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Pakistan Air Force Honors Flight Lieutenant Ziauddin Hassan, SJ, on His Death Anniversary

by | Mar 20, 2026

Pakistan Air Force Honors Flight Lieutenant Ziauddin Hassan, SJ, on His Death Anniversary

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) today pays solemn tribute to Flight Lieutenant Ziauddin Hassan, Sitara-e-Jurat (SJ), a legendary bomber navigator of the 1965 War, on the anniversary of his Shahadat. A master of night navigation and deep-strike operations, Flt Lt Ziauddin’s legacy of tactical brilliance and unwavering resolve remains a guiding light for the PAF’s “Second to None” ethos.

1965 War: The Jodhpur Night Strike

In September 1965, while serving as a Flying Officer with the elite No. 7 Squadron at Mauripur, Ziauddin Hassan emerged as a pivotal figure in the PAF’s bomber campaign.

  • Navigating the “Edge”: On the night of September 6/7, 1965, he was part of a four-ship B-57 Canberra formation tasked with striking the heavily defended Jodhpur Airfield deep inside enemy territory.

  • Tactical Ingenuity: Operating at the absolute limit of the aircraft’s range, he meticulously calculated fuel consumption and advised a daring low-level descent to evade radar detection.

  • Unerring Precision: Under a moonlit sky, he guided his formation to the target with total surprise, enabling the delivery of 8,000 lbs of bombs. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire during egress, he calmly navigated the aircraft through the barrage and back to base.

A Legacy of Conspicuous Gallantry

Flight Lieutenant Ziauddin was recognized as a “bold and dependable” navigator who repeatedly volunteered for high-risk, deep-strike night missions against major enemy airfields.

  • Sitara-e-Jurat: For his “conspicuous gallantry, exceptional skill, and steadfast devotion to duty” throughout the conflict, he was conferred with the Sitara-e-Jurat, Pakistan’s third-highest military honor.

  • Ultimate Sacrifice: After years of distinguished service, Flt Lt Ziauddin Hassan embraced Shahadat in the line of duty on March 19, 1971, cementing his place among the immortal heroes of the Pakistan Air Force.

Professionalism and Inspiration

The PAF remembers Flt Lt Ziauddin not only for his bravery under fire but for the technical professionalism that defined the bomber navigator’s role in the 1960s. His ability to guide heavy bombers across hostile terrain with zero electronic aids continues to be studied by modern navigators and weapon systems officers (WSOs).

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