Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt has been appointed as new Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Born in 1955, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt received his early education at PAF Public School, Sargodha. Subsequently, he joined Pakistan Air Force and graduated from PAF Academy, Risalpur in March, 1977, said a press release issued by PAF Directorate of Media Affairs on Wednesday.
After doing fighter and operational conversion courses, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique has flown various types of fighters and training aircraft on PAF Inventory. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and also a Combat Commander on Fighters. He has commanded an elite Fighter Squadron, a Fighter Flying Wing and two PAF Bases.
In staff jobs at Air Headquarters, the Air Marshal has served as Deputy Director Plans, Director Flight Safety, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (P-O) in Personnel Branch and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training). In senior staff assignments, the Air Marshal has the distinction of having served as Director General National Accountability Bureau (KPK) Commandant National Security College, NDU, Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel). Currently, he is serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.
He is a graduate of Staff College, Turkey and National Defence University, Islamabad from where he did his M Sc in Defence and Strategic Studies. In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he has been decorated with the awards of Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat. He is married and has three children.