Feature
PAF Museum, KARACHI
Mehnaz Sabir
2k16/MMC/36 Previous
Pakistan air force museum, which is commonly known as PAF museum with a very large park. It is situated on main shahrah e Faisal, near karsaz flyover, Karachi. It is well organized museum. All area is carpeted by green grass. A park is also related with the museum where people can enjoy along with their family to release stress, especially in holidays.
The museum was established in 1990 in two disused hangers in a remote part of the base. The museum was expanded significantly from its humble beginnings in the period 1999-2004, additions include children playing areas, rides and eateries. PAF museum was in augurated on the 14 august 1997 by the chief of the air staff air chief Marshal Abbas Khattak, and subsequently opened to the general public in October, 1997.
Hundreds and thousands of people visit PAF museum every week to experience with military equipment and aircrafts of Pakistan air force.
The museum is managed by a committee headed by the air officer commanding southern air command, however it is managed and run by the deputy chairman. Recently the museum has been renamed as historical archives section and given additional responsibilities for maintaining some documented history of the PAF. The current director/deputy chairman of the museum is Gp Capt. Usman Ghani.
A majority of aircraft, weapons and radar are displayed outside in the park but the main museum features all major fighter aircraft that has been used by the Pakistan air force. The museum also houses the Vickers VC. 1 Viking used by the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan and a Folland Gnat of India air force, that landed in Posrur in 1965 war. Also on display are the scale models of some WW1, WW2 and modern air craft and photo galleries of almost all the squadrons of PAF. Guided tours are free and it’s blissfully uncrowded on week days. PNS Mehran Naval Air station which came under a terrorist attack on May 22 is also attached to PAF Base Faisal, in view of the attached PAF museum for closed but was opened again.
Pakistan air force museum is commonly renowned for its extravagant highly systemized exhibition, travels and greenery. The major museum is established within the park and characteristics al significant fighters aircrafts have been utilized by the Pakistan air force have been on display.
The PAF Museum holds one of the biggest archive houses which showcase some historic memorabilia related to the wars fought by the Pakistan Air Force in 1965 and 1971 against India. In the archive gallery, you will find Viking aircraft used by the great Quaid-e-Azam and an Indian aircraft which was captured during the war of 1965. There are four separate computers with LCDs that present various videos related to PAF which the users can play and enjoy. Moreover, there are two whole galleries especially devoted to the “SHAHEED” and heroes of 1965 & 1971 wars.
Outside for the visitors, there are cafeteria for food stuff and beverages. For kids, there is a big amusement park where rides are available at nominal prices. The amusement park includes rides like 4D-motion ride, Pirate Ship, Dodging Cars and other merry-go-rounds. There are also stalls that sell gift items and other small souvenirs to the visitors. The park is a refreshing place for families to enjoy and it is becoming more of a picnic spot where people come with picnic baskets and enjoy the great scenery, greenery and the open air environment that PAF museum has to offer. All in all, PAK Museum is a wonderful place to visit with your friends and family.
Practical work carried under supervision of Sir Sohail Sangi
