Born in 1954, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman received his early education at PAF Public School, Sargodha. Subsequently, he joined Pakistan Air Force and graduated from PAF Academy Risalpur 1975. He is a graduate of the PAF Air War College at Faisal and the National Defence University, Islamabad from where he did his M Sc in Strategic Studies. Having flown the American F-86 (Sabre), and later all types of Chinese and French fighter aircraft on PAF inventory.

He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and has been an instructor at the prestigious Combat Commanders' School. He commanded an elite Fighter Squadron, a Fighter Flying Wing and a PAF Fighter Base. In recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services, he has been decorated with the awards of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Sitaro-i-Basalat, Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Hi lal-i-Imtiaz, and Nishon-i-Imtioz (Military).

At Air Headquarters, the Air Chief Marshal has served as Deputy Director in Operations Branch, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at the Inspector General's Branch.