Pakistan Air Force Honoured for Aerial Victory Over India
ISLAMABAD — August 14, 2025:
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) received the nation’s highest wartime and peacetime honours in recognition of their decisive aerial victory over the Indian Air Force during the recent conflict. The awards ceremony, held as part of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, commemorated the bravery, skill, and tactical mastery that defined the confrontation.
‘Marka-i-Haq’ — A Battle Remembered
In July, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced that this year’s Independence Day would be marked as “Marka-i-Haq” — the “Battle of Truth.” The title references the April 22 Pahalgam incident through the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, culminating in a May 10 ceasefire.
India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack, a claim Islamabad firmly rejected. Days later, Indian forces carried out airstrikes on May 6–7 that claimed civilian lives. On May 7, PAF pilots launched a precision counter-operation, downing six Indian fighter jets in air-to-air combat.
Honours Conferred on the Shaheens
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conferred the awards during the Islamabad ceremony.
The honours included:
| Award | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sitara-i-Jurat (Star of Courage) | 8 |
| Tamgha-i-Jurat (Medal of Courage) | 5 |
| Sitara-i-Basalat (Star of Valour) | 24 |
| Tamgha-i-Basalat (Medal of Valour) | 45 |
| Imtiazi Asnad (Special Mention) | 146 |
| COAS Commendation Cards | 259 |
| Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) | 1 |
Among the awardees were Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, and Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Ashhad Amir, whose missions became textbook examples of modern aerial warfare.
How PAF Outmanoeuvred the Indian Air Force
Tactical Supremacy
According to PAF’s Director General PR, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, the counter-strike was conducted at “a time and place of our choosing,” highlighting the calculated precision of Pakistan’s air defence strategy.
PAF’s J-10 fighters armed with PL-15 long-range missiles exploited a critical Indian intelligence gap. Indian pilots believed the PL-15’s range was around 150 km — in reality, the missile struck from nearly 200 km, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air kills in modern combat history.
International Praise
The operation drew praise from foreign military leaders. Chinese Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Wang Gang called PAF’s performance “exemplary and decisive,” while France’s Air Chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger confirmed the loss of multiple Indian aircraft, including a Rafale.
A Washington Post analysis, based on visual evidence, confirmed at least two French-made Indian fighters were shot down. Indian Navy Captain Shiv Kumar, serving as Defence Attache to Indonesia, later acknowledged the losses during a June seminar.
The Strategic Impact of the Victory
The success of the Pakistan Air Force in this engagement was not just symbolic — it disrupted Indian operational capability. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan neutralised six Indian fighter jets, S-400 air defence batteries, and multiple UAVs, while disabling several Indian airbases.
This confrontation also exposed the vulnerability of India’s air strategy, especially when operating under political restrictions designed to avoid escalation. Analysts suggest these constraints contributed significantly to India’s defeat.
Pakistan Air Force — Guardians of the Skies
The aerial clash reaffirmed PAF’s reputation as one of the most skilled air forces in the region.
Beyond technological advantages, it was pilot training, discipline, and strategic patience that secured victory.
For readers interested in the technological side of this operation, you can explore our detailed coverage of Pakistan’s Breakthrough: PRSC-EO1 Satellite Launch 2025, which highlights how advanced surveillance assets support defence operations.
For further context, Reuters’ full coverage on the incident can be found here: Reuters Special Report.
Legacy of the ‘Marka-i-Haq’
This Independence Day’s awards serve as a lasting reminder of the courage shown by the PAF Shaheens. From senior air marshals to ground technicians, the honours reflect a collective achievement that blends modern technology with timeless bravery.
Summary:
The Pakistan Air Force’s triumph in the recent aerial conflict with India stands as a defining moment in modern South Asian military history. The strategic precision, technological mastery, and unwavering courage displayed by PAF personnel earned them the nation’s highest honours on Independence Day 2025.
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