85th birth anniversary of 1965 war hero Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui observed

18 July, 2020 17:49

85th birth anniversary of 1965 war hero Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui observed across the country today.

The PAF Base, in Shorkot cantt, named after him rekindles the spirit of Sarfaraz Rafiqui chivalry.

85th birth anniversary of 1965 war hero

Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui was born in Rajshahi, erstwhile East Pakistan, on 18 July 1935.

The Pakistani nation celebrated the birth anniversary of 1965’s Indo-Pak war veteran Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui today.

Rafiqui had obtained his early education from St. Anthony’s High School, Lahore. He matriculated from Government High School, Multan in 1948.

Later, he joined Royal Pakistan Air Force with 13 GD (P) course and graduated in 1953 from RPAF College Risalpur. He won the Best Pilot Trophy in his course.

He was appointed Officer Commanding of 14 Squadron in Dhaka in 1962. After a year there, he was transferred to 5 Squadron as OC, which he commanded during the war of 65.

On 6 September 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui led a formation of three F-86 aircrafts on a strike against Halwara airfield.

The formation was intercepted by Indian Air Force Hunter aircrafts. After some time guns of Sarfaraz Rafiqui’s aircraft jammed. However, Sarfaraz Rafiqui refused to leave the battle area and ordered Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry to take over as leader and continue the engagement.

Meanwhile, he tried to give the formation as much protection as was possible with an unarmed aircraft. This act of great valour made Sarfaraz Rafique immortal.

It was the spirit of solidarity, that very brave gesture to stay with the team, which is remembered to this day.

As a Squadron Commander, his act demonstrably inspired other Squadron Commanders and pilots to lead fearlessly. His selfless devotion to duty was acknowledged by the award of a Sitara-e-Jurat as well as a Hilal-e-Jurat.