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.
Aaslam.I have watched your photos of reciving a SWORD OF HONOUR.I solute you for this.I also want to be a GD PIlOT or join Pakistan Air Force.Kindly do reply me on my E-mail id that how can i apply and can devote my life for my Be-loved country.waiting and hopind for your reply
Salute to Saira Amin.
that is the soucrce of great spirit that may uplead many young ladies to the peak of the nation
As an Indian Jet Pilot, it was immense pleasure to see a fellow flyer taking honours in PAF, a very combative force.
I wish her” many happy landings” and her family all the blessings for allowing their daughter to take this demanding but enjoyable profession.
I LOVE Pakistan Army and PAkistan Air Force…..
i’m young girl of 21, in final semester of M.A English… i would love to join PAF…. my friends and my family members are all well aware of my craze for PAF…. i just don’t know… how to put my feelings in words,,,, really,,,, im GREAT LOVER of PAF……plz plz plz if anyone of my sweet reader can guide me… plz plz kindly tell me in which season/month PAF select girls… plz contact me on sjlkhan@yahoo.com.