ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP):Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu has expressed his profound grief on the sad demise of former Chief of the Air Staff, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Chief Marshal (R) Farooq Feroze Khan.
The Air Chief extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal bliss of the departed soul, said a PAF media release.
Lauding the meritorious services of the late Air Chief Marshal, the CAS said that Air Chief Marshal (ACM-R) Farooq Feroze Khan was an epitome of Professional excellence and grace, and would remain a role model for the coming generations of PAF officers, airmen and civilians alike.
Born on August 17, 1939 ACM (R) Farooq Feroze Khan joined PAF after completing his Senior Cambridge from PAF Public School, Sargodha and was selected for training at the USAF Academy. He was commissioned in PAF on 04 January, 1959 in the 27th GD(P) Course. A graduate of Fighter Leaders School, Khan commanded No 9 Squadron, No 33 Wing and two fighter bases-PAF Bases, Sargodha and Masroor. He also had the distinction of commanding a Fighter Wing in the United Arab Emirates Air Force for three years. He participated in both 1965 & 1971 wars; and was awarded Sitara-e-Basalat for his bravery and valour. He was also decorated with Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military).
Some of his prominent Staff appointments included Personal Staff Officer to the Chief of Air Staff, Assistant Commandant of PAF Air War College, ACAS (Plans), AOC Southern and Central Air Commands, DCAS (Operations) and Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He was seconded to the Pakistan International Airlines as Managing Director before assuming command of the PAF in 1991.
He served as Chief of the Air Staff, PAF from 09 March 1991 – 08 November 1994. He also held the prestigious appointment of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from 10 November, 1994 – 09 November 1997. The late Air Chief Marshal also served as President of Pakistan Hockey Federation during 1990-91.
