Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Command and Staff College, Quetta on May 29, 2024. Addressing the course participants at the College, the CAS said, "In contemporary warfare, air power has become the most effective element of military power. A deeper and clear understanding of its application along with associated challenges and advantages is essential for joint operations planning and execution." He emphasized on strength of character for military leadership and highlighted that it is fundamentally important for future military leaders to be instilled with self-discipline and character, poised to rise to future national security challenges resolutely. CAS highlighted that the present military leadership of Pakistan is cohesively working hand in glove to address present and future challenges. Despite the enormity of fiscal and technological constraints the induction of next generation warfare elements, their operationalization and employment in peace and conflict is a testament to the steadfast and resolute will of our military leadership. CAS also provided an overview of the latest inductions in the PAF's arsenal that have significantly bolstered the aerial defense capabilities of the country. He highlighted the dynamic initiatives of PAF leadership aimed at cultivating cutting-edge human resource, revamping of training and fostering of indigenous capabilities in order to address the contemporary warfare challenges. Discussing the salient features of National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), a project of paramount strategic importance operating under the umbrella of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the CAS termed it a game changer in the technological and economic growth of Pakistan.
Emphasizing the PAF's commitment to incorporating niche technologies through fast-paced strategic inductions from friendly countries and various indigenous initiatives, the CAS shared the organization's vision to evolve into a potent Next Generation Air Force. He also highlighted the progress achieved by PAF in the emerging domains of cyber and space, demonstrating the commitment of PAF leadership to ensuring an impregnable defense of the country. Referring to the regional geopolitical environment, CAS said that Pakistan Air Force is fully cognizant of the security challenges and is actively pursuing its operational development plans. He further added that PAF attaches utmost importance to operational preparedness and remains ready to respond to any challenge to the national security with a firm resolve to remain true to its legacy as "Second to None".