,.,.
Former Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Jamal Ahmed Khan, . Born on 15 Apr 1934, young Jamal joined RPAF College, Risalpur in 1952.
After completing Jet Conversion Course at Mauripur, Jamal was selected to join the PAF’s first Jet Sqn of Super Marine Attackers, the elite No 11 Sqn. He soon matured into a promising fighter pilot of PAF. One of the greatest milestones of Jamal’s brilliant career was the feat achieved during Fighter Weapons Instructors’ Course at UK.
In Mar 1957, while flying a DH 112 Venom aircraft in an Air-to-Air Gunnery mission at RAF Leconfield, Jamal produced some exceptional results. He graduated with an exceptional grading in air-to-air gunnery for having maintained the highest marksmanship.
Flt Lt Jamal was also among the pioneering few who were selected to convert on the state-of-the-art newly inducted supersonic Star Fighters.
Subsequently, he was privileged to command the prestigious No 9 Sqn, equipped with F-104 aircraft. The Sqn under his able command showed great progress and nurtured large number of great fighter pilots who achieved excellence during the wars with India. During the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, Sqn Ldr Jamal Ahmed Khan flew numerous Air Defence & Photo Recce Missions. He was one of two pilots who were credited with the shooting down of an IAF Canberra aircraft.
His contribution to deterring the weight and accuracy of enemy night bomber’s attacks was commendable. He carried out all his missionswith aggressiveness and professional excellence. For his exceptional devotion to duty and valour, Sqn Ldr Jamal Ahmed Khan was awarded Sitara-i-Juraat.
During 1971 War, Jamal was serving as Director Plans at AHQ and played a key role during the war. On promotion to a two-star rank, the exceptional officer was selected for the most coveted assignment of DCAS (Operations). He took over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff in Apr 1984 and then as Chief of the Air Staff in Mar 1985. As Air Chief, he was known for being extremely meticulous in his work.
He endeavored to steer PAF to be a highly professional and reputed service.
During his tenure, Command Doctrine AFM-1 was prepared and issued to all personnel of PAF. Another feather in his cap was the establishment of the JCO’s Academy in 1986. PAF salutes the highly remarkable and respected officer. His altruistic services for PAF and the country can never be forgotten.