ISLAMABAD: The country's most busy airbase Chaklala renamed as Nur Khan Airbase on Thursday , acknowledging the legendary and upfront leadership qualities of the officer of the one of the potent air-forces of the world.
First native Air Chief of PAF Air Marshal (R) Asghar Khan was the chief guestof the ceremony.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt besides retired air chiefs of the PAF and other military officers of the tri-service attended the ceremony, according to a press release issued by PAF here.
Air Marshal (R) Asghar Khan recalled the history of PAF whereby it had forced the three-time bigger adversary to repen due to the sheer accumen and wisdom of the then Air Chief of PAF Nur Khan.
"His war plan completely changed the adverse picture and nefarious mindset of the adversary," he said.
He falicitated the Chief of Air Staff for renaming the airbase which is a clear testimony of the heroic contribution of Air Marshal Nur Khan.
Paying tributes, Chief of Air Staff said that Air Marshal Nur Khan's sagacity in handling the activities of the Base (as Nur Khan was first Base Commander of the Chaklala airbase) especially amid all the myhem, reflect his organized, innovative and exemplary approach as a commander.
"Air Marshal Nur Khan, with his wisdom and foresight, elevated both men and machines under his charge, to near perfection. He had the charisma to inspire and infuse the spirit among men under his command to perform their duties most meticulously, regardless whether it was the time of peace or war," he said.
Recalling the days of 1965 war and at the time he had just taken over them command of PAF, he said, when the balloon went up, he was there in the front, marshalling his force and orchestrating his moves with immaculate planning and aggressiveness that helped PAF dominate three time large Indian Air-force.
"He was the most shining example of a fearless leader who always led through personal example whether it was famous C-130 night sortie in 1965 or later, the daring overpowering of the Fokker hijacker as the PIA boss," Air Chief said.
Recounting the services of his predecessors, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique said that their visionary leadership is a beacon of light and source of inspiration for all of them, particularly in these trying times, when the security paradigm has undergone a complete shift.
"The new environment has brought in a host of new challenges. The first line of defence of our security installation, that is, our own population, is no more impregnable, and therefore, now has to be defended against."
He said by no choosing of our own, the enemy from within has to be accorded a much higher priority. "While we prepare even harder and pray that no more of unfortunate incident, take place," he said.
In his address of welcome the comander of the newly renamed Nur Khan Airbase shed light on the history of the airbase since its came in to being back in 1935.
During second World War the Royal Air Force used it as forward airbase.After independence the base became a forward operational station for Royal Pakistan Air-force and it was put under the command of Squadron Leader Nur Khan.
In 1965, the base participated in 23rd March fly-past with six C-1 30s, which was probably the largest ever fly-past with 128 aircraft of PAF.
During 1965 war the Base carried out 17 trans-frontier combat missions and the second of the missions called "Operation Gibralter" was personally led by Air Marshal Nur Khan.
Later, Air Chief presented souvenirs to Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Begum Farhat nur Khan.
Begum Farhat Nur Khan exhibiting her deep love and affection for PAF presented a rare and priceless Aviation painting to the Air Chief.
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