Air Marshal Nur Khan – Visionary Commander and Architect of PAF’s Glory

Introduction

Air Marshal Nur Khan, a distinguished military leader, left an enduring imprint on Pakistan’s defence as the sixth Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force from 1965 to 1969. With discipline, integrity, and visionary leadership, he transformed the PAF into a formidable fighting force. His decisive role in the 1965 war against India secured his place as a brilliant strategist and accomplished fighter pilot. Succeeding the legendary Air Marshal Asghar Khan, he carried forward the legacy with distinction, guiding Pakistan to aerial triumph. Often described as a leader with the Midas touch, Nur Khan turned challenges into opportunities and setbacks into success. Few in national history equal his caliber. A natural leader, he embodied intellect, courage, and resolve, inspiring by embracing danger without hesitation.

Early Life, Education, and Military Career

Born on February 22, 1923, in Tamman, Chakwal District, Nur Khan came from a distinguished lineage linked to the Nawab of Kalabagh, Amir Mohammad Khan. His father, Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Malik Mihr Khan, served honorably in the British Indian Army. Nur Khan began his education at Aitchison College, Lahore, where his leadership abilities quickly became evident. He later joined the Royal Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehra Dun. His British principal once noted, “An excellent military family from a military center. The boy is better educated than many Awans of his age. He is physically fit and the right type to become an officer.” He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on January 6, 1941, a time when the Royal Indian Air Force granted commissions on the date of reporting. As part of the 6th Pilot Course, he was trained at the Lahore Flying Club and completed his flying school training in Ambala by November 1941.

Air Marshal Nur Khan began his operational career with No. 3 Squadron at Kohat in December 1941, flying Hawker Audaxes. Promoted to Flying Officer in October 1942, he later trained in the UK as a gunnery and bomber pilot, serving with the squadron until 1943. In May 1944, he joined No. 7 Squadron with Vultee Vengeance dive bombers, deploying to Burma, where he also acted as Squadron Sports Officer. Posted to No. 9 Squadron in 1945, he flew Hurricanes during the Burma Campaign, earning a reputation for daring flying. In 1946, as Flight Commander of No. 4 Squadron RIAF, he gained vital command experience before independence.

PAF Profile and the 1965 War

After independence, Nur Khan chose to serve in the Pakistan Air Force, beginning as Base Commander Lahore as a Squadron Leader. He later briefly commanded Chaklala, served as Air Attaché in the UK, and returned as Commandant of the Flying Training School, Risalpur, after promotion to Wing Commander. Rising quickly, he became Director of Organization at Air Headquarters until 1951, then Project Director for inducting the F-86 Sabre. Promoted Group Captain in 1955–56, he commanded PAF Bases Peshawar and Mauripur. As Air Commodore, he led No. 1 Group at Peshawar before becoming Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Air Operations) in 1957.

Air Marshal Nur Khan assumed command of the Pakistan Air Force on July 22, 1965, after a successful six-year tenure as PIA’s Managing Director. With integrity, vision, and calm resolve, he led the PAF through the 1965 war with India, earning deep respect from his men. Despite being away from combat flying since 1959, he quickly retrained on frontline jets like the F-104 Starfighter and F-86 Sabre. Addressing officers and airmen, he urged them to exceed 100 percent effort and share ideas. Inspired, one airman suggested converting the C-130 into a bomber—a daring strategy Nur Khan embraced and executed successfully.

In early 1965, escalating border clashes between India and Pakistan led to the Rann of Kutch conflict, soon followed by Operation Gibraltar. Barely six weeks after Air Marshal Nur Khan assumed command, full-scale war broke out. A day before taking charge, Air Commodore Rahim Khan, ACAS (Operations), informed him that a major infiltration was imminent, with large numbers of mujahideen crossing from Azad Kashmir into Indian-held territory. Realizing the gravity, Nur Khan immediately met Army Chief General Musa, who confirmed the plan but insisted it would remain localized under 12 Division. Unconvinced, Nur Khan later discussed Operation Grand Slam with Major General Akhtar Malik, recognizing India’s likely strong retaliation. He personally oversaw planning and critical supply-drop missions, reflecting his hands-on leadership during the crisis.

By mid-August 1965, the Pakistan Army sent an urgent SOS, reporting that the Gibraltar Force was in grave difficulty and desperately needed air-dropped food and ammunition. A daring night mission was swiftly organized using a C-130, with Air Marshal Nur Khan himself on board alongside the Officer Commanding No. 35 Wing. Despite adverse weather, the crew successfully delivered the critical supplies. On August 30, the PAF activated its Forward Headquarters, and Nur Khan personally flew an L-19 over the battlefield to study Indian troop movements firsthand. True to his belief in leading from the front, he immediately placed PAF Base Sargodha on high alert. That very afternoon, Indian Vampire aircraft attacked Pakistani forces, but PAF fighters retaliated decisively, shooting down four enemy planes and halting Indian air operations. Within two days, the PAF, under Nur Khan’s dynamic leadership, had established clear air superiority. Meanwhile, on 6 September, the Indian Army launched its major offensive toward Lahore. In premature triumph, The Statesman of New Delhi announced Lahore’s fall, while even the BBC reported an Indian victory—echoing General Chaudhry’s confident order to prepare a wine celebration at Lahore’s Gymkhana Club.

Squadron Leader Mohammad Mahmood Alam secured his place in air combat history by downing five Indian aircraft within minutes—three Hunters in under 40 seconds—an achievement unmatched in modern warfare. His feat became a symbol of the PAF’s daring and precision during the 1965 war. The PAF struck key Indian bases at Pathankot, Adampur, Halwara, Jamnagar, and the Amritsar radar station, winning international acclaim. Central to this success was Air Marshal Nur Khan’s leadership. His focus on merit, vision, and resolve ensured air superiority. Under his command, the PAF destroyed 66 enemy aircraft while losing only 16, including accidents.

Diplomacy After War

Following the 1965 war, Nur Khan invited Indian Air Chief Arjan Singh to Pakistan over tea and dinner, offering a PAF aircraft for his travel. They met along with their former RAF teacher, Bill Catchpole. The event was a powerful symbol of mutual respect and military ethics.

Conclusion

Air Marshal Nur Khan stands as a revered national figure, remembered for his brilliant leadership and exceptional flying skills throughout his illustrious career. In the 1965 war, he led a team of ace pilots who demonstrated the PAF’s superiority against a larger adversary. Fearless and principled, he earned lasting respect by leading from the front and embracing innovation, notably converting the C-130 into a bomber. Despite the U.S. arms embargo, his foresight secured aircraft from China and France, expanded airbases, and modernized defence systems. His legacy of integrity, vision, and dedication endures as a timeless symbol of exemplary leadership.

Written By: Group Captain (R) Mozammil Haq
Email: mozammilhaq7595@gmail.com
Cell: +92 321 7595381