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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Chaklala Airbase Renamed as Nur Khan Airbase

Pakistan Air Force has renamed the Chaklala airbase as Nur Khan Airbase to acknowledge the 1st native Air Chief of  Pakistan Air Force, late Air Marshal (r) Nur Khan.  Air Marshal (r) Nur Khan  was first Base Commander of the Chaklala airbase.

The renaming ceremony was attended by the Air Marshal (r) Asghar Khan and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt along with other retired air chiefs.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt said in his speech, "Air Marshal Nur Khan, with his wisdom and foresight, elevated both men and machines under his charge, to near perfection. He had the charisma to inspire and infuse the spirit among men under his command to perform their duties most meticulously, regardless whether it was the time of peace or war."

"He was the most shining example of a fearless leader who always led through personal example whether it was famous C-130 night sortie in 1965 or later, the daring overpowering of the Fokker hijacker as the PIA boss."

In 1965, the base participated in 23rd March fly-past with six C-1 30s, which was probably the largest ever fly-past with 128 aircraft of PAF. During 1965 war the Base carried out 17 trans-frontier combat missions and the second of the missions called "Operation Gibralter" was personally led by Air Marshal Nur Khan. Later, Air Chief presented souvenirs to Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Begum Farhat nur Khan. Begum Farhat Nur Khan exhibiting her deep love and affection for PAF presented a rare and priceless Aviation painting to the Air Chief.

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