‘Next time it’ll 60-0,’ Air Vice Marshal Shahryar sends strong message on Defence Day

To commemorate Pakistan’s 60th Defense and Martyrs Day, a solemn and respectful change of guard was held at Mazar-e-Quaid on Saturday.

The mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, was guarded by a well-groomed contingent from the Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan.

The event’s main guest was Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan. He honored the country’s founder, placed a wreath of flowers at the mausoleum, and wrote his thoughts in the guestbook. He also examined the PAF guard and went over the procession.

The Air Vice Marshal, who spoke at the occasion, stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has never let its citizens down and has consistently met their expectations.
He declared, “We will continue to be a strong wall in defense of the homeland and stand ready on every front.”

“Next time, it won’t be 0-6 – it’ll be 0-60,” he said, referring to the downing of six Indian jets, including Rafaels, during the May battle.

He added that Pakistan’s adversaries have always been defeated and will continue to be dealt with appropriately for any aggression. Referring to “Operation Bunyanun Marṣuṣ”, he said it rekindled the spirit of September 6, a day when Pakistan foiled the nefarious designs of its adversaries.

According to Shahryar Khan, it was an honor to lead the air force on such a momentous day. This guard change is more than just a custom; it is a declaration of our dedication to the principles of Quaid-e-Azam, who instilled in us the value of togetherness. We are prepared to defeat the enemy on all fronts and are the stewards of his vision.

“Defending every inch of this nation — in the air or on the ground — is our sacred responsibility,” he continued, highlighting the Pakistan Air Force’s involvement in rescue and disaster relief efforts. The PAF has advanced in capability and modernity under the direction of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

“The country is proud of the success of Pakistan’s military,” he said, reinforcing the confidence of the Pakistani people in their armed forces. I promise you that capable and powerful individuals are in charge of defending our airspace.

During the ceremony, commanding officers also honored the martyrs who gave their lives in defense of peace. In addition to promising to thwart any challenges to Pakistan’s sovereignty, they paid tribute to the parents who gave up their sons for the nation.

The nation celebrated Defense and Martyrs Day with great patriotism. In the federal capital, there was a 31-gun salute to start the day, while in the provincial capitals, there were 21-gun salutes. Mosques said special prayers for the country’s peace and prosperity.