CHIEF OF AIR STAFF OF THE PAKISTAN AIR FORCE CALLS ON THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, NI (M), TBt who is on a three day official visit to Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya in Colombo on 28 August 2014.\r\n\r\nGeneral Jagath Jayasuriya and Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt engaged in a cordial discussion recalling the close cooperation between the militaries of Pakistan and Sri Lanka and exchanging views on matters of mutual interest. They also discussed security challenges in the region, the transition in Afghanistan and the current operations in Pakistan. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt drew attention to the counter insurgency campaign in Sri Lanka and appreciated the effort taken by Sri Lanka to defeat terrorism. Born in 1955 Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt received his early education at PAF Public School Sargodha. He joined Pakistan Air Force and graduated from PAF Academy Risalpur in March 1977. Having completed his Fighter and Operational Conversion Courses, he served as a combat pilot in various frontline fighter squadrons. He is a graduate of the prestigious PAF Combat Commanders’ School. The Air Chief also has vast experience in instructional flying being a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) with a grand total of over 3700 hours to his credit. He commanded an elite Fighter Squadron a Fighter Flying Wing and two PAF Bases. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt assumed command of the Pakistan Air Force on 19 March 2012. He has been decorated with the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat in recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated service. He has been awarded \"The legion of Merit of the Turkish Armed Forces\" by the Republic of Turkey and \"Royal Thai Air Force Honorary Pilot Badge and Certificate\" by the Royal Thai Air Force in recognition of enhancing bilateral cooperation. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt thanked General Jagath Jayasuriya for facilitating this meeting despite a busy schedule.
