The country’s busiest airbase Chaklala was renamed Nur Khan Airbase on Thursday, in acknowledgment of the legendary and upfront leadership qualities of a celebrated officer of one of the best air-forces in the world.
First native Air Chief of PAF, Air Marshal (R) Asghar Khan, was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, retired air chiefs of PAF and other military officers of the tri-service attended the ceremony, according to a press release issued by PAF.
Air Marshal (R) Asghar Khan recalled the history of PAF where it had forced a more powerful adversary to repent due to the sheer acumen and wisdom of Air Chief Nur Khan.
“His war plan completely changed the adverse picture and nefarious mindset of our adversary,” he said.
Paying tribute, the Chief of Air Staff said that Air Marshal Nur Khan’s sagacity in handling the activities of the Base (Nur Khan was first Base Commander of the Chaklala airbase) especially amid all the mayhem, reflected 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 spirit among men under his command to perform their duties most meticulously, regardless of whether it was during peace or war,” he said.
Recalling days of the 1965 war when he had just taken over command of PAF, he said, “When the balloon went up, he was there at the front, marshalling his force and orchestrating his moves with immaculate planning and aggression that helped PAF dominate the large Indian Air-force.”
“He was the most shining example of a fearless leader who always led through personal example whether it was a famous C-130 night sortie in 1965 or later, the daring overpowering 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 was 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.
He said that 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 unfortunate incidents, take place,” he said.
During the Second World War the Royal Air Force had used Chaklala Airbase as its forward airbase. After independence the base had become a forward operational station for Royal Pakistan Air Force and was put under the command of Squadron Leader Nur Khan.
In 1965, the base participated in the March 23rd fly-past with six C-1 30s, which was probably the largest ever fly-past with 128 aircraft of PAF.
During the 1965 war the base carried out 17 trans-frontier combat missions and the second mission called “Operation Gibraltar” was personally led by Air Marshal Nur Khan.
Later, the Air Chief presented souvenirs to Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Begum Farhat nur Khan.
Begum Farhat exhibiting her deep love and affection for PAF presented a rare and priceless Aviation painting to the air chief.
Honouring Nur Khan
