Ten years ago, on 24 November 2015, Pakistan lost one of its brightest stars. Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar, aged just 24, became the first woman fighter pilot of the Pakistan Air Force to embrace martyrdom while serving her country.
Born in Karachi, Marium joined the PAF in 2011 as part of the 132nd GD Pilot Course. She earned her wings in 2014 and proudly flew the FT-7 training jet. On that fateful day, during a routine training flight near Kundian in Mianwali, her aircraft faced a serious technical fault. Instead of ejecting to save herself, Marium and her co-pilot guided the jet away from populated areas. Both ejected, but Marium’s parachute opened late and she succumbed to her injuries.
For her courage and sacrifice, she was awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat. Today, schools, roads, and scholarships carry her name. The Marium Mukhtiar Girls’ Hostel at PAF Academy Asghar Khan and the Marium Mukhtiar Library at PAF College Lower Topa stand as living tributes.
Every year, especially on this day, Pakistan salutes her bravery. Her smile, her determination, and her ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire a nation. Marium Mukhtiar did not just fly planes, she flew straight into Pakistan’s heart forever.
