Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui

Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui (18 July 1935 – 6 September 1965) was a Pakistani fighter pilot, best known for his gallant actions in two of the aerial dogfights during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He is a recipient of both the 'Hilal-e-Jurat' (Crescent of Courage) and the 'Sitara-e-Jurat' (Star of Courage) military awards from the Government of Pakistan.

Military career

Inspired by his elder brother "Ijaz Rafique", Sarfaraz joined the Royal Pakistan Air Force's 13th GDP course and graduated from Risalpur Academy in 1953.

1965 War Air battle over Chhamb On the evening of 1 September 1965, the Indian Air Force (IAF) intervened in the Chhamb Sector by sending 26 aircraft (12 de Havilland Vampires and 14 Mystere IVs) to slow down the Pakistan Army's XII Division's offensive against Akhnoor in response to a call for help from the Indian Army. The IAF's 45 Squadron was ordered to provide close air support to Indian forces in the area. These 26 planes flying in finger-four formation strafed Pakistani positions and attacked Pakistani tanks and ground targets. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled two F-86 Sabres, flown by S/L Sarfraz Rafiqui of No. 5 Squadron and F/L Imtiaz Bhatti of No. 15 Squadron from PAF Base Sargodha to intercept them. Though heavily outnumbered, the two pilots engaged the Indians and in the ensuing dogfight over Chhamb, each pilots shot down two de Havilland Vampires. Rafiqui had taken on the flight leader and wingman while Bhatti went after an element leader and element wingman.

Government's gesture for parents The Government of Pakistan awarded 77 acres of prime agriculture land, which was bequeathed by Rafiqui's parents to the Sarfraz Rafiqui Welfare Trust.

Awards and decorations