Wings of Azadi | The Express Tribune

As Pakistan’s green and white flag soars proudly across the skies this Independence Day, there is more than just patriotic fervour sweeping through the streets of Pakistan – there is triumph. This 14 August is not a mere ritual of remembrance; it is a thunderous, soul-stirring celebration of Resilience, Revival and Victory. A nation forged in fire now roars in glory, galvanised by the valiant performance of its defenders, especially Pakistan Air Force – the sharpened sword of Pakistan’s military might.

In a region where peace is perennially precarious and geopolitics a high-stakes game of nerve, Pakistan’s resolve was once again tested and answered with unflinching strength. The recent military standoff with India did not merely mark another chapter in the longstanding rivalry; it redefined the very balance of power in South Asia. At the epicentre of this recalibration stood Pakistan Air Force, not just responding to a threat but reshaping the Doctrine of Deterrence.

At the helm of this transformation is Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, whose leadership has catapulted PAF into a new age of warfare. Under his command, our Air Force has evolved from a conventional air wing into a modern, multi-domain force executing complex operations with surgical precision, cyber sophistication and space-age readiness. If deterrence in the past was about numbers, today it is about vision and ACM Sidhu has become its living embodiment. The recent operation Zarb-e-Karrar was not just a military manoeuvre; it was a masterclass in modern war-fighting.

It showcased Pakistan’s shift from Reactive Defence to Proactive Strategic Dominance. PAF’s orchestration of integrated air campaigns synchronised with Space, Cyber, UAVs and Electronic Warfare elements, stunned observers across the globe. In the face of an adversary heavily investing in conventional build-ups and international optics, Pakistan’s silent resolve and technological ingenuity spoke louder. The airwaves did not just carry missiles, they carried a message: Pakistan is prepared, Pakistan is potent, Pakistan will prevail.

It was this formidable show of unity, competence and deterrence that forced India’s hand towards de-escalation. The myth of imbalance was shattered in real time, replaced by a sobering recognition that the real edge lies not in hardware, but in how it’s wielded. And it was wielded by PAF with finesse, clarity and overwhelming superiority. From the integration of next-generation drones and state of the art platforms to real-time ISR capabilities and AI-assisted battlefield decision-making, Pakistan Air Force’s performance was nothing short of revolutionary. But behind the machinery is a mindset —one that embraces change, anticipates threats and stays ahead of the curve. This is the mindset that Air Chief Marshal Sidhu has embedded into the soul of the entire force.

As fireworks ignite the August sky, echoing the dogfights of recent weeks, Pakistanis are not just commemorating the past; they are celebrating a present fortified by victory and a future carved by strength. The streets pulse with pride, the songs carry deeper meaning and every salute feels heavier with gratitude. For this Independence Day, PAF has given Pakistan more than just security; it has gifted the nation a renewed sense of Sovereignty, Pride and Hope. From the roaring jets that tore through enemy radars to the quiet confidence of command centres making history in real time, every Pakistani knows: the flag stands taller today because of those who flew and fought beneath it. As the echoes of Marka-e-Haq settle into legend, one truth resounds louder than ever before: Freedom is not just inherited, it is defended —relentlessly.

Let the skies bear witness, Pakistan flies free because its Shaheens never fall.