Govt promotes two air officers as air marshals

Author: DNA

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has promoted Air Vice Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi and Air Vice Marshal Ahmer Shehzad to the rank of air marshal.

“Air Commodore Abrar Ahmed, Air Commodore Irfan Zaka, Air Commodore Irfan Ahmad and Air Commodore Asad Ikram have been promoted to the rank of air vice marshal,” stated a PAF release issued here on Monday.

Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in November, 1984. During his career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, an operational air base and a regional air command.

In his staff appointments, he has served as deputy inspector general of IG Branch, senior air staff officer of Air Defence Command, assistant chief of Air Staff (Security) and director general Air Intelligence. He has also served as air attaché to India. Presently, he is performing his duties as deputy chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters.

He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College and National Defence University, Islamabad. He holds master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Defence and Strategic Studies. For rendering meritorious services to Pakistan Air Force, he was awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Marshal Ahmer Shehzad was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in November, 1984. During his career, he has commanded Combat Commanders’ School (F-7) Squadron and an Operational Air Base. In his staff appointments, he has served as director Ops Project, chief project director Falcon and director general (Logistics) at Joint Staff Headquarters Chaklala.

Presently, he is serving as director general (projects) at Air Headquarters Islamabad. He has also served as air attaché to USA. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, National Defence University and Command and Staff College UK. He holds masters degrees in War Studies and Defence Studies from UK. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Legion of Merit (USA).

Air Vice Marshal Abrar Ahmed was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in January, 1988. He is a qualified flying instructor. During his career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, a flying wing and an operational air base.

Published in Daily Times, July 4th , 2017.