LAHORE: Pakistan Air Force on Friday organised an art exhibition of aviation paintings and aircraft models at Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore to commemorate the contributions of PAF in the defence of the country’s aerial frontiers.
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.In the exhibition, which was themed as “Pakistan Air Force in defence of aerial frontiers and in service of our proud nation – Pakistan”, paintings of Group Captain (r) Hussaini and aircraft models were displayed to project the historical perspective of PAF contributions.
The CM appreciated the theme and purpose of the exhibition and said “it was an excellent way to transfer our proud heritage to next generations through historical paintings”. He further said that the whole nation acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs of 1965 and 1971.He also said that the whole nation stands behind the air force in these testing times.
He lauded the PAF for holding the exhibition depicting the historical development of PAF over the years and particularly it’s prominent and admirable role in the 1965 war for safeguarding their motherland. The CM said that the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan Army in 1965 war were deeply valued by the nation. He said that Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy displayed exemplary discipline and professional abilities and defeated an enemy three times their size.
He further said that the nation also displayed commendable spirit and stood by its armed forces in the defence of the motherland.He said that there was a need to revive the spirit of 1965 war and move ahead to make Pakistan a sovereign and dignified country in the comity of nations.Shahbaz Sharif said that the war against poverty, unemployment, injustice, corruption and terrorism would have to be won at any cost for transforming Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.
He expressed confidence that the most daunting challenges could be countered with honesty, commitment and hard work. He said that peace was essential for the progress and development of the country. The nations which remained at loggerheads in the past, achieved the goal of progress through mutual harmony and peaceful coexistence, he added.Shahbaz Sharif said that the valiant jawans of the Pakistan army laid down their lives in the defence of the geographical frontiers of their country. He said that the nation had high hopes from its armed forces and expects that it would defend the motherland with the same spirit as was shown by it in 1965 war.
The CM paid tribute to the PAF for extending all-out help to the flood victims of 2010 and its assistance to the Punjab government in this regard, Later, the CM was presented a painting of Group Captain (r) Masood Hussaini by Pakistan Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt.A large number of PAF veterans, dignitaries and people from different walks of life were also present on the occasion. The exhibition would remain open for the general public until September 10.
Later, Shahbaz Sharif went to the memorial for the martyrs of the 1965 war in Batapur. He offered Fateha and prayed for the martyrs. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz that there was a need to revive the spirit and passion of 1965. He said that the nation would have to pledge that it would forge unity and defend the sovereignty and integrity of the country at any cost. The CM also met the families of the martyrs. – DailyTtimes
