Traditionally, the deputy has served as the air chief's principal assistant, overseeing the routine administration of Air Force operations. While there are limitations on the authority of the Deputy with respect to the development of policies, the Deputy handles many of the substantial administrative tasks with which air chiefs are encumbered. This allows the air chief to focus on the larger and more numerous areas of responsibility. According to Rule 31-A of the
Pakistan Air Force Act Rules, 1957: "Authorities empowered to order dismissal or removal of persons other than officers and warrant officers:- The (Vice Chief of Air Staff), Pakistan Air Force, may at any time dismiss or remove from the service any person subject to this Act other than an officer or warrant officer." Over the years, the title used to refer to the
second-in-command of the PAF has changed from chief of staff to deputy chief of air staff, and since 1979 as vice chief of air staff. Similarly, the rank of the deputy also increased from air commodore to air vice-marshal, and ultimately air-marshal. Throughout the first 40 years of the PAF, 19 individuals had served as vice chiefs; however, Air Marshal
Farooq Feroze Khan was the first to succeed an outgoing chief of air staff.
Chiefs of Staff (1949-1964; 1970-1972) Deputy Chief of Air Staff (1964-1970; 1972-1979) Vice Chief of Air Staff (1979—present) ==See also==