ABBOTTABAD: The first Pakistani commander in chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Marshal (r) Muhammad Asghar Khan was laid to rest in his native village Nawanshehr, Abbottabad, with full state and military honour on Saturday. Formation of four K-8 trainer and four T-37 aircrafts from the PAF Academy presented a fly past in the honour of the great leader. The aircrafts flew the famous ‘Missing Airman’ formation, which is an aerial salute indicating the departure of fallen air warrior for eternal abode. Later, a smartly turned-out PAF contingent presented the gun salute. Floral wreaths on behalf of chief of the air staff and other dignitaries were also laid on the grave of the departed soul. Earlier in morning, state funeral was held at PAF Base Nur Khan. The funeral parade was attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, ministers, ex-PAF air chiefs, ambassadors, diplomats, war veterans, senior civil and military officials of tri-services and a large number of people from all walks of life. The family members were also present at the occasion. After the funeral the coffin was transported to Abbottabad by a PAF helicopter. Paying rich tribute to the selfless services of iconic Air Marshal (r) Asghar Khan, the air chief said in his message that he was a beacon of inspiration for the entire rank and file of the PAF.
Published in Daily Times, January 7th 2018.
