Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on Friday took charge as the new Chief of Pakistan Air Force at a change of command ceremony in Islamabad.

During the ceremony, the outgoing Air Chief Mujahid Anwar Khan pinned badges on the new air chief and formally handed over the command by presenting the traditional scroll and command sword to Zaheer Ahmed Babar.

A guard of honor was presented to the outgoing and incoming PAF chiefs at the ceremony. And a formation of JF-17 fighter jets presented a salute to them.

The outgoing Air Chief Mujahid Anwar Khan, in his farewell address, said serving Pakistan Air Force for over four decades has been an honor, great privilege, and a matter of immense satisfaction for him.

While referring to the Balakot incident, the outgoing Air Chief said the air force once lived up to the expectations of the nation and proved to be the guardians of blue skies in the operation Swift Retort. "Our response was timely and well-calibrated which kept the adversary at bay," he added.

The outgoing chief congratulated Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on his appointment as the new Air Chief and said that Sidhu is a sound professional with extraordinary leadership qualities. He expressed the confidence that during his tenure, the PAF will scale to new heights of excellence.

Who is Zaheer Ahmad Babar?

Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was born in 1965 and was commissioned in the GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in April 1986. During his career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, an Operational Air Base, and Regional Air Command.

In his staff appointments, he has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (OR&D), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training-Officers), and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.

He has also served as Director-General Projects, Director General Air Force Strategic Command, and Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Air Defence) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, and Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), UK.

In recognition of his outstanding services, he has been awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military).