PAF remembers heroic flying officer Marium Mukhtiar Shaheed

On this day, November 24, the Pakistan Air Force paid heartfelt triubte to Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar Shaheed, a courageous and trailblazing daughter of Pakistan who made history as the first female fighter pilot of the Pakistan Air Force to attain martyrdom in the line of duty.

Marium, who was commissioned into the PAF on 27 April 2013, quickly distinguished herself through her remarkable determination, discipline, and passion for aviation. Her relentless dedication placed her among the pioneering group of female fighter pilots trusted with operating frontline combat jets, a role that demanded exceptional skill and resolve.

Her extraordinary journey, however, met a tragic yet heroic end on 24 November 2015. During a routine training mission near Mianwali, the F-7PG aircraft she was flying developed a serious technical malfunction mid-air.

In those critical moments, Marium displayed nerves of steel and an unwavering sense of duty. Instead of ejecting immediately to save herself, she fought to manoeuvre the stricken aircraft away from civilian areas. Her priority remained the protection of innocent lives on the ground, even as her own life hung in the balance.

This brave decision meant delaying ejection until the very last seconds, resulting in an extremely low-altitude escape attempt. The impact proved fatal, and Pakistan lost one of its brightest and most promising officers. Her instructor, who was also on board, survived the incident.

In recognition of her extraordinary valour and selfless devotion to duty, Marium Mukhtiar was awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat. Today, she is celebrated as a national icon, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of Pakistan’s armed forces. Her legacy continues to inspire countless young women who dream of serving their country with the same passion and honour.