ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Mujahid Anwar Khan led the formations of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fly-past aircraft on the occasion of Pakistan Day with a Parade on Friday. The Air Chief, who took charge of PAF command on March 19, 2018, is popular for his professional acumen and passion for piloting. He maneuvered over the parade square in F-16 Block 52 fighting falcon daring a magnificent vertical roll. He saluted the resilient Pakistani nation using radio communication from the aircraft and said, “Salutations to the great Pakistani nation. Pakistan Zindabad.” The enchanted audience passionately observed the aircraft of the newly appointed Air Chief as it disappeared in the sky. Earlier in the morning, the Air Chief arrived at Mushaf PAF Base in Sargodha leading the formations for performing a fly-past in the Pakistan Day parade. He met combat air and ground crew and appreciated their remarkable devotion and motivation. Following the Air Chief, a four-ship box formation of F-16 aircrafts under the command of Air Vice Marshal Amir Masood, Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command flew past the parade square. JF-17 Thunder aircraft led by Wing Commander Asad Khan followed F-16s. Thereafter, formation of Mirage led by Wing Commander Yasir Minhas followed the parade. Formations of F-7PG and F-7P aircrafts flew past the venue under the command of Wing Commander Ahmed Bilal Mir and Ahsan Riaz, respectively. Air Borne Surveillance platforms of PAF also participated in the fly-past. Karakoram Eagle-3 AWACS aircraft was flown by Wing Commander Faisal Nawaz and two SAAB 2000 AEW&C aircrafts were flown by Wing Commander Khayam Abbas and Wing Commander Aizad Shahzad, respectively. Subsequently, combat support element of PAF flew past the venue. IL-78 air-to-air refueling tanker aircraft was piloted by Wing Commander Zahid Iqbal and following his trail two C-130 Hercules were flown by Wing Commander Syed Nisar Nabi and Imran Babar. Another historic moment was the maiden fly past by formation of Augusta-139 Helicopters led by Wing Commander Irfan Zeb. Later on, PAF trainer and fighter aircraft presented spectacular flying maneuvers. Firstly, 09 ship formation of K-8 Advanced Jet trainer aircraft commonly known as ‘The Sherdils’ entered the venue. Wing Commander Khalid Mateen led the Sherdil formation spreading their colours on the horizon. The audience enjoyed their aerobatics by clapping and chanting slogans. Afterwards, JF-17 Thunder aircraft, painted in the colours of national flag of Pakistan entered the arena. Squadron Leader Zeeshan Baryar flew it. Spectacular maneuvers of JF-17 thunder proved that it has been rightfully called the Pride of the Nation. After its departure, roaring and thundering F-16 fighting falcon appeared on the horizon for solo aerobatics. Wing Commander Yasir Shafique left the audience delightful with his jaw dropping aerobatic maneuvers. The astounding performance by ‘Shaheens’ of PAF concluded as F-16 disappeared in the sky leaving awestruck spectators behind. Published in Daily Times, March 24th 2018.