Guest Lecture
From the Cockpit: Reflections From the PAF’s Past for the Future
September 5, 2024
The guest lecture explored the Pakistan Air Force’s historical contributions, strategic evolution, and operational excellence through the firsthand reflections of Wing Commander Salim Baig Mirza (Retd). Drawing on pivotal moments from past conflicts, he emphasised continuous learning, technological adaptation, and strategic foresight.
About The Event
PAF is a symbol of discipline, dedication, and unyielding commitment to the nation’s honour and security. It offers more than just a career for those who join its ranks. Rather, it takes them on a transformative journey that shapes individuals into exceptional aviators and professionals.
When they don the uniform, PAF personnel adopt a profound sense of pride and responsibility. Their lives become a fusion of personal ambition and collective purpose, where the task of safeguarding Pakistan’s skies becomes a source of deep fulfilment and honour.
To celebrate this extraordinary way of life and to commemorate PAF Day, CASS, Lahore, hosted a guest lecture by Wing Commander Salim Baig Mirza (Retd). The lecture titled “From the Cockpit: Reflections from the PAF’s Past for the Future” provided the audience with insights into the remarkable evolution of the PAF over the decades.
Wing Commander Salim, a distinguished war veteran and a revered fighter pilot with two confirmed kills, shared his invaluable experiences and insights into the PAF’s transformation. Drawing from his years of service, he offered a unique glimpse into the past and future of the PAF. The event provided attendees with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the PAF’s storied legacy and its dynamic trajectory into the future.
Key Takeaways
- Leading by Example
PAF leaders have consistently led by example, inspiring their subordinates to exceed expectations. This played a decisive role in shaping the outcomes of the 1965 and 1971 wars.
- Strategic Excellence
Superior training, professional conduct, and technological advancements have allowed the PAF to overcome enemy numerical advantages, showcasing its operational proficiency and combat acumen.
- Tactical Adaptability and Operational Resilience
PAF’s continuous innovation, tactical adaptability, and operational resilience have enabled it to counter evolving threats and outperform technologically superior adversaries while maintaining effectiveness in the ever-changing dynamics of aerial combat.
- Psychological Impact
The significance of the psychological aspect of warfare was clearly demonstrated by the PAF’s early victories in the 1965 war, which significantly undermined the enemy’s morale while simultaneously boosting their own.
- National Pride
PAF evokes national pride and embodies resilience in times of conflict, exemplified by its pilots whose extraordinary performance fostered unity and elevated morale across the nation.
- Technological Evolution
An air force must continuously advance its technology, tactics, and training to remain competitive, as demonstrated by the PAF’s journey towards becoming a ‘next-generation’ Air Force.
- Legacy of Excellence
The PAF’s enduring strength is rooted in its legacy of resilience and excellence, founded on the principles of discipline, dedication, and adaptability. These values ensure its continued prowess and inspire future generations.
Policy Considerations
- Strategic Air Force Readiness
To respond effectively and swiftly to evolving security threats, PAF must enhance its readiness while maintaining tactical surprise against adversaries through strategic flexibility, quick response and comprehensive scenario planning.
- Strategic Technological Investments
The PAF must continue to invest its resources in advanced technologies, innovative strategies, and modernised capabilities to maintain its dominance amid rapidly evolving technologies and combat scenarios.
- Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities
The Air Force must further refine specialised strategies for operations that address asymmetric threats, such as hybrid warfare, to enable more effective responses.
- Enduring Legacy
The PAF should focus on public initiatives like media outreach and documentary projects that highlight its history and celebrate its legacy, enhancing national pride and addressing misinformation for future generations.
- Progressive Vision
To uphold the PAF’s tenacity, resilience and preparedness, its air doctrine must prioritise the advancement of research and development with emerging technologies, the integration of innovative combat strategies, and regular threat assessments, thereby solidifying its stature as a next-generation air force.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive report capturing expert analyses, strategic insights, key recommendations, media coverage, and event highlights.
Guest Speakers
Air Commodore Khalid Chishti (Retd)
AC Khalid Chishti (Retd) holds a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from Karachi University and a Security and War Studies degree from Quaid-e-Azam University. He has been a faculty member at multiple universities across the nation. Currently, he serves as a faculty member at Lahore University of Management Sciences. AC Chishti is the Patron-in-Chief of the Quaid-e-Azam Foundation and the founder of Aspire Pakistan, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering innovation in Pakistan. He has had an illustrious career in the Pakistan Air Force. He began as a fighter pilot and eventually served as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Training at the Air Headquarters. His service to the country has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz Military and the Sitara-e- Basalat.
Wing Commander Saleem Baig Mirza (Retd)
WC Salim Mirza Baig (Retd) joined Pakistan Air Force at PAF Academy Risalpur on 15th August 1961 in the 36th GDP course and had flight training in the USA with USAF on T-37s, T-33 and F-86 aircraft. He was commissioned in 1963 and given to Howard, Meshach, T-33, T-37s, F-55, F-86, F-6, and Mirages. He remained Assistant Director Air Intelligence. He was also an instructor at PAF Academy Risalpur and on F-86 aircraft. He commanded a Mirage squadron in the UAE Air Force while he was on deportation. He also commanded the No. 14 squadron of F-6s. Additionally, he remained Deputy Director Operations at Air Headquarters. He took part actively in 1965 and 71 wars on F-86F aircraft from PAF bases Sargodha and Peshawar. He has been credited with two confirmed kills and one damage.
Event Chair
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (retd)
President, CASS Lahore
Event Coordinator
Ameer Abdullah Khan
Senior Researcher, CASS Lahore
Master of The Ceremony
Meher Azfar Rana
Researcher, CASS Lahore
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
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