In a moment of national pride and a significant stride for gender equality in the armed forces, Ayesha Farooq, Pakistan’s first female fighter pilot, has once again made headlines—this time for shooting down an enemy Rafale fighter jet during a recent aerial engagement.
Ayesha, who hails from Bahawalpur, Punjab, was born on August 24, 1987. She graduated from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy in Risalpur and etched her name in history in 2013 by becoming the first Pakistani woman cleared for combat missions.
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Flying the F-7PG as part of Squadron 20, her entry into the skies marked a groundbreaking moment for women in Pakistan’s defense forces.
Her most recent achievement—successfully downing an advanced enemy aircraft—not only highlights the operational excellence of the Pakistan Air Force but also cements her status as a global symbol of bravery, discipline, and determination. Ayesha’s success resonates far beyond the cockpit, as she continues to inspire countless young women across Pakistan and around the world to aim high, break barriers, and serve their country with pride.
As Pakistan celebrates her courage and combat excellence, Ayesha Farooq remains a living testament that gender is no limit to greatness.
