PAF Pays Tribute to the Legacy of Group Captain Iftikhar Ahmad Khan Ghori (SJ)

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) today honors the birth anniversary of Group Captain Iftikhar Ahmad Khan Ghori, Sitara-e-Jurat—a resolute air warrior, master navigator, and a cornerstone of the PAF’s strategic bomber capability.

Joining the PAF in the mid-1950s, Group Captain Ghori quickly emerged as a standout professional, qualifying as an operational navigator in 1957. His career was marked by his versatility, operating Bristol Freighters and C-130 Hercules aircraft before becoming a pioneer in the induction of the B-57 Canberra bombers. As an original member of the PAF’s first Bomber Wing at Mauripur, he played a vital role in establishing the nation’s long-range strike doctrine.

During the 1965 War, then Flight Lieutenant Ghori served with the elite No 7 Bomber Squadron. His service was characterized by precise planning and unyielding courage under fire. On the night of 7 September 1965, during a high-stakes strike on Jodhpur, Ghori navigated his aircraft at low levels deep into enemy territory. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and critical fuel constraints, he successfully directed repeated dive-bombing attacks. Throughout the conflict, he completed 13 perilous operational missions against heavily defended targets, including Pathankot, Halwara, Adampur, and Jamnagar. For his “decisive contribution and valor,” he was decorated with the Sitara-e-Jurat.

Beyond his combat achievements, Group Captain Ghori earned international acclaim for his professionalism. In 1974, he was selected to serve as Staff Officer to King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz during the historic Islamic Conference, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held both domestically and abroad.

Group Captain Iftikhar Ghori, SJ remains a symbol of precision and dedication in the annals of the Pakistan Air Force. His legacy continues to inspire the current generation of air warriors to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence in the defense of the motherland.