RISALPUR: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila said on Thursday that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is fully cognizant of its defence needs and is exploiting all avenues to deter country’s adversaries.
Addressing the Graduation Ceremony of No 127th GD (P), 71st Engineering and 85th Air Defence Courses and Commissioning Parade of 129th GD (P), 75th Engineering and 11th A&SD Courses here at PAF Academy, he said, “A strong Air Force is an indispensable instrument for ensuring the security and sanctity of our air space”. Admiral Asif Sandila said, “Pakistan is a forward looking country and believes in peaceful co-existence but guards its sovereignty and freedom with utmost dignity and honour”.
Congratulating the passed out Graduating and Commissioning Under Training Officer and Cadets, he said, “As you would assume your duties in this arena of technological advancements and changing warfare scenario, it will define your careers.Remember, your goal is to make our country strong to boldly face any aggressor who dares to trespass its sovereign boundaries.”
He also appreciated the Lady Graduates and Commissioned Officers and said, their role would be source of inspiration for other women of the country.On his arrival at PAF Academy, the chief guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.
He reviewed the Parade and presented the Quaid-e-Azam Banner to the Champion Squadron of the Academy.A total of 80 Under Training Officers and 13 Cadets graduated and 90 Cadets were commissioned on the occasion.The ceremony included the award of branch insignias to the graduating cadets and trophies to the front-runners.
Pilot Officer Muhammad Shahid of No 127th GD (P) and Pilot Officer Taimour Qamar Virk of 71st Engineering Courses were awarded trophies for Best Performance in General Service Training.Chief of the Air Staff Trophy of Best Performance in Flying Training and Engineering were awarded Pilot Officer Muhammad Shahid and Sub Lieutenant Shah Nawaz Abbasi respectively.Trophy for Best Performance in 85th Air Defence course was received by Aviation Cadet Khaliq Shams.
Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training was won by Pilot Officer, Muhammad Saeed Gill and Sub Lieutenant Shah Nawaz Abbasi received Sowrd of Honour for Overall Best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering.The ceremony was followed by an exhilarating aerial display by the indigenously produce JF-17 Thunder and PAF Academy Aerobatics team “Sherdils” and paramotor glider formation “The Eaglets”.Corps Commander, Peshawar, Lt Gen. Asif Yasin Malik, high ranking officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of Graduating/Commissioning Under Training Officers and Cadets were present.
