Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui
| Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui | |
|---|---|
Squadron Leader (Major) Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, 1965.
|
|
| Birth name | Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui |
| Nickname(s) | Mani |
| Born |
18 July 1935 East Pakistan Rajshahi
|
| Died | 6 September 1965 (aged 30) Halwara, India |
| Buried at | Pakistan Lahore |
| Allegiance |
Pakistan
|
| Service/branch |
 Pakistan Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1953 - 1965 |
| Rank |
 Squadron Leader
|
| Service number | PAF-3550 |
| Unit | No. 14 Squadron Shaheens/No. 5 Squadron Falcons |
| Battles/wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 |
| Awards |
 Hilal-e-Jurat Sitara-e-Jurat
|
Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui (18 July 1935 – 6 September 1965) was a fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force. He is known for bravery and courage in two of the aerial combats Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and is a recipient of both the Hilal-e-Jurat (Crescent of Courage) and the Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage).
Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui was born in Rajshahi (then East Pakistan, present Bangladesh) on 18 July 1935. He had three brothers and a sister. He obtained started his education from St. Anthony's High School (Lahore), matriculating from Government High School, Multan in 1948. With the transfer of his father to Karachi, he joined DJ Singh Science College. Inspired by his elder brother Ijaz Rafiqui (of 4th GDP Course), he later joined RPAF with 13 GD(P) course, graduating in 1953 from RPAF College Risalpur, winning the Best Pilot Trophy.
After graduation he was deployed to Miranshah, flying Hawker Sea Fury. Later he was selected for Advanced Flying Course as well as the Fighter Weapons Instructors- Course, in USA. Later after qualifying from Fighter Leaders School of PAF in 1960, he went as an exchange pilot with No 19 Sqn of RAF, flying Hawker Hunters.
On return from UK in 1962, he was appointed OC of No 14 Squadron in Dhaka. After a year there, he was transferred to No 5 Squadron as OC, which he commanded during the war of 65.
On the evening of 1 September 1965, IAF intervened at Chamb Sector to stop the Pak Army's XII Division offensive against Akhnoor, with three strike formations of de Havilland Vampires of No 45 Sqn of IAF flying in for Close Air Support. Rafiqui along with Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti (of No 15 Sqn) while patrolling at 20,000 ft. near Chamb, was directed to the attacking aircraft. A total of four attacking aircraft (three from one formation only) were shot down, two by Rafiqui. He was awarded with Sitara-e-Jurrat for this mission.
...
Wikipedia