RAWALPINDI: Former Pakistan Air Force fighter pilot Saif-ul-Azam dies in Dhaka: Air Chief Marshal pays tribute.
The 80-year-old retired group captain died at his residence. He had been suffering from long-term health complications due to old age. Expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Saif-ul-Azam.
According to a statement issued by PAF, the Air Chief paid tribute to Saif-ul-Azam and said that he would always be remembered for his professionalism in the 1965 Indo-Pak war and the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
Saif-ul-Azam was born in 1941 in the Pabna district of East Pakistan and left home at the age of 18 to join the PAF, where he was commissioned as a fighter pilot in 1960, according to the state-run news agency APP.
In the 1965 war, he served in Squadron No. 17 from PAF Sargodha base and in addition to inflicting heavy casualties on the Indian Army, he also carried out 12 ground attack missions and shot down an Indian aircraft on which he received a star and was rewarded with courage.
According to available records, Saif ul-Azam was the only Air Force figure in the history of Bangladesh to have participated in wars on behalf of three different countries, including Jordan, Iraq and Pakistan. In recognition of his heroic services, the Jordanian and Iraqi governments had also awarded him honors.
He was the only fighter pilot to shoot down four Israeli warplanes during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, a world record. In addition, the US government awarded him the Living Eagle in 2001 for his bravery and ability.
After the formation of Bangladesh in 1971, the veteran pilot joined the Bangladesh Air Force. After retiring from the army in 1980, he joined the civil service and later became a member of the Assembly by participating in politics. As a fighter pilot, he was considered a source of pride by the Bangladeshi people due to his unique record.
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for the latest news and updates.
