Quick Facts
Biography
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar NI(M) HI(M) SI(M) TI(M) (Urdu: ظہیر احمد بابر سدھو) is the current 16th Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force. On 19 March 2021, Babar took over command of the Pakistan Air Force from his predecessor ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan.
Personal life
Babar was born on 16 April 1965, into a Punjabi Muslim jutt family from the Sidhu clan.
Career
Air Chief Marshal Chauhdary Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in April, 1986. During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, an Operational Air Base and Regional Air Command. In his staff appointments, he has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operational Requirement & Development), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training-Officers) and Additional Secretary at Ministry of Defence. He has also served as Director General Projects, Director General Air Force Strategic Command, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Air Defence) and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration) at Air Headquarters Islamabad.
He is a graduate of Combat Commanders' School (PAK), Command & Staff College (UK), National Defence University (PAK), and Royal College of Defence Studies (UK). He also holds a master's degree in Strategic Studies. In recognition of his outstanding services, he has been awarded with Tamgha-i-lmtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-lmtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-lmtiaz (Military) and Nishan-i-lmtiaz (Military).
Chief of the Air Staff
On 17 March 2021, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan appointed him as Chief of Air Staff and he assumed charge on 19 March 2021. He also met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on assuming office.
Awards and decorations
 | |||
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  | ||
| PAF GD(P) Badge BLUE (More than 2000 flying hours) | |||
| Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) (Order of Excellence) | Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) (Crescent of Excellence) | Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) (Star of Excellence) | Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) (Medal of Excellence) |
| Tamgha-e-Baqa (Nuclear Test Medal) 1998 | Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan (Escalation with India Medal) 2002 | Tamgha-e-Azm (Medal of Conviction) (2018) | 10 Years Service Medal |
| 20 Years Service Medal | 30 Years Service Medal | 35 Years Service Medal | Hijri Tamgha (Hijri Medal) 1979 |
| Jamhuriat Tamgha (Democracy Medal) 1988 | Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha (Resolution Day Golden Jubilee Medal) 1990 | Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan (Independence Day Golden Jubilee Medal) 1997 | Turkish Legion of Merit 2021 |
Foreign Decorations
| Foreign Award | ||
|---|---|---|
 Turkey | Turkish Legion of Merit | |
Effective dates of promotion
| Insignia | Rank | Date |
|---|---|---|
 | Air Chief Marshal (CAS) | March, 2021 |
 | Air Marshal | July, 2018 |
 | Air Vice Marshal | July, 2015 |
| Air Commodore | Sept, 2012 | |
| Group Captain | March, 2007 | |
| Wing Commander | August, 2001 | |
| Squadron Leader | Sept, 1993 | |
| Flight Lieutenant | March, 1990 | |
| Flying Officer | April, 1988 | |
| Pilot Officer | April, 1986 |
