Senate Defence Committee in its meeting here at Air Headquarters was given a detailed briefing by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Tahir Rafique about the overall performance and professional capabilities of Pakistan Air Force with particular reference to operations and developmental plans. The Committee was presided over by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
Chairman of the Committee praised the professionalism of Pakistan Air Force and observed that PAF has always delivered in times of crises through its high standards of professionalism and good quality leadership, said a press release issued here. The Committee appreciated the excellent co-ordination between the forces and termed it vital for the country keeping in view the regional and international perspectives, adding that the geo- strategic interest and the internal and external threats need better co-ordination among the three institutions ie PAF, Navy and Army.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction over the fact that PAF was providing employment opportunity to people from Balochistan in different ranks. It observed that considering Baloch people in Air Force is a true reflection of the fact that the government including Armed forces was making serious efforts to alleviate the sense of deprivation among Baloch Youth.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, on behalf of the Committee assured his all out support for further enhancing the professional capability of PAF. He said that the Committee would act as a bridge between the Parliament and the defence institutions and would be the first line of defence to protect and promote the professional role of armed forces as an institution.
He said that negative propaganda against the defence institutions has to be stopped. Senator Mushahid also assured complete co-operation to the PAF to overcome its financial problems. He said that the Defence of the country is in safe hands and that people take pride in the armed forces, adding that we fully support the constitutional and professional role of the Armed forces in defending the mother land.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed appreciated the focus on gender equality in Armed forces particularly the role of women. Earlier, the committee was given a detailed presentation which encompassed historical background, force structure, role in Anti terrorist operations, role in national building, development plans and challenges being faced by PAF. Members of the Committee during the briefing also asked various questions and appreciated the performance of PAF despite financial problems.
For a detailed discussion, the Committee through a mutual understanding, kept the meeting in-Camera. This briefing lasted for nearly three hours and thread bear discussion took place on the professional role of PAF and challenges being faced by it in modern times. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate, Sabir Ali Baloch besides Senators Sardar Ali Khan, Mrs Sehar Kamran, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Haji Muhammad Adeel and Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani. Special Secretary Senate Amjed Pervez Malik was also present.