Zafar Chaudhry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Air Marshal Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry ظفراحمد چودھری
1st Chief of Air Staff
In office 3 April 1972 – 15 April 1974
Preceded by	Air-Mshl. A. Rahim Khan
Succeeded by	ACM Zulfiqar Ali Khan
Managing-Director of Pakistan International Airlines
In office 1971 – 3 April 1972
Personal details
Born	Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry (1926-08-19)19 August 1926 Sialkot, Punjab, British India (Present-day in Punjab in Pakistan)
Died	17 December 2019(2019-12-17) (aged 93) Lahore, Pakistan
Citizenship	Pakistan
Nickname	Chaudhry
Military service
Allegiance	Pakistan
Branch/service	Pakistan Air Force
Years of service	1945–1974
Rank	Air marshal
Unit	No. 7 Squadron, RIAF (S/No. RIAF. 3095)
Commands	Pakistan Air Force Academy PAF Base Sargodha ACAS (Air Operations) No. 38 (Tactical) Wing
Battles/wars	Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 Indo-Pakistani war of 1971
Awards	Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam

Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry (born August 19, 1926 – died December 17, 2019) was an important figure in Pakistan. He was a human rights activist and a leader in the airline industry. He is best known for being the first Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force. He held this top position from 1972 until he resigned in 1974.

Early Life and Education

Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry was born on August 19, 1926. His birthplace was Sialkot, in what was then British India. His family was Punjabi Muslim.

He studied at the University of the Punjab in Lahore. In 1944, he earned his bachelor's degree. After finishing his studies, he joined the Royal Indian Air Force.

Military Career

In 1945, Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry became an officer in the Royal Indian Air Force. He started as a pilot officer. In 1946, he joined No. 7 Squadron.

After India was divided in 1947, he joined the new Pakistan Air Force. He became a skilled instructor, teaching others to fly the North American T-6G Harvard aircraft. He also continued his education in the United Kingdom. He attended the RAF Staff College and the Joint Service Defence College. Later, he also studied at the Imperial Defence College before returning to Pakistan.

In 1965, during the war with India, Air Commodore Chaudhry worked at the Air Headquarters. He was the Director of Air Operations. His job was to plan air battles against the Indian Air Force. In 1969, he became the commander of PAF Station Sargodha.

In 1971, Air Vice-Marshal Chaudhry took on a new role. He became the managing director of Pakistan International Airlines. He led the airline until 1972.

On April 3, 1972, Air Marshal Chaudhry was appointed the first Chief of Air Staff. This meant he was the top leader of the Pakistan Air Force. In 1973, he allowed the Air Intelligence to investigate some senior air force officers. These officers were accused of getting involved in politics.

This decision caused some disagreements between the Air Force and the government. The investigation was later stopped because it was found to be for the wrong reasons. The officers were allowed to continue their service. When Chaudhry learned this, he immediately resigned from his position. After leaving the Air Force, he worked in the USA selling cars. He later returned to Pakistan and helped with the WWF.

After Retirement

Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry was the last Air Marshal to lead the Air Force. His successor was Zulfiqar Ali Khan, who became the first four-star general in the Air Force.

After retiring from the military, Chaudhry became a human rights activist. He was one of the people who helped start the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in the 1980s. He also served on its council.

Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry passed away on December 17, 2019, in Lahore, Pakistan. He was 93 years old.

Awards and Decorations

Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry received several awards for his service. These include:

• Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam (Star of the Great Leader)
• Tamgha-e-Diffa (Defence Medal)
• Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War (War Star 1965)
• Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War (War Medal 1965)
• Pakistan Tamgha (Pakistan Medal) from 1947
• Tamgha-e-Jamhuria (Republic Commemoration Medal) from 1956
• War Medal from 1939-1945
• Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal from 1953

Foreign Awards

He also received awards from other countries, including:

• From the United Kingdom:
  • War Medal 1939-1945
  • Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal