Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Anwar Shamim passed away.

Air Chief Marshal(Retd) Muhammad Anwar Shamim, the former Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and a veteran of 1965 and 1971 wars, breathed his last at CMH Rawalpindi on Friday, after prolonged illness. He was 81 years of age.

Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Anwar Shamim was born on 1st October, 1931, in an educated family from Haripur(Hazara). He becam a member of the then functional University Air Squadron, to begin his childhood dream career of a fighter pilot in Pakistan Air Force. He joined RPAF in 1950 and on completion of his pilot training at the Royal Australian Air Force, he was granted commission in March, 1954. Some of the major courses include, Flying Training and Jet conversion from Australia Flying Instructors. Staff College, National Defence College and Senior Officers Inter-Defence Management Course From USA.

His major appointments during the active service included, Officer Commanding No.11 Sqn and No.33 Fighter Wing. Former Air Chief commanded three PAF Bases, Sakesar, Korangi Creek and Masroor. At Air Headquarters, he served as ACAS(Ops), ACM(Retd) Anwar Shamim also served Royal Jordanian Air Force as Air Advisor to His Majesty King Hussain Bin Talal(1968-1970) and played key role in reforming the Jordanian Air Force after 1967 Arab-Israel war.

Shamim is one of the distinguish fighter pilot that country has produced. One of the top graduate of Combat Commander's School, Shamim actively participated in the 1965 and 1971 Wars. During the Indo-, Shamim, as Lieutenant-Colonel (Wing Commander) was second-in-command of the No.33 Fighter Wing, and actively participated in the Air War Operation. During this conflict, he was one of the junior OC at Sargodha Air Force Base. After the war, he was honored with Sitara-e-Juraat by the Pakistan Government His award citation reads:

"Wing Commander Muhammad Anwar Shamim in his capacity as Officer Commanding, fighter-bombers wing, made significant contribution to the high morale and aggressive attitude of the pilots who flew from this station. He efficiently managed the changing air defence and other requirements and ensured, while fully meeting these requirements, that the pilots got sufficient rest and other comforts to enable them to fly intelligently and confidently. During the operation, he led 14 air defence/escort missions and 5 ground attack missions. His leadership during these operational missions was aggressive and confident and served as a very good example for his pilots to follow . He accepted long hours of duty, including operational sorties at odd hours of the day, with enthusiasm. Wing Commander Muhammad Anwar Shamim was, therefore, awarded Sitara-i-Juraat".

After the war, the PAF sent him to complete further staff courses. During the Indo-Pakistan Winter War in 1971, Shamim, now as Major (Squadron-Leader) was the Air-Defence Commander at South of the Central Air Defence. Shamim too went on to participate in the 13-day war but did not score any hits. After the war, Shamim was sent to Combat Commander's School as Chief Instructor.

Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Anwar Shamim was a well decorated officer. Among his decorations are Sitara-i-Imtiaz (M), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (M), Nishan-i- Imtiaz (M) and Sitara-i-Jurrat. He has also authored a book  Cutting Edge PAF  which illustrates his experiences in PAF.

His funeral prayers would be offered at sports ground, PAF Complex, Sector E-9 Islamabad at 1400 Hrs today Saturday. He would be buried with full military honours at Sector H-11 graveyard, Islamabad. He has left behind a widow, two daughters and a son.