Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan sworn in as new air chief

• Air Chief Marshal Aman lauds PAF role in war against terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has been sworn in as the new chief of air staff of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at a ceremony in Islamabad on Monday.

Outgoing air chief Aman handed over the ‘Command Sword’ to Air Marshal Khan and decorated him with the ranks of air chief marshal during the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Aman said that the PAF has been playing a key role in the war against terrorism as well as in the defence of the country’s airspace. He said,”the contribution of PAF in the global war against terrorism was greater than any other air force in the world.”

He said the country’s defence has strengthened in recent years and the force has become self-sufficient in overhauling and other trades.

“It was a matter of pride for me to serve the PAF,” he said and advised the officers to remain united and strive the hardest to safeguard the nation. He also talked about services of the PAF for the people with special needs, besides highlighting the air force’s services in education, welfare and other sectors.

The outgoing air chief also praised his successor for his professionalism and “extraordinary” leadership skills.

Air Marshal Khan was designated as the new chief of air staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) by the federal government on Friday.

The announcement came two days before former chief of air staff Sohail Aman retired on March 18.

Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of PAF in December 1983, and during his illustrious career, he commanded a fighter squadron, a flying wing, two operational air bases and a regional air command.

He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Command and Staff College, Jordan and National Defence University, Islamabad.

Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan holds a Master’s degree in War Studies and Defence Management. He is also a recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Imtiaz(Military)

In his previous staff appointments, he has served as Personal Staff Officer to Chief of the Air Staff, and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.