Pakistan renames airbase after its 1965 war hero

Pakistan today renamed an air base in the country's southeast after legendary fighter pilot M M Alam, who had fought against India in the 1965 war.
Speaking at the occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan's history was filled with the great heroes who always kept ahead the country's integrity before their lives.
He said amongst these national stalwarts were the names "whose bravery was acknowledged across the borders as well", in an apparent reference to India.
Sharif announced renaming the PAF Mianwali Airbase as PAF M M Alam Airbase to honour the great hero on his first death anniversary.

As per Pakistani version, Alam downed five Indian fighter aircraft in less than one minute in the 1965 war.
Alam, who joined the PAF in 1952, passed away last year at the age of 78. He was born in Kolkata in 1935.

Sharif said other personnel of the PAF must be ready to follow the same spirit of bravery. He said to be like Alam, one does not require to be necessarily a pilot.
Anyone working in other fields can also adopt the same passion like this air warrior.
Sharif also launched on the occasion a memorial postage stamp of Alam by Pakistan Post.