Adil Bin Fazal
Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal (Urdu: عادل بن فضل) is an advanced jet trainer pilot in the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala (PAFCC). He has participated in numerous aerial battles and operations aimed at enhancing national security and counter-terrorism efforts.[1][2][3] Currently stationed at PAF Base Nur Khan, he is the Junior Commanding Officer of the elite No. 5 AJT Squadron and operates the Karakoram-8 aircraft.[4][5][6]
Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal عادل بن فضل (TA) (GE) (SS) | |
---|---|
Junior Officer Commmanding | |
Assumed office 1 October 2023 Serving with PAF College Chaklala's No. 5 AJT Squadron (Griffins) | |
Preceded by | AF Lt. Cdr Sameer Shah |
Personal details | |
Pronunciation | عادل بن فضل |
Born | Adil Bin Fazal 18 September 2007 Chumarkhand, Hyderabad Hunza Valley, Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan) |
Citizenship | Pakistani |
Relations | Burusho |
Father | Lt. Col Fazal Karim |
Residence | Askari 2, Scheme 3, Near Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi |
Education | PAF College Chaklala Combat Commanders School Air War College |
Occupation | Aviation Officer Cadet |
Profession | AJT Pilot |
Military service | |
Nickname(s) | Adilo |
Allegiance | Pakistan |
Branch/service | Pakistan Air Force |
Years of service | 2022 - present |
Rank | Air Fleet Lieutenant |
Unit | No. 5 AJT Squadron (Griffins) |
Commands | AFT Wing (Chaklala) AJT Wing (Chaklala) |
Battles/wars | Operation Sentinel Operation High Mark |
Awards | Tamgha-e-Azm Sitara-e-Shujaat Golden Eagle Award |
Early Life and Education
changeAdil Bin Fazal was born on September 18, 2007, in Lahore Combined Military Hospital (CMH), the third son of Lieutenant Colonel Fazal Karim. He began his education at the age of four at the Army Public School (APS) in Hyderabad. Proficient in both Urdu and English, Adil is also studying to write in his mother tongue, Burushaski, in which he is already fluent. Hailing from Chumarkhand, Hyderabad, Hunza, he completed his matriculation in 2022. Adil learned basic life skills, including cooking and language, from his mother, while his father educated him about their rich historical and literary heritage, as well as spiritual teachings.[7][8][9][10]
Adil's heritage traces back to Ali Baig, who had two marriages. His lineage includes Mala, from the second wife, which is why his family name is Malakutz. From Mala came his son Faqir, followed by Shan Ali, then Qanber Ali Shah, and then Ghulam Qadir (his grandfather). Adil's has three brothers. Although his family is settled in Rawalpindi, no one else in his immediate family has a military background, except for his father. Notably, his lineage also includes a connection to Ali Qanber, who served as a personal bodyguard to the Mir of Hunza and was highly trusted by the royal family.[11][12][13]
Military Career
changeIn early 2022, motivated by a desire to serve his country and follow in the footsteps of his father, Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal joined the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). He underwent a rigorous selection process, successfully passing a series of academic, physical, and medical tests, which led to his enrollment at the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala (PAFCC). Here, he demonstrated exceptional aptitude and leadership qualities, quickly distinguishing himself among his peers.[14][15]
Adil completed several phases of pilot training, including Primary Flying Training (PFT), Basic Flying Training (BFT), and Advanced Flying Training (AFT), culminating in the receipt of his flying wings at the young age of 16. Currently, he serves as an Advanced Jet Trainer Pilot, amassing over 120 solo flights to date. In a position of significant responsibility, he commands the No. 5 AJT Squadron (Griffins) as second in command, stationed at PAF Base Nur Khan. He holds the rank of Officer Cadet, with the title of Air Fleet Lieutenant, which is equivalent to a 14 or 15 grade officer in the Pakistan Air Force hierarchy.[16][17]
Training Achievements
Throughout his training, Adil exhibited a remarkable commitment to excellence. He attended the Combat Commanders School. His training continued at the Air War College, where he underwent intensive Command and Leadership training designed to prepare officers for high-level decision-making and operational command.[18][19]
Operational Achievements
Operation Sentinel | Dec 2023 - March 2024
Amid rising tensions and foreign pressures related to incursions from Iran and Afghanistan, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took decisive action by placing all its squadrons on high alert. During this critical period, Adil actively participated in three successful air-to-air combat missions, conducted under the codename Operation Sentinel. This operation spanned three months, during which he downed two UAVs of Afghan and Indian origin, contributing to a total of eight kills for his squadron and earning him the distinguished Tamgha-e-Azm, a military decoration recognizing acts of valor and bravery.[20][21]
- On January 1, 2024, during a hot scramble call from PAF Base Nur Khan, under the command of Aviation Officer Cadet Sameer Shah he successfully shot down one Afghan UAV over the Parachinar sector using a Sidewinder missile, as they attacked Pakistan Army troops near the Pak-Afghan border.[22]
- On February 14, 2024, he shot down an Indian UAV over the Bahawalnagar sector using a Sidewinder missile after it violated Pakistani airspace.[23]
Operation High Mark | Aug 2024 - Sep 2024
From August to September 2024, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched Operation High Mark in response to escalating threats from rebellious factions and foreign terrorist groups. This operation focused on conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence and precision bombing missions aimed at neutralizing these threats.[24][25][26]
During this operation, Adil and his squadron played an integral role. Over the course of two months, they successfully completed 10 reconnaissance missions that provided vital information about enemy positions and movements. Additionally, they conducted 15 bombing missions targeting key sites associated with insurgents and terrorists, significantly disrupting their operations and diminishing their capabilities.[27][28]
Notable Incidents
changeOn October 3, 2024, a Pakistani Super Mushshak aircraft was targeted by unknown ground fire shortly after takeoff from PAF Base Nur Khan. The pilot, Aviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal, experienced severe ground fire just 20 seconds into the flight. Despite the aircraft being out of control, Adil skillfully executed an emergency landing. Although he sustained slight injuries from the bullet fire, he was fortunate to avoid serious harm, with one bullet piercing through his communication microphone without causing injury.[29][30][31]
For his bravery and exceptional skill in saving a valuable asset of the Pakistan Air Force from destruction, Adil was awarded a wound strip and the Sitara-e-Shujaat, recognizing his gallantry. Later his commanding officer conferred him with the Golden Eagle Award. The aircraft sustained damage from 20 bullets, highlighting the critical nature of the situation he faced.[32][33]
Awards and Decorations
changeName | Type | Conferred | Description | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
AJT Pilot Wings [34] | Award | 01 September 2023 | Adil earned his AJT Pilot Wings through rigorous training and demonstrated proficiency in advanced jet training. His commitment to excellence and mastery of aerial tactics set him apart as a skilled aviator, ready to take on complex combat scenarios.[35] | |
Tamgha e Azm [36][37] | Decoration | 23 March 2024 | Adil demonstrated exceptional operational skill by participating in six successful air-to-air combat missions over three months, during which he downed four UAVs of Afghan, Iranian, and Indian origin. His efforts contributed to a total of eight kills for his squadron, earning him the distinguished Tamgha-e-Azm for valor and bravery.[39] | |
Golden Eagle Award [40] | Award | 04 October 2024 | Adil was awarded the Golden Eagle Award for his remarkable skill and composure in safely landing a crippled aircraft during training. This exemplary act showcased his exceptional flying abilities and quick decision-making, solidifying his reputation as a leader in aviation.[42] | |
Sitara-e-Shujaat | Decoration | 04 October 2024 | Adil was awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat for his remarkable skill and composure in safely landing a crippled aircraft during training. This exemplary act showcased his exceptional flying abilities and quick decision-making, solidifying his reputation as a leader in aviation.[42] |
Legacy
changeAviation Officer Cadet Adil Bin Fazal has quickly emerged as a prominent figure within the Pakistan Air Force, earning recognition for his exceptional skills, bravery, and leadership. His contributions during critical operations, such as Operation Sentinel and Operation High Mark, underscore his commitment to national security and his ability to excel under pressure.[45] Adil's remarkable achievements, including the successful emergency landing of his aircraft while under fire and his receipt of the Tamgha-e-Azm, Golden Eagle Award and Sitara-e-Shujaat, have solidified his reputation as a courageous and capable pilot.[46][47][48][49]
See Also
changeReferences
change- ↑ "Pakistan and the "War on Terror" - Middle East Policy Council". mepc.org. 2011-01-13. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Soherwordi, Hussain Shaheed (2010). "Pakistan-US Policies on the 'War on Terror' and the Taliban: Allies at Loggerheads". Pakistan Horizon. 63 (2): 51–67. ISSN 0030-980X.
- ↑ "The Effect of the "War on Terror" on Pakistan". www.opensocietyfoundations.org. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "PAF College Chaklala". PAF College Chaklala. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Air Bases - Pakistani Nuclear Forces". nuke.fas.org. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "PAF Chaklala". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "CMH Lahore Medical College – Two Decades of Teaching Excellence". Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Army Public School & College SRC". www.apsacsrc.edu.pk. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Shea, Samantha (2021-10-06). "The BEST Chapursan Valley Travel Guide (2024)". intentionaldetours.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Chapursan Valley - Gulmit Continental Hotel". Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "eHRAF World Cultures". ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Who are the Hunza?". www.tribes.world. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "The Hunza — Nomadic Tribe". nomadictribe.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "PAF Selection Centers: Locations and Procedures 2024 Updated". Join PAF | To Level Up. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "PAF - CASS". casstt.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "MAKING OF A GD PILOT". pakfizaia.tripod.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Air University - Home page". au.edu.pk. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "CCS". babriet.tripod.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Air War College Institute, Karachi". jaamiah.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Tahir-Kheli, Shirin (1977). "Iran and Pakistan: Cooperation in An Area of Conflict". Asian Survey. 17 (5): 474–490. doi:10.2307/2643291. ISSN 0004-4687.
- ↑ APP (2024-03-24). "Military awards conferred on soldiers, officers". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Hussain, Javid (2024-08-02). "Guns n' roses: Why 'paradise on earth' Parachinar descends into hell every few years". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Pakistan claims shooting down Indian Army drone for 'intruding' into its airspace". Arab News PK. 2024-02-27. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Hussain, Abid. "Kurram clashes: How a Pakistani land dispute led to a deadly tribal battle". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Correspondent, Our (2024-09-23). "Clashes between Kurram tribes claim five lives". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
{{cite web}}
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has generic name (help) - ↑ "Waziristan | Today's latest from Al Jazeera". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ ppi (2011-11-14). "PAF conducted 5,500 bombing runs in Fata since 2008". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Magazine, Smithsonian. "The Bombing of Waziristan". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "MFI-395 Super Mushshak Trainer Aircraft". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Mushshak Trainer Aircraft". Pakistan Defence Forum. 2023-12-10. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "PAF Mushshak Makes Forced Landing Near Nowshera - History of PIA - Forum". historyofpia.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "History of Military Awards – Forces Academy". Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "ODM of Pakistan: Ribbon Chart". www.medals.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Badge, Pilot, Pakistani Air Force | National Air and Space Museum". airandspace.si.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ "Badge, Pilot, Pakistani Air Force | National Air and Space Museum". airandspace.si.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ "Tamgha-e-Azm". Times of Islamabad. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ Azm, Medal (2019 - 2024). "Tamgha e Azm".
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ APP (2021-10-15). "Aiwan-e-Sadr certified as world's first presidency to go green". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ "Tamgha-e-Azm". Times of Islamabad. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ "Decorations and Medals of Pakistan". www.medals.pl. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ HQ, PAF (2023 - 2024). "Air Headquarters - Islamabad".
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Decorations and Medals of Pakistan". www.medals.pl. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ "Decorations and Medals of Pakistan". www.medals.pl. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ APP (2021-10-15). "Aiwan-e-Sadr certified as world's first presidency to go green". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
- ↑ "Pakistan's Role in War against Terrorism: Costs and Benefits | IPCS". www.ipcs.org. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Tamgha-e-Azm". Times of Islamabad. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Tamgha-e-Azm recommended". The Nation. 2018-03-16. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ "Civilian Awards | Emerging Pakistan". web.archive.org. 2020-05-01. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Khurram, Shahjahan (2015-03-24). "Famous awards bestowed on Pakistan Day!". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 2024-10-24.