AIR CHIEF MARSHAL (RETIRED) HAKIMULLAH LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
24 February, 2024: Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hakimullah passed away at the age of 88 at PAF Hospital, Islamabad on Friday after a prolonged illness. The Former Air Chief was laid to rest at his native village, Sheikh Kali in Charsadda with full military honours. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented gun salute at his grave. After the burial, floral wreaths were placed at the grave of the deceased on behalf of President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff and other dignitaries. High ranking civil and military officials attended the last prayers of the deceased and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hakimullah was born on 15 October, 1935 in Charsadda disrict of Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa. He completed his training at the then Royal PAF College Risalpur and was commissioned in the GD(P) branch of Pakistan Air Force on 11 January, 1957. He excelled as a fighter pilot, demonstrating exceptional skills and enthusiasm in deterring enemy aims during both the 1965 and 1971 wars. He played a crucial role in engagements, forcing an enemy Gnat pilot to force-land in Pakistani territory and leading successful missions against India showcasing his courage and leadership abilities. During his illustrious career he commanded a Fighter Squadron, Flying Wing and an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force. As an Air Officer he was appointed as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety), Senior Air Staff
Officer at Air Defence Command and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations). Later, he was appointed as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) and as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration), before taking over the command of Pakistan Air Force in March 1988 from which he retired on 09 March, 1991. In recognition of his unmatched bravery and courage he was awarded the war decorations of Sitara-e-Jurat and Tamgha-e-Basalat. He was also a recipient of the coveted Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).
In his message, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force said that the services rendered by Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hakimullah for Pakistan Air Force would always be remembered. He also wished eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed the hope that the bereaved family would be able to bear the loss with courage and fortitude.
China-Pakistan 🇨🇳 🤝 🇵🇰
Mr Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China called on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at GHQ today.
During the meeting matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation were discussed.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said that Pakistan and China are all weather strategic partners. He acknowledged Pakistan's efforts towards regional peace and stability and also conveyed China’s satisfaction on security arrangements for CPEC projects.
COAS thanked the visiting dignitary for his warm remarks and said that relations between Pakistan and China are founded on a common understanding of regional peace, stability and prosperity for the people of both countries.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar today held a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) was also present at the occasion.
The leaders underlined that Pakistan and the UAE have historic and deep-rooted fraternal ties which have stood the test of time. They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and the UAE. Prime Minister Kakar expressed profound gratitude for the UAE’s firm support to Pakistan in economic and financial domain. The UAE is home to 1.8 million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.
During the meeting, regional and global developments were also discussed with particular reference to the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestine. The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s support to a just and durable solution of the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s full support to the UAE’s Presidency for COP 28, underlining its importance as an opportunity for meaningful progress towards effective and result-oriented global actions in key areas to mitigate climate impact including establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of MoUs between Pakistan and the UAE pertaining to investment cooperation in the sectors of Energy, Port Operations Projects, Waste Water Treatment, Food Security, Logistics, Minerals, and Banking & Financial Services. These MoUs will unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from United Arab Emirates into Pakistan and will help realize various initiatives envisioned under Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Prime Minister termed the signing of MoUs as a historic event that will usher in a new era of Pak-UAE economic partnership.
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