Executive Inn Convention Centre, Burnaby
By Special correspondent of the Miracle
On July 15th, 2025, the retired officers of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) residing in the Vancouver area organized a memorable evening in honor of Air Commodore Khalid Chishti (Retd). The event, held at the Executive Inn Convention Centre in Burnaby, drew an impressive audience of prominent community members, including several dignitaries and respected members of the local Indian-Pakistani-Canadian community. Representatives from the local media were also present.
Squadron Leader Nusrat Hussain (Retd) welcomed the chief guest, Air Commodore Khalid Chishti, and outlined the purpose of the gathering — to provide factual insights into the recent air battle between the Pakistan Air Force and the Indian Air Force, which occurred on the night of 6th and 7th May 2025.
In his detailed PowerPoint briefing, Air Commodore Khalid Chishti, who was in direct contact with the PAF Air Operations Directorate during the battle and handled the media briefings, shared the operational narrative. He explained that the PAF executed a multi-domain operation, effectively integrating ground-based radars, airborne surveillance, satellite communications, and electronic warfare capabilities. 
This seamless coordination ensured real-time data transmission to PAF fighter aircraft, leading to the downing of six Indian fighter jets, including four French-made Rafales.
He further revealed that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Sidhu remained present in the operations room throughout the engagement, closely monitoring the mission’s progress. The Air Chief, deeply involved in overseeing the operation, was occasionally seen resting on a couch but never left the strategic nerve Center during the entire operation.
Squadron Leader Nusrat Hussain also acknowledged the combined efforts of the retired PAF officers in Vancouver in making the event a success. He gave special recognition to ex-P.A.F officer Sohail Pasha, the General Manager of the Executive Inn, for facilitating the venue arrangements. He also praised Wing Commander Shaharyar Shaukat, the senior-most officer of the group, for his able guidance, and Wing Commander Atif for his active contributions. However, the junior-most officer, Squadron Leader Afaaq (Retd), was especially lauded for his tireless efforts in coordinating and arranging the program. Sqn.Ldr. Afaaq also introduced the chief guest in an interesting and questioning style of Pakistan’s popular TV program KASOTI.
The event was graced by several notable community figures, including Mr. Maninder Gill of Radio India, widely regarded as a friend of the Pakistani community. Other distinguished attendees included Lt. Col. Daud, Mr. Ihsan Malik, Mr. Waseem Qazi, Mr. Hayat Mohammed, Mr. Shams Siddiqui, Mr. Syed Farrukh, Mr. Bilal, Mr. Zaheer, Mr. Arif, Mr. Irfan Cheema, Mr. Tahir Ahmad, Mr. Aziz Rai and Doctor Muzaffar Syed among others.
Media coverage was provided by Mr. Naseer Pirzada from The Miracle, Mr. Tarik Kiani from Sohni Dharti Pakistan, and Mr. Intikhab Ahmed from DIL Apna Pakistan.
The audience highly appreciated the depth and clarity of the briefing, which provided rare insights into the complexities of modern aerial warfare and Pakistan’s air defense capabilities. The evening concluded after a long question and answer session and on a warm note with refreshments and informal discussions, leaving the attendees both enlightened and connected.
