ISLAMABAD, April 5: The government on Wednesday promoted three Pakistan Air Force officers to the rank of air marshal. The three air vice marshals who have been promoted as air marshals are: Shahid Lateef, Khalid Chaudhry and Mirza Zafar Hussain, said a press release issued by the PAF public relations department.

Air Marshal Shahid Lateef has been appointed as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (operations). A pioneer of F-16 induction programmes, Air Marshal Lateef has been associated with the development and production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft for over eight years as deputy chief and chief project director.

He was commissioned in General Duties (Pilot) Branch on April 7, 1974. He has served as fighter pilot in various squadrons of PAF.

Air Marshal Lateef has done courses of fighter weapons, combat commanders, navy staff and armed forces war.

During his career he has commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing and an operational air base.

He has held various key staff appointments at the Air headquarters.

The air marshal has also served in Abu Dhabi Air Force on deputation.

Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry has been appointed as chairman, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board, Kamra. He was commissioned in General Duties (Pilot) Branch on April 7, 1974. He served as fighter pilot in various squadrons.

He has done courses of flying instructors, combat commanders, air war and Royal College of Defence studies from UK. During his career he has commanded a fighter squadron, Combat Commanders School, a fighter wing, an operational air base and a regional air command.

He has also been chief of F-16s project, Inspector General Air Force, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Support) and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations). He has also served in Qatar Air Force on deputation.

Air Vice Marshal Mirza Zafar Hussain has been appointed as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration) at the Air Headquarters. He was commissioned in General Duties (Pilot) Branch on October 26, 1974. He served as fighter pilot in various squadrons.

He has qualified courses of flying instructors, combat commanders, air war and National Defence College.

During his career, Air Marshal Hussain has commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing, two air bases and a regional command. He has also been director-general (Logistics) at the Joint Staff Headquarters. The Air Marshal has also served in Royal Saudi Air Force on deputation.