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During the 1965 Pakistan-India war, the legendary Group Captain (later Air Commodore) Mohammad Zafar Masud served as the commander of the Pakistan Air Force’s Sargodha Base. While other PAF bases performed notably, Masud’s strategic insight and inspirational leadership at Sargodha played a particularly pivotal role in Pakistan’s aerial victories. In recognition of Sargodha’s significant contribution to the war effort, authorities declared Pakistan Air Force Day on September 7. They also introduced the Hilal-i-Istaqlal award in 1966 to honor the PAF’s bravery. Masud later opposed the use of force in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and subsequently resigned.
Air Commodore Masud helped establish the Pakistan Air Force during the 1947 partition of India. He also maintained an outstanding record throughout his career.
In 1958, then Wing Commander Masud led a Pakistan Air Force team of pilots that set a world record in aviation history. During the 1950s, he also established the Fighter Leaders’ School, the premier institution of the PAF. Today, this school operates as the Combat Commanders’ School. Masud later attended a Staff College course in England and received the Best Foreign Student prize. Additionally, his efforts made the publication of The Story of the Pakistan Air Force: A Saga of Courage and Honour possible. Although Masud led a team to undertake the PAF history project, he never took credit for it, which is why his name is absent from the book.
Leadership in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War
The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War was a defining moment in Pakistan’s military history. During this conflict, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) emerged as a symbol of strength and resilience. As the commander of Sargodha, then Group Captain Zafar Masud was responsible for safeguarding one of Pakistan’s most critical defense installations. The airbase, located in central Punjab, became the frontline in defending Pakistan’s airspace against Indian attacks. Despite continuous bombardment and assaults, Masud’s leadership ensured that Sargodha not only held its ground but also launched successful counterattacks. This shift in momentum worked in Pakistan’s favor.
The significance of Sargodha Airbase and leadership of Zafar Masud did not go unnoticed by Pakistan’s top military officials. The country awarded Masud the Hilal-e-Jurat, its second-highest gallantry award, for his outstanding performance. President Mohammad Ayub Khan, Air Marshal Nur Khan (Commander-in-Chief of the PAF), and General Musa Khan (Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army) visited Sargodha. They came to personally congratulate Masud and his team. A video of President Ayub’s visit is available on Facebook and YouTube, highlighting the ceremonial acknowledgment of Sargodha’s role. This visit was more than ceremonial; it was a testament to the base’s central role in protecting the nation and maintaining air superiority.
Zafar Masud and Sargodha’s Heroes
President Ayub Khan expressed his admiration for Masud’s leadership and the courage displayed by the pilots and ground crew under his command. Air Marshal Nur Khan had placed his trust in Masud to defend one of the country’s most important military installations. He praised Masud’s tactical brilliance. General Musa Khan acknowledged the base’s essential role in supporting ground operations during critical moments of the war.
The success of Sargodha Airbase was due not only to Masud’s leadership but also to the bravery and skill of the pilots who flew under his command, guidance, and training. Among these pilots was Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, famously known as M. M. Alam. He became a national hero after shooting down five Indian aircraft in under a minute, a feat unparalleled in aerial combat history. Other PAF pilots, such as Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, Yunus Hussain, and Imtiaz Bhatti, also contributed to the successful defense of Pakistan’s airspace. Their achievements under Zafar Masud’s command became legendary. The combination of Masud’s leadership and the exceptional performance of these pilots ensured that Sargodha Airbase remained a stronghold of Pakistan’s aerial defense.
PAF Hero and Advocate for Unity
As mentioned earlier, the outstanding performance of the Pakistan Air Force, particularly at Sargodha Airbase under Masud’s command, became a source of national pride. This success led to the declaration of Pakistan Air Force Day on September 7. The day honors the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of the PAF. Sargodha’s contributions serve as the foundation for this recognition. Each year, Pakistan Air Force Day commemorates the heroes of the skies, including the brave pilots and the leadership of Zafar Masud. His strategic brilliance made Sargodha Airbase a symbol of victory. Later, they promoted him to Air Commodore and assigned him to East Pakistan. There, he led the Pakistan Air Force in that region.
After the 1971 election, a political crisis emerged in East Pakistan. During a military briefing to President Mohammad Yahya Khan in Dhaka, Masud strongly recommended a political settlement. He advised against using military force to suppress the crisis. He warned that using force would lead to the country’s disintegration. Yahya initially agreed but later changed his mind and ordered military action. As a result, Masud resigned. This decision came despite his brilliant career and widespread recognition as a potential future head of the Pakistan Air Force.
Yahya’s decision not only led to the break-up of Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh, but about 93,000 soldiers and civilians also became prisoners of war, bringing great humiliation to Pakistan. The nation, including myself, was deeply saddened by the break-up. For further information on Masud, read “Mitty Masud Folds His Wings” by Air Chief Marshal Jamal A. Khan, published in Dawn on October 13, 2003, and my book titled “Air Commodore M. Zafar Masud: A Pioneer of the Pakistan Air Force: The Story of the Man Who Sacrificed His Career in an Effort to Save Pakistan.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Honor
Air Commodore Masud passed away peacefully on October 7, 2003. His wife, Elisabeth Masud, a kind lady I knew and communicated with, remained by his side throughout his final days. Friends from the Pakistan Air Force and beyond visited him frequently during his last months. The PAF honored him with a formal military funeral. He was laid to rest in the air force cemetery at Nur Khan Air Force Base, Chaklala (Rawalpindi). The funeral was attended by several senior PAF officers, including Air Marshal M. Asghar Khan and Air Chief Marshal Jamal A. Khan.
In conclusion, Air Commodore Zafar Masud’s leadership as commander of Sargodha Airbase during the 1965 war cemented his legacy as one of Pakistan’s most respected military leaders. His strategic command ensured the PAF’s success, and the achievements of his base primarily led to the establishment of Pakistan Air Force Day—a lasting tribute to the nation’s bravery and resilience. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.
Scholar Nasim Yousaf has spent over two decades researching the history of the Indian subcontinent, starting in 1996. As the grandson of freedom fighter Allama Mashriqi, he has authored 19 books and digitized 19 rare works. His notable achievements include digitizing Mashriqi’s historic journal 'Al-Islah', writing a book on Khaksar women, and producing a 2.5-hour documentary titled "The Road to Freedom: Allama Mashriqi's Historic Journey from Amritsar to Lahore".
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