Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has announced the appointment of Aurangzeb Ahmed as the new commander of the Air Force Strategic Command (AFSC).
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed is a two-star officer in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and was serving as Director General Public Relations (DGPR). He also holds the position of Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations).
Career
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb has a master’s degree in Military Arts from China and is fluent in Mandarin.
He also completed a master’s degree in National Security and War Studies from Pakistan’s National Defence University.
He was commissioned in the General Duty (GD) pilot branch of the Pakistan Air Force in 1992.
During his career, he has commanded a fighter squadron as well as an operational air base.
He also served in Saudi Arabia as Contingent Commander of a Pakistan Aeronautical Complex team.
At Air Headquarters, he held the position of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations Requirements and Development).
After being promoted to Air Vice Marshal, he took charge as DGPR of the Pakistan Air Force. He has also served as Director General, Warfare and Strategy.
As of 2025, he is serving as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations), a role that oversees operational matters within the PAF.
Role during the 2025 India–Pakistan tensions
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb gained public attention during press briefings held by the military’s media wing amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in 2025.
During these briefings, he outlined Pakistan Air Force operations and presented what he described as evidence of aerial engagements.
He said the PAF had responded to what he called Indian aggression and provided details of the force’s deployments.
His appearances drew significant public interest in Pakistan, particularly on social media.
Following the briefings, his name became one of the most searched terms on Google in the country.
Awards
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb has received several military decorations during his career.
These include the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, awarded in 2021, and the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
He was also awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat for his reported contributions during the 2025 conflict.
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