Join Army

Pakistan Air Force Honors Air Vice Marshal Abdul Masood Khan, and Flight Lt. Javed Iqbal (Shaheed)

by | Apr 3, 2026

Pakistan Air Force Honors Air Vice Marshal Abdul Masood Khan, and Flight Lt. Javed Iqbal (Shaheed)

On this day, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the nation commemorate the birth anniversaries of two legendary air warriors: Air Vice Marshal Abdul Masood Khan, HI(M), SJ, a master of tactical transport and night bombing during the 1965 War, and Flight Lieutenant Javed Iqbal, TJ (Shaheed), a resolute B-57 bomber pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1971.

Their legacies of “treetop” audacity and deep-penetration strikes continue to serve as the doctrinal blueprint for PAF operations during the ongoing Operation Epic Fury and the defense of the Strait of Hormuz.

AVM Abdul Masood Khan: The “C-130 Bomber” Specialist

Then-Squadron Leader Masood Khan, commanding the PAF’s oldest No. 6 Squadron, redefined the operational envelope of the C-130 Hercules during the 1965 War.

  • The Commando Insertion: On the night of September 6, 1965, Khan flew an unprecedented mission at treetop level in total radio silence, evading enemy radar to drop para-commandos deep inside hostile territory at Halwara airfield.

  • The 20-Ton Strike: On September 22, he converted his transport aircraft into a bomber, navigating through dense haze to drop 20 tons of explosives on enemy artillery shelling Lahore. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and aircraft damage, he neutralized the targets and ensured a safe recovery.

  • The Honor: For his extraordinary skill and “unprecedented” daring, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat (SJ).

Flt Lt Javed Iqbal Shaheed: The Amritsar Night Strike

A distinguished officer of the elite No. 7 Bomber Squadron, Flt Lt Javed Iqbal was a specialist in high-risk, deep-penetration night missions during the 1971 War.

  • The B-57 Mission: On December 5, 1971, Iqbal volunteered to strike the strategically vital Amritsar airfield.

  • The Final Attack: After successfully hitting the runway, he braved intense anti-aircraft fire to execute a second, precise run on the tarmac. His B-57 bomber sustained critical damage during this second pass, and he embraced Shahadat in the line of duty.

  • The Honor: For his exceptional gallantry and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Jurat (TJ).

Our heroes have etched a legacy that “roars through history.” Their stories remain an enduring source of inspiration for the current generation of pilots securing the North Arabian Sea and monitoring the volatile Gulf corridors.

You May Like To Read: Pakistan and Egypt Commence Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise ‘Thunder-II’

Check out our latest video:

Areas To Read

Our Strength  – Our Pride