PAF Base Rafiqui
Major Operational Base
Location Details
Wing
Squadrons Based Here
Aircraft
Runways
History
1965: After Indo-Pakistani War, AHQ commenced survey to enhance air force infrastructure
1966: Two sites chosen at Jhang and Shorkot for new airbase
Jhang site preferred but pressure not to construct military base near historic city led to Shorkot selection
1968: Small satellite station named PAF Shorkot constructed
1971: Activated during war, received first base commander, No. 23 Squadron deployed F-6s
1971 War: Demonstrated operational importance of the base
1973: Transformed into Main Operating Base (MOB)
1973: Renamed PAF Base Rafiqui in honor of Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui
Major development and forestation project initiated to transform barren lands
Gardens, orchards, nurseries and plantations grown, completely changing base topography
Important Events
After Indo-Pakistani War, decision made to construct alternative base to main Sargodha airbase
Sites at Jhang and Shorkot selected; Shorkot ultimately chosen
PAF Shorkot satellite station constructed
During Indo-Pakistani War, base activated and received first base commander. No. 23 Squadron deployed F-6s
Transformed from satellite station to Main Operating Base and renamed PAF Base Rafiqui in honor of fallen 1965 war hero Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui
Targeted by Indian missile strikes during 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. Pakistan Armed Forces claimed air defences intercepted most rockets
Location on Map
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