Pakistan’s Air Chief to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow

The Air Chief of Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt is due to arrive in Sri Lanka on a three day visit starting 27 August on the invitation of Air Marshal K.A. Gunatilleke Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force.

During his stay, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt will have a discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and meet top military leadership of the country including Secretary Defence, Hon Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Services Chiefs.

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt will also hold discussions on matters of professional interests with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Air Marshal KA Gunatilleke.

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 to further broaden and deepen this relationship.

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt joined Pakistan Air Force and graduated from PAF Academy, Risalpur in March, 1977. After doing his Fighter and Operational Conversion Courses, he has flown various types of fighters and training aircraft on PAF Inventory. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and also a Combat Commander on Fighters. He has commanded an elite Fighter Squadron, a Fighter Flying Wing and two PAF Bases.