Muniruddin Ahmed

Squadron Leader Muniruddin Ahmed (27 September 1927 – 11 September 1965) was a Pakistani fighter pilot and a war hero in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

He was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his gallantry during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, particularly for leading combat missions and he was hit during the successful strike on the Amritsar radar station.

Early life Muniruddin was born at Gurdaspur, India on 27 September 1927 in an Ahmadiyya family. His father, Dr Khalifa Rashiduddinra was a prominent Ahmadiyaa leader. He completed his education from PAF College Risalpur and later joined the Pakistan Air Force.

Military career Munir was commissioned in the 26 GD(P) on 22 Dec 1955 in No. 14 Squadron PAF. After getting commissioned, he served at various fighter squadrons of PAF, which includes the No. 19 Squadron PAF, No. 11 Squadron PAF and No. 5 Squadron PAF. Within a short time, Munir became an exceptional fighter pilot. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Munir was assigned at PAF Base Sargodha, one of the major operational bases of Pakistan. Munir had actively taken part in numerous operations in Northern Punjab. On 10 September, he had shot down an IAF Gnat.

On 11 September 1965, Munir had voluntarily joined an operation to destroy a radar station at Amritsar. Under the leadership of the then, Wing Commander Anwar Shamim, Munir had taken off along with the then Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry and Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Ahmed Bhatti. Despite being under heavy fire, he had completed his mission. While doing so, he was hit by an anti aircraft fire. Shamim tried to find his body and aircraft, but none of them were found. He was later declared missing in action. For his gallantry actions, the Government of Pakistan awarded him with Sitara-e-Jurat, third highest gallantry award.

Legacy A house at PAF College Sargodha, one of the educational institutions of Pakistan Air Force has been named after him.

Sitara-e-Jurat citation Munir's Sitara-e-Jurat citation read as follows :

Awards and decorations

Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage)

1965 War

PosthumousTamgha-e-Diffa (General Service Medal)

1965 War Clasp

PosthumousSitara-e-Harb 1965 War (War Star 1965)

PosthumousTamgha-e-Jang 1965 War (War Medal 1965)

PosthumousTamgha-e-Jamhuria (Republic Commemoration Medal)

1956