by: Ertaan  Siddiqui

A Tale of Two Arenas: Cricket and Combat

The “Mauqa Mauqa” advertisement has become a staple of cricket broadcasts whenever the most anticipated clash in world cricket—India vs. Pakistan—takes place. Regardless of the venue of the game and menu of players on offer, the outcome has consistently been unfavorable for the Pakistani audience in the recent past. This recurring disappointment has started to affect the spirit surrounding these encounters.

Much like the cricket pitch, the skies above South Asia have long served as symbolic arenas of national pride. However, in aerial engagements, the Pakistan Air Force has historically reversed the cricketing narrative. With favorable outcomes during 1965 & 1971 wars, stand-offs during the Kargil conflict, 2/0 in the 2019 post-Pulwama skirmishes, and 6/0 in the 2025 Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, Pakistan Air Force has consistently outsmarted, outmaneuvered, and outclassed the Indian Air Force in air-to-air combat, carving out what may be called a “Rare Superiority”—a phrase that not only echoes the technical term “Air Superiority,” but also resonates with the strategic edge Pakistan has maintained in the skies.

Foundations of Strength: The Origins and Early Challenges

Born out of the Royal Indian Air Force, both PAF and IAF began from the same foundation. At Partition, Pakistan inherited just 17 percent of the military assets, many of which were stranded in Indian territory. Financial and logistical obstructions, largely influenced by the Congress leadership, aimed to pressure the nascent Pakistani state. Despite these constraints, the PAF rose rapidly, overcoming adversity through resilience and resolve.

PAF’s Tactical and Strategic Mastery

Throughout history, the PAF has countered IAF misadventures with clinical precision. From Flying Officer Mukhtar Ahmed Dogar’s daring evasion in 1948 to M.M. Alam’s legendary one-minute dogfight, PAF pilots have etched their names into the annals of air combat. Wing Commander Noman Ali Khan and Squadron Leader Hassan Siddiqui reaffirmed this legacy during Operation Swift Retort in 2019.

In Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos (2025), the PAF delivered a decisive response, downing six Indian aircraft, including three Rafales—4.5-generation fighter jets touted as game-changers for the IAF. This overwhelming performance left India with no choice but to seek a ceasefire, having underestimated Pakistan’s response.

Leadership’s Vision : The Cornerstone of Success

The Latin maxim, “Per proelia victoria belli fatum statuit”—“Through battles, victory determines the fate of war”—perfectly encapsulates the ethos of the PAF.

How did PAF mange to achieve this feat despite the material challenges and resource constraints?

PAF’s success in these encounters was a result of numerous factors but none more significant than its visionary leadership. From Air Marshal Asghar Khan—rightly hailed as the father of the PAF—to Air Marshal Nur Khan, known for his steady hand during times of crisis, and extending to the Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, each has pursued an ambitious agenda to modernize the force. In essence, PAF leadership has consistently looked beyond the horizon, strived to shape a future that seemed distant or even unimaginable at the time. The relentless push for modernization has remained central to their strategic efforts.

Full Spectrum Multi Domain Warfare

Despite its success after the Balakot strikes, the PAF avoided complacency and swiftly adapted to India’s induction of Rafale jets. To retain its edge, it operationalized the J-10C aircraft equipped with PL-15E BVR missiles, reestablishing superiority in air-to-air combat. Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, PAF adopted a multidimensional modernization strategy that integrated advanced platforms and focused on developing indigenous capabilities—cementing its position as the region’s only air force with homegrown niche technologies.

Modern aerial warfare now extends beyond dogfights, merging air, space, cyber, and electronic warfare domains. In response, PAF expanded its arsenal with fighter jets, UAVs, air mobility assets, and reinforced its air defense, EW, and space capabilities. It has also developed robust cyber and space defenses, transforming former vulnerabilities into strengths. These comprehensive upgrades, driven by visionary leadership, reflect PAF’s strategic foresight and readiness to meet emerging threats with integrated, multi-domain superiority.

Indigenous Innovation: The Power of Self-Reliance

The ever-growing demands of a tech-sensitive and tech-intensive air force cannot be met through foreign acquisitions alone. Such reliance burdens the national exchequer and is increasingly difficult amid global restrictions on high-end technologies. As such, indigenous R&D has become imperative. The PAF leadership has launched an ambitious yet sustainable strategy to build national capacity for research and development.

At the heart of this effort lies the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). With a strong emphasis on industry-academia collaboration, realized through public-private partnership with domestic and international partners, NASTP has rapidly evolved into a project of national significance—deserving a detailed discussion of its own.

Excellence Through Adaptation

The Pakistan Air Force has carved a unique niche in regional military history—defined not by sheer numbers but by quality, clarity of vision, and operational finesse. Driven by the vision of its leadership, PAF has emerged as a technologically adept, strategically agile, and professionally superior air force. PAF’s “Rare Superiority” is not just a military reality but a strategic benchmark. It stands as a defining pillar of Pakistan’s national defense,  recognized globally, and respected by allies and adversaries alike.

Sadaf Noreen Awan 

The Kashmir dispute has remained a bone of contention between two nuclear powers of South Asia – India and Pakistan – both of whom have fought three major wars over the region, seeking territorial supremacy for decades. Despite several resolutions and interventions by the United Nations, the issue remains unresolved, keeping over 1.6 billion people—about one-fifth of the world’s population—under the looming threat of war, especially under the nationalist regime of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Recent tensions escalated due to a false Indian allegation against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22, 2025, where 26 people, including Muslims, were reportedly killed. Despite deploying 900,000 troops in the region, the Indian government failed to provide adequate security. Within ten minutes of the incident, India filed an FIR against Pakistan without any evidence or investigation. Pakistan’s political and military leadership condemned the attack and offered full cooperation for a transparent investigation.

Narendra Modi, seeking political mileage ahead of elections, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and made inflammatory speeches against Pakistan. Indian media amplified war hysteria, while Pakistan’s Army Chief General Syed Hafiz Asim Munir warned that any Indian misadventure would be met with a decisive response.

India violated international border laws by launching missile strikes on six Pakistani locations, including mosques and civilian areas, on the night of May 6–7, 2025. These attacks were termed “Operation Sindoor.” Pakistan defended its territory and condemned the violations. National and international media reported the facts, despite Indian media’s attempts to conceal the truth.

On May 9, India escalated the situation further by sending 88 Israeli-made drones into major Pakistani cities, all of which were neutralized by Pakistan’s defense systems. India then staged drone attacks on its own cities to falsely implicate Pakistan. Pakistan’s DG ISPR General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary rejected the claims, stating, “When we respond, the world will hear it.”

Later that night, India attacked Pakistani military airbases in Rawalpindi, Shorkot, and Muridke. After three days of strategic patience, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos on May 10, targeting 26 Indian sites, including BrahMos missile storage in Beas and the Udhampur airbase. Pakistan’s cyber units also disabled Indian power and defense infrastructure.

Around 5 PM, former US President Donald Trump mediated a ceasefire. The war hysteria and Modi government’s conspiracy were exposed globally. With unity and public support, Pakistan’s leadership and armed forces successfully defended the nation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared May 10 as “Youm-e-Marka-i-Haq” to be commemorated annually.

This conflict marked a shift in regional warfare dynamics. In the largest dogfight in South Asian history, 150 jets engaged. Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunders, built with Chinese support, downed six Indian jets including three Rafales, showcasing superior pilot skill and technology. CNN reported this as a major test for Chinese military equipment.

China, which supplies 81% of Pakistan’s arms, witnessed global validation of its military technology. Pakistan became the first nation to shoot down Rafale jets using Chinese aircraft, leading to a decline in Rafale’s global reputation. The power balance in South Asia is shifting, with China rising in a multipolar world.

India must reconsider its strategic assumptions, as future confrontations may not be limited to Pakistan but could involve China. The question remains: Is India prepared for a two-front challenge over Kashmir?

by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: “Every soul shall taste death” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:185). This is an unchangeable truth accepted by all religions of the world. Yet, Islam elevates the one who dies a martyr’s death to a station beyond human comprehension. The Holy Qur’an declares: “And do not say of those who are slain in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Nay, they are living, but you perceive not” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:154). The martyr does not die in the true sense—his blood becomes the foundation of a nation’s honour, his sacrifice a beacon of valor for generations to come.

Among the many ranks of martyrdom, one of the highest is laying down one’s life in defence of the motherland. Ask the mother whose son went to the battlefield and never returned. Ask the father who buried his child wrapped in the national flag. Ask the widow who weeps silently, raising her children with the dignity her husband died preserving. Ask the children who look at a photograph to know the warmth of their father’s face. The pain of these noble families cannot be measured, but their courage is the lifeblood of this nation. As someone rightly said, the death of a martyr is the life of the nation.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The martyr is granted six blessings by Allah: he is forgiven with the first drop of his blood; he is shown his place in Paradise; he is spared the torment of the grave; he is secured from the great terror; a crown of dignity is placed on his head… and he is permitted to intercede for seventy of his relatives” (Hadith, Sunan At-Tirmidhi). What an exalted rank, reserved only for those who give everything in the path of duty, justice, and faith.

The history of Islam is rich with examples of noble martyrs—towering figures who laid down their lives for the truth, for justice, and for the preservation of righteousness. Our civilian and military martyrs today walk in the sacred footsteps of Hazrat Ameer Hamza (RA), “Syed- ul- Shuhada” and the beloved uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him); Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), the embodiment of justice; Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA), the generous and steadfast; Hazrat Ali (RA), “Saif Ullah”; Hazrat Imam Hassan (RA), the emblem of peace; Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), who sacrificed everything at Karbala to uphold the truth. These shining names of Islamic history form the vanguard of martyrdom, and our martyrs are their proud companions in spirit and in sacrifice.

On the tragic night of 6th to 7th May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched unprovoked and reprehensible attacks on Pakistani soil, targeting innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. In their barbarity, they martyred 40 civilians—among them 7 women and 15 children—and wounded 121 more, including 10 women and 27 children. The night was dark, not merely in time but in spirit, drenched in the blood of innocents. Yet even in mourning, Pakistan did not falter. The cowardice of the enemy was answered with the courage of the brave.

In response to this grave act of aggression, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched Marka-e-Haq—a just war—executing Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with precision and resolve. This was not merely a retaliatory campaign; it was the nation rising in dignity, reclaiming its honour. Our defenders did not seek war, but once drawn into it, they responded with unmatched valour, defending our soil and sovereignty with every drop of blood.

During this noble defence, eleven sons of Pakistan from the Armed Forces embraced martyrdom, and seventy-eight were injured. Their names will remain inscribed in the heart of the nation, not as casualties but as eternal symbols of bravery. The ever-shining stars of the Galaxy of Martyrs are Squadron Leader Usman Yousuf, Naik Abdul Rehman, Lance Naik Dilawar Khan, Lance Naik Ikramullah, Naik Waqar Khalid, Sepoy Muhammad Adeel Akbar, Sepoy Nisar, Chief Technician Aurangzeb, Senior Technician Najeeb, Corporal Technician Farooq, and Senior Technician Mubashir.

Each of these martyrs stood not merely for a uniform or an institution, but for the idea of Pakistan—a land that lives free because of the sacrifice of its brave. These names shall not be lost to time; they are now written in the annals of glory.

Let it not be forgotten that as we sleep in peace at night, it is because of the countless men in uniform—soldiers, airmen, sailors—who guard the frontiers of our nation, who remain awake under open skies, so we may close our eyes without fear. The martyr may fall, but his blood waters the tree of our liberty.

And as some returned from battle, not as martyrs but as Ghazis, they too are bearers of honour. They are the shining beacons of victory and sovereignty, living testaments of Pakistan’s indomitable will. They have written with their courage a story of defiance and dignity that generations shall remember.

The Pakistan Armed Forces, alongside the entire nation, pay solemn tribute to the martyred civilians and military personnel, and extend heartfelt prayers for the swift recovery of those injured. Their grief is our collective grief; their pride, our shared honour.

Let the enemy know—and let the world bear witness—that the nation of Pakistan shall never bow before tyranny. The Holy Qur’an states: “Indeed, Allah defends those who believe” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:38). With this divine promise in our hearts and the resolve of our defenders in the field, we stand united. Our sovereignty is sacred, and any attempt to challenge it shall be met with full-spectrum, swift, and decisive response—Inshallah.

The spirit of martyrdom is not death—it is eternal life. It is the force that shields the weak, humbles the oppressor, and secures the homeland. Today, we honour those who gave everything, so that Pakistan may live forever in dignity, freedom, and peace.