PAF Squadron History

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No.20 Squadron was the first unit to be equipped with the F-7P in 1988-89. F-7P was to take the role as the backbone of PAF from the F-6s for the coming twenty years.

 

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Air Chief Marshal Abbas Khattak (the tallest amongst all) among the group of fighter pilots of No. 9 Squadron.

 

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A group photo members of No. 11 Squadron 'Arrows' pilots. After the arrival of F-16s in January 1983, No. 11 Squadron served as Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). [Picture courtesy: M Altaf Saleemi via Omar Khalid]

 

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A group photo members of No. 9 Squadron 'Griffins' 1987. Squadron Commander Wing Commander Abdul Razzak (5th from Left), Flt Lt Badr & Sqn Ldr Hameed Qadri are standing 7th & 4th from Left.

 

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A group photo members of No. 9 Squadron 'Griffins'. [Picture courtesy: M Altaf Saleemi via Omar Khalid]

A group photo members of No. 11 Squadron 'Arrows', Sargodha 1988. [Picture courtesy: M Altaf Saleemi via Omar Khalid]

 

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Officers Of No. 16 Squadron With Their Officer Commanding Wing Commander Shadab, Circa 1994.

In 1988, this squadron was stationed at PAF Base Rafiqui, and was equipped with A-5 aircraft. The year was full of operational commitments. In addition to one Flat Out and two Wide Awake Exercises, the squadron carried out the Long Shadow Exercise in February, and Hit Hard-VI, VII and VIII in April, June, and August 1988, respectively. In addition, the Fake-XIV and Shako Exercises were also carried out.

The squadron also participated in a Durandal bomb drop exercise at Sonmiani range in December. In the later half of the year, 1 vs. 1 DACT missions were carried out, evaluating the performance of the A-5 against the F-7P in close combat.

In 1989, apart from taking part in Hit Hard exercises, the squadron participated in the Armement Competition. During the Fire Power Demonstration that followed the competition, the squadron carried out level delivery of Mk-82 bombs. During the month of May, five more aircraft were added to the squadron's inventory.

In November 1989, the squadron was deployed at PAF Base Farid for Exercise High Mark. At the end of the year, the Inter-Squadron Dive Bombing Competition was held between 16 and 26 Squadrons, which the 16 Squadron won.

During 1990, the squadron carried out one Flat Out and three Wide Awake exercises. Exercise Tondo-II, III, and IV were also carried out. In the middle of the year, the Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Zafar, went to China to carry out evaluation trials in A-5M and F aircraft. The squadron pilots also went to Sargodha to undergo SCUP.

During 1991, three FT-6 aircraft, fitted with Martin Baker seats, were added to the inventory of the squadron. In addition to the exercises Flat Out and Wide Awake, the squadron also participated in Exercise Combat-VI, Sore Eyes-III, and Condor-II. During November, the squadron moved to Multan and during its stay there, it flew 115 sorties with 100 per cent serviceability and reliability.

During 1992, the squadron carried out four Wide Awake and three Flat Out exercises. The squadron also participated in DACT Camp in April and May. In June, Exercise King Cobra was held in which the squadron achieved 100 per cent results. During 1993, in addition to the routine exercises, the squadron carried out DACT in month of May and participated in High Mark Exercise in October. During 1995, the squadron participated in the exercise Saffron Bandit followed by exercise High Mark.

In January 1996, the squadron proceeded to Masroor for air-to-air firing. During this year, three Wide Awake and three Flat Out exercises were also carried out. During 1997, the squadron participated in exercise Fire Fox in March. This was an Air Defence exercise aimed at generating low level tracks for interceptors.

The year 1997 was full of squadron movements. The squadron was deployed twice to Minhas for a DACT Camp, and to Murid and Minhas as the runway of its parent base was being re-carpeted. The squadron was also deployed at Chaklala for ADA duties.

The last deployment was at Sargodha for participation in the exercise Saffron Bandit. The squadron also participated in the fly-past on 7 September in connection with Pakistan's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Besides, the squadron carried out routine Wide Awake and Flat Out exercises. In one of the Wide Awake exercise, the canopy of an A-5 aircraft blew-off in the air, while it was proceeding to the range. The aircraft landed safely at the home base. It was during this year that operations on the Jamurd Range were discontinued as it was handed over to civil authorities.

In April 1998, the squadron participated in exercise Zarb-e-Aahen and exhibited a high standard of professionalism that was appreciated by the Corps Commander who had witnessed the entire exercise. In appreciation of the performance of the squadron pilots, he visited the squadron along with AOC, NAC, Air Vice Marshal Pervaiz Mirza, and presented a memento to the squadron. The squadron was awarded the ACES Trophy for the best performance, from among all tactical attack squadrons, in the year 1997.

 

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No. 8 Squadron

The No. 8 Tactical Attack Squadron is the only squadron in the PAF that provides maritime support missions to the Pakistan Navy, in addition to carrying out its normal operational commitments as a strike platform. The squadron aircraft are capable of carrying the Exocet Antiship Missile. Although, the squadron was at full operational status, the inventory of the squadron was completed after the induction of six Mirages in December 1993. During the last decade, the squadron had the opportunity to participate in a number of operational exercises during which its performance remained exceptional. The squadron was deployed at Sargodha in 1990, 1992, 1995, and 1997 in connection with SCUP and Saffron Bandit exercises. As a strike platform, the squadron was pitched against F-6, F-7 and F-16 aircraft and it engaged all its assigned targets successfully. The CCS duly acknowledged the immaculate planning, professional execution, and high standards of flight safety particularly during the mass raids conducted by the squadron. For DACT camps, the squadron was deployed to bases and satellites like Samungli, Minhas, Shahbaz and Multan. Besides, various squadrons were also invited to the home base for the same purpose. The squadron pilots were continually exposed to the entire inventory of the PAF during the period. The innovation and initiative remained the hallmark of the squadron's weapon employment, exhibiting extremely high standards of training. During exercises High Mark-93 and 95, the squadron lived up to its reputation of sustaining back bending operations from Chander and Shahbaz, and performed exceptionally well without compromising on flight safety. The squadron maintains a close liaison with the Pakistan Navy. Exercises such as Sea Spark and Nasim-ul-Bahr are regularly conducted, covering the entire coastal region of Pakistan. A squadron contigent is required to activate the Pasni airfield and conduct operations from both the coastal airfields simultaneously. During on of the Nasim-ul-Bahr exercises, Wing Commander Shahid Latif, the Officer Commanding of the squadron, fired an exocet missile against a decommissioned Pakistan Navy ship, PNS Shahjehan, scoring a direct hit. The squadron also participated in the ISAC-96. Among the sixteen operational squadrons participating in this event, this squadron earned the second position. During exercise Inspired Alert, the squadron had the unique opportunity of facing USN combat aircraft such as F-14 and F-18, and it put up an impressive performance in a series of these exercises during the period 1994 to 1997. The squadron also conducted successful mass raids against naval ships, with precision, and achieved exceptional results. It took part in the Missile Firing Camp-1998, and it emerged in first place amongst the tactical attack squadrons for the ACES trophy, in 1996. All along, the squadron continued to strive for the Base the Flight Safety Trophy in 1997. On 24 September 1992, Flight Lieutenant Ali and Flight Lieutenant Mazhar intercepted a stray Indian Naval Battleship, INS Talwar, in Pakistan's territorial waters. These young men ushered it out of our territorial limits and such an occarance has not been repeated since.

 

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No. 9 Squadron

The story of No 9 Squadron dates back to May 1944 when it made its operational debut in Burma during WW II. It was formed on January 3, 1944 at Lahore on the Hurricane IIC. It converted to the Spitfire VIII in 1945 and was initialized in June 1945. Squadron Leader M. Asghar Khan, later Air Marshal and first Pakistani Pakistani Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force was its commander at this time. The squadron was reformed at Peshawar on August 15, 1947 and among its earliest achievements was the creation of a four-plane aerobatic team, claimed to be the first in the subcontinent. It has always remained a favored squadron in the PAF. Equipped with Hurricane II C aircraft, it engaged in extensive operations in WWII theatre and was awarded a souvenir Japanese general's sword in recognition of its meritorious services. In the years that followed, the squadron maintained itself in a high state of combat preparedness on a succession of the latest fighter aircraft of their time: Spitfire VIII, Tempest 11, Fury, Starfighter, Mirage, and most recently, the Fighting Falcon. Five of its squadron commanders - M Asghar Khan, A Rahim Khan, Zafar A Chaudhry, Zulfiqar Ali Khan and Jamal A Khan - rose to lead the Pakistan Air Force. Originally raised at Risalpur on 13 November 43, the squadron was allotted to the RPAF upon partition at the instance of Squadron Leader Asghar Khan, who had commanded it in 1945 and was a member of the Air Force Reconstitution Committee in July 47. In its new capacity as the first fighter squadron of the RPAF, it was formed at Peshawar on 15th August 1947 with 8 Tempest aircraft under the command of Squadron Leader M Ibrahim Khan. After flying Tempests for almost three years, the squadron converted onto the Hawker Fury fighters in July 50. In November 56, the unit moved to Kohat which was to become its home for the next five years. In 1961, the squadron's decade-long association with Furies as well as its piston-engined chapter came to an end. In March 61 came the F-104 Starfighters - the ultimate in aircraft technology at that time. In the PAF, 9 Squadron was the only recipient of this awe inspiring Mach 2 fighter which, through its sheer power and speed, struck terror in enemy ranks in both the India-Pakistan Wars. The Starfighters, after rendering valuable service for more than a decade, faded out of Pakistani skies in the early 70s. No 9 Squadron reemerged at Rafiqui in January 1973 as a tactical attack unit, equipped with brand new Mirage-V aircraft. On 15 June 77, it became an OCU with the task of converting pilots onto Mirage fighters. On 31st August 1981, it moved to PAF Masroor and remained there till the middle of 1984. As an OCU, the squadron graduated 15 conversion courses on Mirages and in June 84, the squadron changed its location once again and moved to Sargodha, where it was reequipped with F-16 Fighting Falcons and was redesignated as No 9 Multi-Role Squadron. It was on this aircraft that Squadron Leader Hameed Qadri shot down an Afghan Air Force Su-22 and damaged another while flying an air defence mission over Parachinar on 17 July 86. 9 Squadron's record in war has been as striking as its achievements in peacetime. In the 1965 war it flew air defence, fighter escort and recce missions from the city of Shaheens on its fabled Starfighters. On 6th September Flight Lieutenant Aftab shot down an IAF Mystere which was attacking Rahwali. On the 7th Flight Lieutenant Amjad H Khan accounted for another Mystere. Squadron Leader Jamal A Khan intercepted and shot down 1 IAF Canberra at night. For their acts of valour Squadron Leaders Jamal A Khan and M. L.Middlecoat and Flight Lieutenant Amjad H Khan were decorated with Sitara-i-Juraat. Soon after the start of the 1971 war the Squadron flew its Starfighters to PAF Masroor. There, while performing air defence day/night strikes, recce and escort duties, its pilots shot down an Indian Gnat, a Su-7 and an Alize. Squadron Leader Amjad H Khan ejected in Indian territory while attacking a radar and was taken prisoner of war. Wing Commander M L Middlecoat and Flight Lieutenant Samad Changezi made the supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives in defence of the fatherland; both Shaheeds were posthumously awarded the Sitara-i-Juraat. For its meritorious services in war and peace, the squadron was awarded the squadron colour on 25th January 1979. The scrolls around the squadron crest in the middle of the banner carry the battle honours: 'Sargodha 65' and 'Karachi 71'. The squadron crest itself is a griffin; a mythical creature with an eagle's head and wings and a lion's body signifying immeasurable strength, aggressiveness and vigilance.

 

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No. 9 Multi Role Squadron is the senior-most squadron of the PAF and has always been considered its most elite unit. The F-86, F-104, Mirage, and the F-16 aircraft have been on the inventory of this squadron. Since Air Marshal Asghar Khan, seven Chiefs of the Air Staff have been members of this squadron.

Undoubtedly no other PAF Squadron pilots can be as proud of his history as a Griffin. This squadron celebrated its fifty year anniversary on 14 October 1993. The Griffins, in their unique style, made the occasion a memorable one.

The squadron was awarded 'Best Combat Ready Squadron', 'Combat Flying Training' and 'Maintenance Efficiency' trophies for the year 1991, and earned the title of 'Top Gun-1991'. The squadron again won the 'Inter-Squadron Maintenance Efficiency Trophy' for the year 1993. The Griffins led the Pakistan Day fly-past contigent and won the 'Best Formation Trophy' for the year 1996. It also earned the coveted title of 'Sher Afgan' by securing the first position in the ISAC-96. Squadron Leader Aasim Zaheer was declared 'Sher Afgan' of the competition.

The Griffins had the distinction of being the 'Best Multi-Role Squadron' of the PAF in 1996. It also won the 'Maintenance Efficieny Trophy' for the year 1996-97. In 1997, it earned the 'War Preparedness' and 'Best Combat Ready Squadron' trophies for the year, and yet again was declared 'Top Gun'. The squadron was deployed at PAF Base Samungli on 27 May 1998 to provide air defence cover in connection with the nuclear tests. It successfully accomplished the deployment at very short notice.

Wing Commander Azher Hasan, Officer Commanding, 9 Squadron, PAF, appeared in a live TV interview on PTV World in connection with the Defence Day Celebrations in 1998. It was acknowledgement of the squadron's performance and the meritorious services rendered to the PAF and to the nation. Wing Commander Azher Hasan, in his interview, talked about the history and contributions made by the squadron in times of peace and war.

The squadron took part in all the operational exercises that the PAF normally conducts. These included DACT Camps, Saffron Bandit, High Mark exercises, multinational exercises and numerous air defence exercises. Five pilots of this squadron moved to Masroor with their aircraft on 7 October 1996 to participate in the ISAC-96.

The team won the 'Sher Afgan Trophy'. The squadron came out as the best amongst the finest in the Air Force. It participated in the Pakistan Independence Day Golden Jubilee fly-past in 7 September 1997, along with the Turkish Air Force team of four F-16 aircraft, that had flown to Pakistan especially for the purpose. The squadron also participated in the air show at the Capital Park Islamabad, arranged by the PAF on 24 November 1997 to mark the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations. Wing Commander Azher Hasan performed solo aerobatics.

The No. 9 Squadron was regularly visited by VIPs, and foreign dignitaries including the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman JCSC, C-in-C US Central Command, and several other foreign Chiefs of Air Staff.

Important Events

• Fly Pasts for the celebration parades of the first anniversary of the independence day at Miranshah, Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu.
• The Squadron formed the first aerobatics team in the subcontinent.
• The Red Dragons Formation was formed in this squadron in 1957.
• The Squadron won the Flight Safety Trophy in 1960.
• The Squadron participated in CENTO Exercise "Mid Link" in 1974 at Masroor.
• Squadron Colour presentation in 1979 by Defence Minister Ali Ahmed Talpur.
• SHERAFGHAN & Winner of Inter Squadron Armament Competition 1996.

 

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Pakistan Air Force F-16 Pilots From No.9 & No.11 Squadron Group Photo With ACM Mushaf Ali Mir, CAS PAF And Base Commander Sargodha Air Base, March 23, 2001.

 

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No. 9 Squadron Commanders

Rank Name Date Wg Cdr Shahzad Chaudhry Jul-1987 Tariq M Ashraf Feb-1989 Farhat H Khan Feb-1991 Shahid Dad Feb-1993 Waseem Uddin Aug-1994 Zahid Qadeer Malik Jan-1996 Azhar H Bukhari Jul-1997 Ashfaque Arain Jan-1999 Muhammed Iqbal Jul-2000 Azhar H Rizvi Jul-2002 Jawad Saeed Aug-2003 Aamir Masood May-2005

 

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No. 10 Squadron

With the induction of B-57 bombers in the PAF, an operational conversion unit was raised at Mauripur on 15 August 59, to train pilots and navigator-bombardiers for No 8 B-57 Squadron. The training unit was named No 10 Squadron and it carried out its assigned task for a little over six months. In March 1960, a second operational B-57 squadron, No 7, was formed which, together with its sister unit No 8 constituted No 31 Wing. Consequent upon this development, No 10 Squadron was number-plated on 1st March 1960.

 

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No. 11 Squadron

No 11 Squadron, known as the 'Arrows', has the singular distinction of being the first jet squadron of the PAF. The squadron occupies a glorious place in the annals of PAF history; it is credited with the highest number of 'kills' in the two wars the country has fought and the famous PAF ace Squadron Leader M M Alam belonged to this family of air warriors. The squadron was also honored in 1983 by being the first PAF unit to be equipped with the F-16 Fighting Falcon. No 11 Squadron was first formed as a light bomber unit on 1 January 49 at RPAF Station Mauripur; it was to be equipped with twin-engined Brigand aircraft. However, the first Brigand crashed on its way to Pakistan and procurement of these aircraft was cancelled; the squadron was number-plated in February 1949. Two years later, in June 1951, the unit was revived under its first squadron commander, Squadron Leader A Rahim Khan, with the new role of fighter interceptor and this time it had the privilege of being equipped with the first jet fighter in the PAF inventory, the SuperMarine Attacker. It remained the only jet squadron in the PAF until the large scale induction of F-86F Sabers in the mid-50s. The unit was reequipped with Sabers on 18th January 1956, and its role was changed from Fighter-Interceptor to that of Fighter-Bomber Squadron. In 1965 the squadron was a part of the elite 33 Wing at Sargodha. After proving its mettle in the 1965 India-Pakistan War the squadron was reequipped in 1966 with the Shenyang F-6 (the Chinese-built Mig-19) and its role was changed to air superiority. The squadron shifted to PAF Base Rafiqui in January 71 and remained stationed there till January 83. In between, it operated during the 1971 War once again from Sargodha. In January 1983 the squadron was moved back to Sargodha to be reequipped with F-16s; its role was then changed to that of a multi-role squadron. No 11 Squadron can boast of many distinguished pilots and squadron commanders. Three of its commanders reached the top leadership of the PAF: A Rahim Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Khan and M Anwar Shamim. Squadron Leader F S Hussain, its squadron commander in the year 1953, became a legendary figure in the PAF for his highly professional and daring aerobatics displays. M M Alam became a household name in Pakistan after his unprecedented achievements in the 1965 war. Operating from Sargodha in September 65 the squadron flew 227 sorties in the seventeen days of war with India. The unit was employed on air defence duties as well as in support of the army. It was credited with shooting down 10 Hunters and 3 Gnats and damaging 3 Hunters, together forming a significant proportion of total PAF air victories. Squadron Leader Alam claimed 9 aircraft in only three sorties and also had the singular distinction of shooting down 5 Hunters in a single combat sortie. Flight Lieutenants Jilani, Yousuf Ali and Saad Hatmi shot down 1 Gnat each. Only 1 aircraft was lost due to enemy action and the pilot, Flying Officer Shaukat, flying as Alam's wingman on a fighter sweep over India, was taken prisoner of war. The officers who were awarded combat decorations in the 65 war, included Squadron Leader M M Alam (Sitara-i-Juraat with Bar) and Flight Lieutenants S A Hatmi and Yousaf Ali Khan (both Sitara-e-Juraat). The squadron was again located at Sargodha for the 1971 war during which it flew several air defence and close support missions. During these operations the 'Arrows' were credited with two kills; Flight Lieutenant Atiq Sufi shot down a Su-7 and Flight Lieutenant Aamer Ali Sharieff a Mig-21. Only 1 aircraft was lost in action and its pilot Flight Lieutenant Wajid A Khan was taken prisoner of war. Formal recognition of 11 Squadron's acts of valour and meritorious services in defence of the fatherland came in the form of a colour presentation on 18th November 1974 at PAF Base, Rafiqui. The colour was presented by the Prime Minister, Mr Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The battle honour inscribed on one of the scrolls of the banner reads: 'Sargodha 65'. The squadron crest consists of an arrow encircled by eleven stars signifying the pursuit of professional excellence. In 1981, No 11 Squadron won the professionals trophy for its performance in exercise Jetstream.

 

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After playing a significant role in the Afghan War, this squadron maintained its legendary traditions during numerous operational exercises in the last decade. It made a landmark contribution to the history of the PAF by winning the 'Top Gun' trophy of ACES, three years in a row, in 1993, 1994, and 1995.

While deployed at Masroor in February 1990, the squadron carried out GB trials at Sonmiani air-to-ground range and also participated in exercise Hit Hard-XII. In July 1991, the squadron participated in a DACT Camp against 5, 18 and 20 Squadrons. There was an imminent threat to our nuclear installations in early 1992, and the squadron had to fly the national contingency 'Thunderbolt' for a period from 19 February 1992 onwards.

During the last decade, the squadron remained very busy during all the operational, air defence and multi-national exercises, as well as Saffron Bandit, DACT Camps, Inspired Alert etc. Besides, the squadron is also an operational conversion unit for the F-16 aircraft. Therefore, the squadron is responsible for conducting these courses. The squadron achieved a unique distinction when all of its instructors gathered on-type flying experience in excess of 1,000 hours.
During High Mark-93, the squadron achieved 100 per cent of the allotted task; the squadron earned 225 kills out of all the shots claimed. ATLIS attack had a 100 per cent success rate. The squadron secured third position in the ISAC-96, held at Masroor.


After the nuclear tests by India in May 1998, the tension in the borders heightened. The PAF was out on higher alert and the squadron was moved to its wartime location on 24 May 1998. In spite of the very hot weather and the degraded facilities at the satellite, the squadron measured up to the task, and successfully and satisfactorily performed the day and night ADA duties till Pakistan's tests were completed on 28 May 1998.

The Inspectorate team visited the squadron on 28 October 1991 and termed the inspection as exceptional. The ACES team visited the squadron on 8 February 1993 and the squadron won three out of four trophies, including 'Top Gun' for the year 1993.

During ORI of 1995, the squadron won the ACES trophy for the second consecutive time, winning three out of four trophies again. In 1996, the squadron achieved a landmark in the history of the PAF by retaining the coveted ACES trophy for the third consecutive time. During ACES inspection in 1997, the squadron secured the second position, staying very close to the 'Top Gun' squadron for the year 1998.


The squadron had the honor of receiving a number of important visitors, including the Prime Ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs if Staff, the Defence Ministers and the Chief of Air Staff.

 

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No. 12 Squadron

No 12 Squadron was formed in March 50 with Squadron Leader A K S Ahmed as its first commanding officer. It was at first a heavy bomber squadron with 8 Halifax 4-engined WW II bombers and started flying on 5 April with 2 MK VIII and 6 MK V1 aircraft. The squadron was number-plated on 18 August 50 and all its aircraft were placed in long term storage at RPAF Station Mauripur. The unit was reactivated in 1951 and resumed operations in the month of August. In October, the squadron took part in exercise 'Wise Owl' and carried out practice bombing on Churna Island; parachute flare dropping was also carried out during night practices. In September 1953 the unit was converted into No 12 Composite Squadron with Squadron Leader Mukhtar Dogar as its Officer Commanding. It was assigned a variety of tasks including VIP and Air Headquarters communication flights on Viking and Dakota aircraft, target towing for ack on Furies, and heavy bomber operations on Halifax’s . In early 1954 the squadron received 2 new Bristol Freighters followed soon after by 2 Wayfarers and 2 Tempests. In May a Freighter specially equipped for paratrooping was added to the fleet. In February 57, the squadron flew its newly acquired SA-16 Albatross maritime aircraft in a sea rescue exercise in cooperation with the Navy. In November 58, the SA-16s participated in the CENTO exercise 'Midlink' held at Karachi. The SA-16 that was primarily meant for Sea Search and Rescue, was equipped with special search radars and had an exceptionally long endurance. In August 59, SA-16s participated in exercise 'Jet North' which also involved the Navies of UK and New Zealand. In November, during exercise 'Midlink-11', the squadron flew its longest ever non-stop flight of 15.45 hours in an SA-16. On 9 July 60, the squadron was moved from Mauripur to Chaklala, where it was equipped with a Fokker F-27 aircraft for the use of VIPs and visiting dignitaries. On 15 February 77, the squadron received a DA-20 Falcon for VIP flights while in October 78, a Piper Seneca-II belonging to the Atomic Energy Commission was also assigned to the squadron for operation.

The role of the No. 12 Squadron is to transport VIPs, both home and abroad. It is also responsible for the calibration of navigational aids throughout the country. The squadron flies the President, the Prime Minister, the CAS, foreign heads of state, and other important dignitaries. A C-130 carrying the President of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, the American Ambassador to Pakistan, and several others from Bahawalpur to Chaklala, crashed on 17 August 1988, killing everybody on board. The Officer Commanding 12 Squadron, Wing Commander Mashood, was the captain of the ill-fated aircraft. On 31 January 1989, Group Captain Maqsood, Wing Commander Sabahat and Wing Commander Inam operated the first VIP flight from a Boeing 707. From 24 June to 8 July 1990, the squadron flew eleven relief flights to Tehran on the Boeing 707 aircraft. The Prime Minister of Pakistan was flown to Kuwait 25 March 1991. This was just after the Gulf War, when the Kuwait airport had no navigational aids and the city was engulfed in thick clouds of rising smoke from the burning oil wells. From 14 to 22 May 1991, the squadron flew six relief missions to Dhaka. In 1994, a PIA Boeing 737 was officially handed over to the PAF for VIP commitments. Initially, eight officers were sent abroad for training. They continued their line training with the Boeing company instructors in Pakistan. The Boeing 737 flew for its first VIP sorite with the President of Pakistan on 13 December 1994. The operating crew included Wing Commander Jamal, Wing Commander Anjum and Squadron Leader Aasim. On 7 November 1995, after take-off from Darwin, Australia with President Farooq A. Leghari on board, the No. 1 engine of the Boeing 707 caught fire, and suffered severe damage and the rupture of a fuel tank. Wing Commander Kamal, who was occupying the captain's seat at than time, landed the aircraft safely at Darwin. From 15 to 20 October 1995, a number of missions were flown to Kandhar and Mazar-e-Sharif on DA-20 and F-27 aircraft, as part of the shuttle diplomacy between Pakistan and Afghanistan. During 1997, a number of peace missions were flown to various cities of Afghanistan including Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kandhar, and Shabbarghan, carrying Mr. Iftikhar Murshad, Additional Secretary of Afghanistan Affairs and others, for negotiations between the Talibans and Iran. During one such mission on 12 July 1997, while flying at night from Mazar-e-Sharif to Peshawar, the aicraft, Fokker F-27, was diverted to Mazar-e-Sharif due to an inflight emergency. Because of lack of communication facilities and poor lighting conditions on the runway, it was about to be shot down by the Afghans who mistook ot for an enemy aircraft. However, it landed safely. Wing Commander Khalid Kamal was the captain of the aircraft. As in the previous year, extensive peace missions were flown to Afghanistan carrying the Additional Secretary of Afghanistan Affairs, Foreign Office Officials, a Saudi Prince, and an Iranian delegation. These dignitaries were meeting for negotiations, and to ease tension between Iran and Afghanistan. As a result of these peace missions, the Government of Afghanistan released five captured drivers initially, and all the remaining prisoners later, who were flown to Islamabad in a Fokker aircraft. During the month of July 1997, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi was converted on DA-20, and flew his first mission to Lahore on 28 July 1997. From January 1993 to April 1994, the squadron flew 181 hours on the Boeing 707 aircraft, in support of the United Nation's peacekeeping mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. Between May 1993 and June 1998, the squadron flew 950 hours for missions to Ankara, Colombo, and Almaty as chartered flights for Shaheen Air Cargo.