SOURCE: AFI
In a startling and controversial statement, Barrister Muhammad Raza Hayat Hiraj, a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from NA-144 (Khanewal-I), has claimed that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, the Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), personally flew a combat mission into Indian airspace for approximately 18 minutes, during which he allegedly participated in bombing Indian military sites. The claim, made during a recent session, has sparked skepticism and debate, given the lack of corroborating evidence and the administrative nature of the PAF chief’s role.
According to Hiraj, the alleged incursion occurred during the heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7–10, 2025, a retaliatory strike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation saw the Indian Air Force (IAF) deploy 15 air-launched BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles from Su-30MKI fighters, striking key PAF airbases, including Bholari, Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui.
Hiraj’s claim, reported by posts on X, suggests that Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, who has been PAF chief since March 19, 2021, personally piloted a fighter jet, penetrated Indian airspace, and participated in retaliatory strikes against Indian military targets. This assertion has been met with widespread disbelief, as no credible reports from sources like Al Jazeera, Reuters, or official Pakistani military statements corroborate the claim. Military analysts and posts on X have pointed out that it is highly unusual for a serving air chief, particularly one with an administrative background, to undertake combat missions, especially in a high-stakes conflict zone.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, born April 16, 1965, has a distinguished career, having commanded a fighter squadron, a flying wing, an operational airbase, and a regional air command. However, his current role as PAF chief primarily involves strategic and administrative responsibilities, including overseeing operations, policy, and modernization efforts. Since taking office, Sidhu has not been documented flying combat missions, with his recent roles including Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Administration) and other high-level staff positions. Indian media reports have also noted that Sidhu is primarily associated with flying older Mirage III and V aircraft, not modern fighters like the F-16 or JF-17, further casting doubt on his involvement in such a mission.
The claim’s timing is notable, as it coincides with Pakistan’s narrative-building efforts following Operation Sindoor, during which India’s strikes caused significant damage to PAF infrastructure, including the destruction of a hangar housing an AWACS aircraft at Bholari airbase. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has maintained that its air assets remained largely intact, while acknowledging retaliatory strikes under Operation Bunyan Marsoos. However, no official Pakistani statement or ISPR release has supported Hiraj’s assertion about Sidhu’s alleged flight, leading critics to label it as an attempt to bolster national morale or deflect from the PAF’s defensive challenges during the conflict.
Posts on X have highlighted the implausibility of the claim, with one user noting, “Military norms suggest high-ranking officials like the Air Chief don’t fly combat missions,” and another accusing Hiraj of undermining Pakistan’s credibility by promoting unverified narratives. The absence of evidence, such as radar data, satellite imagery, or official PAF confirmation, further weakens the claim. In contrast, India’s strikes were supported by time-stamped imagery and detailed briefings from Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and IAF officers, dismissing Pakistan’s counter-claims of downing Indian jets or causing significant damage.
Hiraj’s history as a politician, having served in the National Assembly since 2002 under various party affiliations (PPP, PML-Q, PML-N, and PTI), suggests a pattern of bold statements. His 2011 push for a constitutional amendment to disqualify dual nationals from parliament and his advocacy for a separate South Punjab province indicate a tendency to make attention-grabbing remarks. However, this latest claim has drawn criticism even within Pakistan, with some X users accusing him of overshadowing the PAF’s professional response to India’s strikes.
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