Pakistan Air Force Commemorates Heroes of the 1971 War

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) today paid solemn tribute to the officers and airmen who demonstrated indomitable courage and unwavering resolve until the very final moments of the 1971 War, highlighting the supreme sacrifices made on this day, 17 December 1971.

The day serves as an eternal testament to the PAF’s fighting spirit, marked by extraordinary bravery and professionalism in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Sacrifice of Flt Lt Syed Shahid Raza Shaheed, TJ

On 17 December 1971, amidst fierce ground battles, Flt Lt Syed Shahid Raza Shaheed, TJ, flying as No. 2 in a two-ship formation, volunteered for a critical close air support mission in the Shakargarh sector. With fearless aggression and pinpoint precision, he engaged enemy convoys and armoured columns, dealing devastating blows.

Ignoring a storm of enemy fire, he pressed home a second, determined attack. While disengaging from the mission, Flt Lt Raza embraced martyrdom, leaving behind an eternal legacy of selfless bravery and unwavering devotion to duty.

The Final Victory: The Downing of a MiG-21

Later the same day, in the Pasrur battle area, the final air engagement of the war solidified the PAF’s exceptional combat skill. A two-ship formation of F-86F Sabres, led by Flt Lt Maqsood Amir, TJ, with Flt Lt Taloot Mirza, TJ, as wingman, was vectored by PAF radar control onto intruding Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21s attempting a low-level ingress from Amritsar.

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As the MiG leader attempted to gain the advantage and fired a K-13 missile, Flt Lt Maqsood executed a crisp barrel roll, instantly reversing the position. Coolly settling his gunsight on the enemy leader as the MiGs flashed past, he unleashed a precise burst from his six 0.5-inch Browning guns. The rounds tore in behind the canopy, and moments later, the MiG spiralled down in flames—marking the final aerial victory of the war.

This final engagement was a powerful reaffirmation of the PAF’s unyielding commitment to honour, duty, and the defence of the nation, showcasing the exceptional professionalism and fighting ethos maintained right up to the cessation of hostilities.

The Pakistan Air Force remains eternally indebted to the courage and sacrifice of these heroes, whose devotion continues to inspire the force’s commitment to the highest standards of air defence.

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