Air Chief Marshal arrives Sri Lanka on two-day visit

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP): Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman arrived in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit on the invitation of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal G.P Bulattsinghala.

During his stay, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman will call on President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickrasinghe and meet the top military leadership of the country including Secretary Defence and the Services Chiefs, says a press release received here Sunday from Colombo.

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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickrasinghe (left) and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (Right)

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman will also hold discussions on matters of professional interests with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Air Marshal G.P Bulattsinghala.

The visit of Pakistan’s Air Chief underscores the historic ties and friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The visit will provide both sides an opportunity to review ongoing cooperation and collaboration, and to discuss ways and means to enhance continued cooperation between the two countries.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman joined Pakistan Air Force and graduated from PAF Academy in 1980. After completing Fighter and Operational Conversion Courses, he flew various types of fighter aircraft on PAF inventory including F-16s. As a distinguished fighter pilot and Combat Commander, he also evaluated fifth generation fighters like Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon.

He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, Combat Commanders’ School, a Fighter Base and Central Air Command of the Pakistan Air Force. The Air Chief having vast experience of flying has a grand total of over 3000 fighter hrs to his credit.

In staff appointments at Air Headquarters, the Air Chief Marshal has served as Director Plans, Director Operations, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations), Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Training), and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations).

He is a graduate of PAF Air War College and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. He also has Master’s degree in International Relations from Kings College, London. The Air Chief also has the unique honour of representing Pakistan at Harvard Kennedy School, USA on National and International Security Course.

In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he has been decorated with Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).