The Legacy of Air Commodore Zafar Masud & Elisabeth Masud

<p class=ql-align-justify><em>The late Air Commodore M. Zafar Masud helped to mould the Pakistan Air Force into an effective fighting machine. Pakistan will remember him as one who made a great contribution towards the development of the Pakistan Air Force and thus to the defence of Pakistan in the 1965 war. - Air Marshal (Retd.) Asghar Khan</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Air Commodore Zafar Masud (affectionately known as Mitty Masud) made extraordinary contributions to the Pakistan Air Force and his pioneering leadership and vision are celebrated in this collection. It also honors his wife Elisabeth Masud whose unwavering strength and support were essential to his success. Her own contributions to the PAF which were never formally recorded are also recognized here. Though German by birth she preferred to be buried in Pakistan reflecting her dedication to the country. Featuring rare photographs of both the Air Commodore and his wife along with heartfelt reflections this work serves as a tribute to their enduring legacy.</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>Scholar and historian Nasim Yousaf author and editor of this collection of articles first wrote about him in the book titled <em>Air Commodore M. Zafar Masud: A Pioneer of the Pakistan Air Force - The Story of the Man Who Sacrificed His Career in an Effort to Save Pakistan</em>.</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify>This collection highlights his unparalleled influence on the PAF as reflected in the words of esteemed high-ranking officers:</p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>Mitty was by 1947 already an air force pilot and became the youngest pioneer of the newly born Pakistan Air Force.</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>- Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Jamal A. Khan Mitty Masud folds his wings</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>Masud was and probably has been the most brilliant planner and professional commander ever produced by PAF...I had the highest regards and respect for him.</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>- Air Marshal Inam-ul-Haque Khan Saga of PAF in East Pakistan - 1971</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify></p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>Mitty Masud was a very dominating commander and we all considered him a role model. For many of us bachelors it was an absolute necessity to be in his company in the evening.</em></p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>- Air Commodore S Sajjad Haider Flight of the Falcon</em></p><p class=ql-align-center>**</p><p class=ql-align-justify><em>Elizabeth Masud...was a leading member of the PAF Women's Association and made strong contributions to the families</em></p><p><em>- Sentinels in the Sky</em></p>