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PAF pays Tribute to Martyrs, Ghazis of the 1971 war

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 (APP): Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday in a series of its tributes paid homage to the martyrs and ghazis (soldiers returned with honour from the war) of the 1971 War highlighting their chivalrous war heroics.

The PAF’s Directorate of Public Relations released a short documentary film based on 1971 war deeds.

The documentary underscored the unforgettable role of PAF veterans and soldiers in the 1971 Indo-Pak war who narrated timeless tales of courage and bravery against the enemy.

The documentary also shed light on the renewed pledge that there was no greater goal for Pakistan’s armed forces than sacrificing one’s life for the defence of the motherland and that the sacrifices of its martyrs would never be in vain.

“These great and everlasting sacrifices of our forefathers will always be remembered in the bold letters of history,” it stated.

The documentary narrated that there were 14 Flying squadrons of PAF who participated in the 1971 War. The No.2 Squadron equipped with light flying T-33 Trainer aircraft was led by Wing Commander Ali Asghar Randhawa.

The aircraft keeping in view the War was prepared for ground attacks, where under his leadership the squadron successfully carried out 43 ground attack missions.

Moreover, the No. 5 Squadron was deputed at Sargodha led by Wing Commander Hakimullah and conducted 390 successful combat missions.

The most successful mission was Mukhrian Railway Yard destruction which he himself led whereas his squadron destroyed three enemy aircraft during the war. He was awarded Sitara-i-Jurrat at the end of the War.

The No. 6 Squadron equipped with C-130 aircraft was deputed at Chaklala Airbase led by Wing Commander Nisar Younus that conducted 11 successful bombing missions and broke the backbone of the enemy’s ground force. The squadron’s three valiant fighter pilots were awarded Sitara-i-Jurrat.

The No. 7 Squadron equipped with B-57 Bombers was led by Wing Commander Muhammad Younus that from Minawali attacked enemy strongholds. It conducted 130 bombing missions successfully targeting enemy air bases, radar stations, and other positions of the enemy.


As many as Six Squadron members were awarded Sitara-i-Jurrat.
The No. 9 squadron equipped with F-104 aircraft deputed at Sargodha was led by Wing Commander Arif Iqbal. However, one of its units was serving at Masroor Air Base and during the war it shot down two enemy aircraft.


The Wing Commander Mervyn Middlecoat of the same Squadron achieved martyrdom during a successful attack at Indian airbase and was awarded Sitara-i-Jurrat with Bar.


The No. 11 squadron equipped with F-6 fighter jets was led by Wing Commander Sikander Mahmood Khan and was deputed at Sargodha Airbase.


The squadron shot down one enemy plane while ensuring the protection of the country’s air territories and made Sargodha’s defence invincible.


The No. 14 Squadron equipped with F-86 fighter jets was led by Wing Commander Afzal Chaudhary. This squadron was deputed at Pakistan’s Eastern border the only squadron that was fighting against 12 enemy squadrons and remained steadfast till the last day of the War. It killed shot down enemy aircraft whereas two of its pilots got martyred.

The squadron’s five pilots were awarded Sitar-i-Jurrat for expressing extreme valour and courage.


The No. 15 Squadron equipped with F-86 jets was led by Wing Commander Nazir Jillani at Mureed Airbase was ready to sacrifice itself against the enemy.


During the War, it presented commendable services at Kashmir and Shergarh War and shot down one enemy jet.


The No. 17 Squadron equipped with F-86 fighter planes led by Wing Commander Syed Mujtaba Qureshi was deputed at Rafiqi Airbase, where it successfully provided air support to Army and their brave heart fighter pilot was given Tamgha-i-Jurrat for his exemplary services.


The No. 18 Squadron led by Wing Commander Ali Imran Bokhari was deputed at Sargodha Airbase. The Wing Commander led 19 combat missions which was a record by any pilot to lead the such number of missions. It successfully destroyed many enemy basis and shot down supersonic Su-7 aircraft of Inidan Air Force whereas another pilot of the squadron destroyed enemy’s two MiG-21 aircraft.

The squadron’s two pilots got Tamgha-i-Jurrat.
The No. 19 Squadron equipped with F-86 jets was led by Wing Commander Saleem Sheikh was deputed at Masroor Airbase and rendered commendable services at Chor Sector during the War.


In its befitting response to enemy attacks, it destroyed many tanks and a train fully loaded with fuel and weapons. During the war, its brave pilot got martyred and was awarded Tamgha-i-Jurrat.


The No. 23 Squadron of F-6 jets, led by Wing Commander Manzoor ul Hassan Hashmi was deputed at Risalwala, and during the war, it shot down two enemy aircraft. One of its valiant martyrs was awarded Sitara-i-Bisalat and another pilot was awarded Tamgha-i-Jurrat for shooting down enemy aircraft.


The No.25 Squadron of F-6 jets, led by Wing Commander Saad Akhtar Hatmi was deputed at Mianwali and Sargodha and got the honour to shoot three enemy aircraft during safeguard of the motherland and two of its pilots were given Sitar-i-Jurrat.


The No.26 Squadron equipped with F-86 jets led by Wing Commander Sharbat Ali Chenghezi deputed at Peshawar Base who himself led many air attacks as Squadron Commander at Kashmir and Chamb sector.


It destroyed five enemy jets and two of its pilots embraced martyrdom while exhibiting extraordinary performance and were given Sitara-i-Jurrat posthumously.


In 1971, where air fighters were proving their mettle at all levels on the same the officers, experts, and technicians the Radar Squadron developed for Air Defence proved that they were part of the best air force of the world.


Under the leadership of Group Captain, Ayaz Ahmed and Group Captain Rehmat Khan radar systems deployed at the PAF bases in Badin and Sakesar delivered extraordinary performances during the War. Moreover, various units of Air Defence during the war played a key role. Expert officers like Squadron Leader Rabnawaz and Squadron Leader Farooq Haider Khan through their best skills helped in destroying many aircraft of the enemy.


Moreover, Squadron Leader Javed Butt and renowned Air Defence Controllers like Fateh Sher, Jalil Akhtar Kermani, Samiullah, Abdul Mueez, and Noor Ul Islam wholeheartedly participated in the War to ensure the country’s defence.
It concluded that the nation paid salute to these valiant sons of the soil.

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The Sandak Project: A Cornerstone of Pakistan’s Mining Industry

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The Sandak Project, also known as the Saindak Copper-Gold Project, is a significant mining and metallurgical enterprise located in the remote Chagai District of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is a key initiative in the country’s efforts to harness its natural mineral resources and contribute to economic development.


Location

The Sandak Project is situated near Sandak Town, close to the Pakistan-Iran border in a region known for its rich mineral deposits. This area is part of the larger Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, a geologically rich zone that spans several countries.


Discovery and Development

  • Discovery: The presence of significant copper and gold reserves in Sandak was identified in the 1970s by the Geological Survey of Pakistan.
  • Development: Initial mining operations began in the early 1990s with Chinese assistance. Since then, the project has seen periodic advancements in exploration, extraction, and production technologies.

Mineral Resources

The project focuses primarily on the extraction of copper, gold, and silver.

  • Copper: The main component, extracted in the form of concentrates, which are then exported for processing.
  • Gold and Silver: By-products of copper mining, adding to the economic value of the project.

Operations and Partnership

The Sandak Project is operated through a collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and Chinese companies, notably the China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC).

  • Role of MCC: The Chinese corporation is responsible for mining operations, ore processing, and the overall management of the project.
  • Revenue Sharing: The profits are shared between Pakistan and MCC based on predefined agreements, contributing significantly to the regional economy.

Economic Significance

  1. Export Revenue: The project generates substantial export revenues through the sale of copper concentrates.
  2. Job Creation: It provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities, helping alleviate poverty in the region.
  3. Infrastructure Development: The project has led to the development of roads, power plants, and other infrastructure in the Chagai District.

Challenges

  1. Resource Depletion: Concerns about the long-term sustainability of the reserves, as current estimates indicate limited quantities of copper and gold.
  2. Environmental Impact: Mining operations have raised issues of ecological degradation and water resource depletion.
  3. Political and Security Issues: The Chagai region is affected by political instability and security concerns, impacting the smooth operation of the project.
  4. Revenue Transparency: There are calls for greater transparency in revenue sharing and reinvestment in local communities.

Future Prospects

  • Exploration Expansion: Efforts are underway to discover additional reserves in surrounding areas.
  • Technological Upgrades: Incorporating advanced mining and processing technologies to improve efficiency.
  • Local Investment: Increasing investments in local infrastructure, healthcare, and education to ensure community benefits.

Conclusion

The Sandak Project is a testament to Pakistan’s vast natural resource potential. While it contributes significantly to the country’s economy, addressing environmental, political, and community concerns is essential for ensuring the project’s long-term success. By balancing economic gains with sustainable practices, Sandak can continue to be a vital asset for Pakistan’s development trajectory.

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Have a Visit to the Naturally resourceful Pakistan

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Khewra Salt Mines

I just came to know that Pakistan is ranked the second number in the world’s list of salt reserves. So I thought it better to share it with you as well. Most of the salt reserves are located in the district of Jhelum in the Punjab province. In this write, I would like to introduce you to Khewra Salt Mines.

Khewra Salt Mines

Khewra Salt Mines are a bit far from Islamabad. The distance is around 160 kilometers from Islamabad and approximately 15 kilometers north of the Jhelum settlement of Pind Dadan Khan. This place is more fascinating and attractive for the tourist. This amazing place was discovered in 326 BC by the army of Alexander the Great while marching through Pakistan with their horses. Luckily their horses started licking the rocks so a soldier replicated them and revealed the secret. And today it has been ranked at the second number in terms of size.          

Khewra Mine Looks Like

The Khewra Salt Mines are the earliest salt mines in the history of salt mining on the Indian subcontinent. In the form of an irregular dome-like structure, salt is found in nature. It is possible to find seven broad salts seems with a combined thickness of around 150 meters. This is the place where one can find 99 percent pure salt. More interestingly you would find different colors of salt like transparent, white, pink, reddish, or beef-color red. 

It is not just a salt mine but a full-fledged closet to visit. The mines are filled with architectural wonders such as mosques, a copy of the Minar-e-Pakistan, a sanatorium, Chaghi Mountain, and various other brightly colored structures made entirely of salt bricks. The monuments are illuminated from within by lights. One can find Sheesh Mahal which is also known as the palaces of mirrors. The walls of the palace are made up of clear salt and water pools are lighten up with lamps.

Besides, its popularity for high-quality salt, it is also known for its gypsum, marble, lime clay, potash, coal, and a variety of other minerals.

Annual Production of Salt

Khewra mines are regarded to be the most ancient in the history of salt mining on the subcontinent. Salinity was assessed to be 98 percent pure in 2018, resulting in the annual production of 389,134 tons of pure salt. In addition to the cash generated by the production, a substantial amount is generated by the approximately 40,000 visitors who come to the site every month. The anticipated yearly production of pink, white, & red salt is about 347,000 tons, with the majority of it being sold to China, India, the United States, and Germany.

By knowing this I think this is a worth visiting place. And amazingly the visiting ticket cost just 220 Rupees per head and half for students and children. Moreover, the visiting timing is from 9 am to 5 pm.  

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“Through Iqbal’s Words, We Find the Spirit to Soar as One Nation”

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a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.

Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity

Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.

He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.

The Message of Faith and Discipline

Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.

Inspiring Pakistan’s Youth: Iqbal’s Enduring Legacy

Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation

Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.

Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation

Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.

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