Sentinels of the skies

A Tribute to Air Warriors ’65

Group Captain Aslam Bazmi gives a poetic tribute to the PAF’s 1965 heroes.

It was a rare feast

Thirty-six years ago

For our daring eagles

The PAF air warriors

To pounce and prey

On the enemy planes

Over the sea

In deserts and plains

 

Filled with fury and passion

Our brave horsemen in the air

Riding Sabres and Starfighters

Leapt like furious leopards

And tore to smithereens

With their talons and teeth

IAF Hunters, Canberras

Mysteres and Gnats

 

Our famed air warriors

Shattered in no time the IAF’s dream

Of grounding Pakistan Air Force

In a single lightening blow;

Their furious attacks

Unleashed havoc on IAF bases

Radars, tanks and armour

Leaving the enemy whimpering

And licking his wounds

In poignant grief

Supremely agile and fearless

M M Alam, a scrap of a man

Rose to the pinnacle of glory

Claiming five enemy planes

In a single mission

And in a feat, yet to be excelled

In the history of jet air combat

Set the record of downing

Three IAF Hunters

In a space of just 30 seconds

The ferocity of PAF pilots

Struck awe and terror

Into the enemy’s heart:

The IAF soon lay prostrate

Like a frightened sheep

Conceding to the PAF

Total command of the skies

Thanks to its superior airmanship

Skill, courage and tactics

The PAF reigned supreme;

We salute our combat pilots

And pay them profound tributes

For showing us the path

Of success, dignity and honour