ISLAMABAD — Pakistan today remembered Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar, the first female fighter pilot of the Pakistan Air Force to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Her death anniversary is observed to honor her courage, determination, and the inspiring legacy she left behind.
Born and raised in Karachi, Marium Mukhtiar was driven by a deep passion to serve her country. Coming from a family with a military background, she chose the challenging path of aviation—a route few women had ventured into at the time. She joined the Pakistan Air Force as part of the 132 GD Pilot course and steadily earned the respect of instructors and fellow cadets through her discipline, dedication, and professionalism.
On 24 November 2015, during a routine training flight in an FT7PG aircraft, Marium and her instructor encountered a critical technical fault. Demonstrating exceptional bravery, she and her instructor attempted to steer the aircraft away from populated areas to prevent civilian casualties. Tragically, her selfless act cost her life. While her instructor survived after ejecting, Marium sustained fatal injuries and was posthumously declared a martyr by the Pakistan Air Force.
Her sacrifice has continued to inspire countless young women and aspiring aviators across the country, symbolizing courage, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
