 1965 war. But the impression he has tried to create is that let alone any retired education officer, even a war hero can be shunted out for being very vocal against the service.

Second, he seems unhappy that there is disparity between the perks and facilities of officers of the flying and ground branches.

This is an unwanted criticism of a fine service and its conditions of service. PAF discipline does not prohibit criticism provided it is done respectfully and through proper channel and is meant for improvement of service conditions and not for venting personal grievances, real or imagined.

As regards the disparity, yes there is disparity in emoluments and career progression between officers of flying and ground branches. My own student rose to become air chief.

This should not surprise or be objected to by anyone who has a shred of knowledge what the air force is there for. It is to fight a war or prepare for war. Who in the PAF fights a war, it is the pilot.

Who gives life during training for war, it is the pilot. Who gives his life while fighting a war, it is the pilot and not an education or any other officer of ground branch who generally is exposed to risk no more than other citizens in the war zone.

Therefore, if an officer of the flying branch, called GDP, gets more, there is a reason for it.

GROUP CAPTAIN (r) S.M. ANWARKarachi