Pakistan Air Chief Marshal urges India to resolve Kashmir issue

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, has urged India to adopt a mature approach to resolve the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Speaking at a passing-out ceremony at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul on Saturday, the Air Chief emphasized that the armed forces are entrusted with the mission of defending the motherland. He reminded cadets of the history of sacrifices made by the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army.

Military Capabilities and May 2025 Operations

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu stated that Pakistan’s defence forces are professionally competent, well-trained, and equipped for modern warfare. He asserted that these capabilities were demonstrated during the May 2025 operations, referred to as Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth) and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos against India.

According to the Air Chief, these operations showcased integrated tri-services jointness, real-time situational awareness, and net-centric warfare capabilities. He described the outcome as a result of a unified national effort and divine support.

The Air Chief noted that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) engaged in the longest BVR (Beyond Visual Range) air battle in aerial history, downing advanced enemy aircraft. He further claimed that precision strikes were conducted against bases and ground assets from north to south within adversary territory.

He specifically stated that state-of-the-art defence systems, including the S-400, and various command and control centres were neutralized. Despite these capabilities, he maintained that the PAF showed “matchless responsibility and restraint.”

PAF Modernization and Regional Peace

The Air Chief attributed the success of Marka-e-Haq to long-term restructuring, modernization, and indigenization efforts. He stated that these battle-tested indigenous capabilities ensure that national sovereignty will not be undermined by any aggressor.

The Pakistan Air Force is currently pursuing dozens of strategic projects, some of which are near completion. These projects are intended to enhance the frontline capabilities of both the PAF and the broader defence forces.

Addressing the global environment, the Air Chief Marshal described the current international climate as increasingly volatile with shifting power dynamics. He reiterated that while Pakistan is actively pursuing a policy of regional peace, it maintains the full capability to respond decisively to any aggression.

He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s continued moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination.