On this day, 04 December, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carved one of the brightest chapters of aerial valour in its history. Under relentless assault from a numerically superior foe on both fronts during the 1971 war, PAF warriors rose to the challenge with unshakeable resolve and courage that glowed incandescent against overwhelming odds.
Today in History
On this day, 04 December, Pakistan Air Force carved one of the brightest chapters of aerial valour in its history. Under relentless assault from a numerically superior foe on both fronts during the 1971 war, PAF warriors rose to the challenge with unshakeable… pic.twitter.com/wENfNoOkyF
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) December 3, 2025
The Battle for East Pakistan
In East Pakistan, the lone No. 14 Squadron fought a colossal air battle from first light to sunset. Wing Commander S M Ahmed (Shaheed), Flight Lieutenant Saeed Afzal (Shaheed), then Squadron Leader Javaid Afzaal, and the indomitable duo of then Flying Officers Shams-ul-Haq and Syed Shamshad, among others, stood as a wall against waves of Hunters, MiG-21s, and Su-7s.
They shot down aircraft after aircraft—often one Sabre against four or more enemy jets—saving Dacca airfield against enemy assault. Their breathtaking dogfights, low-level duels, and fearless engagements, including Flying Officer Shams’ impossible evasion from four MiG-21s at treetop height, became the legend of that day.
Grit and Audacity in the West
Across West Pakistan, PAF fighters displayed the same blazing spirit.
- Mianwali: At Mianwali, then Flight Lieutenant Qazi Javed Ahmed embodied sheer grit by scrambling under a surprise strafing run by IAF Hunters. He continued his takeoff with bullets ripping the runway around him, climbed into the fight without hesitation, and shot down one of the attacking Hunters.
- Risalewala: Then Flight Lieutenant Javed Latif showed similar audacity when two enemy Su-7s attacked Risalewala airfield just as he was starting up. A rocket struck his aircraft pen, yet he pressed on with the scramble and hunted down one of the very SU-7s that had attacked the base.
Despite facing intense enemy attacks, PAF managed to take the fight to the enemy by conducting a para-dropping mission over Avantipur, bombing Sirsa airfield, and striking Faridkot and Amritsar radars.
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The heroes of 04 December carved their names into the very soul of PAF, immortalizing a chapter of courage that time can never erode. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of PAF air and ground crew, reminding us what it means to stand unbowed when the nation calls.
