A Brief Look at Pakistan’s Hero: Aurangzeb Ahmed PAF

Aurangzeb Ahmed PAF AVM, or may I say (AURA)ngzeb. Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Aurangzeb Ahmed of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has aura in his name and charisma in his body language. By this time, all of Pakistan has recognised this national hero due to his professionalism in the air and on the ground. Still oblivious to the name? Tragic.

He was the man who led the air operation in Bunyan Al Marsous (the official military operation in response to India’s aggression and “operation Sindoor”) and kept our heads high. It was under his operational excellence that the Pakistan Air Force was able to down the “ghost of the sky,” A Rafael.

A Distinguished Career in Service

Commissioned into the General Duties (Pilot) branch of the PAF in December 1992, AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed has dedicated over three decades to the defence of Pakistan. His illustrious career includes commanding both a fighter squadron and an operational air base. He has also served as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operational Requirements & Development) at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.

His academic credentials are equally impressive. The AVM holds a master’s degrees in Military Arts from China and in National Security & War Studies from the National Defence University in Islamabad. His international experience includes serving in Saudi Arabia as the Contingent Commander of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex team. In recognition of his exemplary service, he has also been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Read More: PAF Among the Top 10 Most Powerful Air Forces Globally

Leadership Amidst Conflict

During the recent escalation with India, AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed, as the Director General Public Relations (DGPR) of the PAF, played a pivotal role in communicating the Air Force’s stance and actions to the nation. His clear and confident briefings provided reassurance to the public and reinforced the PAF’s commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty.

In a joint press conference with Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, senior Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb declared that PAF had achieved a decisive 6-0 victory (mic drop!) over the Indian Air Force during the recent conflict. “I will pick up from where I left off, the day before yesterday. PAF v/s IAF : 6 and Null,” said the national hero sarcastically.

Expressing gratitude to Allah, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb praised the performance of the PAF in responding effectively to Indian aggression. He described the strategy employed, which focused on inflicting maximum damage on the enemy, noting the high stakes of the “if you don’t shoot, you get shot” environment during the battle. Ahmed also assured that the PAF has successfully jammed enemy drones, disrupted their data transmission by applying both soft and hard kill techniques.

He also emphasised that the “hard kill” approach was only used in areas where civilians were present to minimise collateral damage. This allowed the world to understand Pakistan’s stance on killing innocents and how, even in the state of war, the armed forces and air forces refuse to target them. On the other hand, the enemy nation started the war by targeting a child and hailed it with pride. Seems like the “two-nation theory” wasn’t wrong.

The Man Who Is Not Afraid to Call Out Cowards

The AVM also called out IAF for employing unmanned aircraft in civilian areas while PAF only sent manned aircraft to air bases and critical military areas. This showed who had the guts and who didn’t. He also praised JF-17 and Rafael for their potential as well as competency. “Rafael is a very potent aircraft if employed well,” said Aurangzeb Ahmed, while emphasising the importance of training and leadership that propels success with such advanced aircraft.

Concluding the briefing, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb confirmed that PAF brought down six Indian aircraft while sustaining zero losses, affirming that all Pakistani jets remained safe and operational throughout the engagement. His articulate representation during this period not only informed the nation but also bolstered public morale, showcasing the professionalism and readiness of the PAF under his guidance.

The Nation’s Pride

AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed’s composed demeanour and transparent communication have resonated deeply with the Pakistani public. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, his factual and steady updates have been a source of truth and confidence.

The AVM didn’t hesitate in praising the IAF when there was a need and called them as equal professionals who are just performing their duty through the statement “My job is to defend my country, his job is to defend his and perform his duties.” This was very wise as it was an indirect response to the Indian forces’ statement, “Our job is to fire and their job is to collect bodies.” It helped separate the morale of both countries and the composure that the armed forces have on both sides of the border.

As Pakistan navigates through challenging times, figures like AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed remind us of the strength and resilience inherent in our armed forces. In AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed, Pakistan finds not just a military leader but a national hero whose service and leadership continue to inspire and unite the nation. 

Lastly, the strategic and calculated responses serves us as a reminder of how important it is to not let anger get the best of us, especially in a state of war. Escalation management is very important as the Vice Marshal said, “Sanity must prevail, at least one side should practice it”.