Adil Najam
This news item from today’s Daily Times (23 September, 2006) needs no explanation. Saira Amin needs our words of congratulations, and maybe a crisp salute.
The coveted Sword of Honour for best all-round performance was claimed by Aviation Cadet Saira Amin, who made history by being the first woman pilot to have won the Sword of Honour in any defence academy of Pakistan. The passing out parade of the 117th GD (P) course, which includes the second batch of three women pilots, was held at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy, Risalpur Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, PAF chief of air staff, was the chief guest. The trophy for best performance in general service training and the Chief of Air Staff Trophy for best performance in flying were lifted by Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Nadir Ali. The Asghar Hussain Trophy for best performance in academics was achieved by Aviation Cadet Saira Amin. Squadron No 3 received the Quaid-e-Azam Banner for being the champion squadron.
I had always thought that Inayat Hussain Bhatti’s 1965 song, jang khed nai zananian di (‘war is not the sport of women’) was a ratehr silly song. I guess Ms. Amin is also not a fan of that song. I wish her the very best, although I do also wish that neither she nor anyone else – man or woman – has to actually go to war to demonstrate the silliness of Mr. Bhatti’s histrionics.
The courage of Mukhtaran Mai, the skill of Urooj Mumtaz Khan, the determination of Saira Amin, and the sheer resiliance of all the other 80 million women in Pakistan. You make us proud.
i”m loving pak airforce since my childhood.
Pakistan Zindaabad ….
Pakistan AirForce zindaabad….
I envy thee Saira :) Once again your success as a woman reminded us that Pakistan is a land of contradictions.It is home of Mukhtaran Mai and Saira Amin..two women with entirely different backgrounds and life stories but one thing in common and that is enormous courage. Hats off to you.
@ Mansoor, Holy prophet never said anything like this, & ofcourse he cant say, as Quran says, Men & woman are equal. Its so sick to read such stupids hediths who conflict the teachings of Quran &
Proud to hv you in Airforce Saira Amin & i encourage other girls to join Navy & Army aswell.
good work but not good,
I AM VERY HAPPY.THAT SHE PROVED THAT MUSLIM WOMENS ARE NOT ONLY LADIES ,THEY ARE ALSO GURD OF THIER PLACE OF BIRTH AND PLACE OF ISLAM.I ALSO CONGREGULATED HER PARENTS AND SPECILY HER HUSBAND (IF SHE IS MARRIED )OR EXPECTED.MAY ALLAH RISE HER HONOUR