Prime Minister lauds services of outgoing Air Chief Rao Qamar Suleman

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the input of political leadership on challenges posed to national security is a decisive component of a holistic national security paradigm. The prime minister said this at dinner reception arranged for outgoing Air Chief Rao Qamar Suleman after meritorious service to the country.
"I always find saying good-bye as the most difficult part of the job. It is an occasion of both happiness and sadness," he said. The prime minister said, "We are happy because this marks the culmination of a successful and distinguished career in the service of the motherland. We are sad because we will be deprived of an able commander, a team leader, a true professional and thorough gentleman who rose to the top of his profession through sheer hard work."
A long list of medals won by the Air Chief such, as Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Basalat, Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 'King Abdul Aziz Medal Class' speaks volumes about his thorough professionalism and exceptionally dedicated services. He said that you would agree with me that we are living in a rapidly evolving world, which is characterised by new rules of the game in the domains of politics, security, and socio-economic development. Consequently, the traditional concept of national security has also undergone drastic change.
Because of its unique geo-strategic location and peculiar problems arising out of developments in the region, Pakistan has been faced with a security challenge from non-state actors as well. The scourge of terrorism and extremism is unique in the sense that it represents a nameless, faceless, and region-less enemy whose elimination requires a well-thought-out political strategy for the long term. Pakistan seeks to continue its endeavour to shore up its defence capabilities, he said. He said that this is where the Pakistan Air Force has played an appreciable role in safeguarding the national frontiers in collaboration with the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy.
He said that it is a matter of immense satisfaction that under the command and able guidance of Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Pakistan Air Force has responded to the call of the nation with prudence and strategic wisdom.
He said that after taking over the command of PAF, he devised and steadfastly followed a carefully planed strategy in the area of counter insurgency operations. The formulation of COIN (Counter Insurgency) strategy by the outgoing Air Marshal was in response to the imperatives of the changed inland security environment. Involvement of Pakistan Air Force in counter insurgency operations constitutes a new experience for the Air Force.
PAF has been wedded to professional approach, strategic flexibility and unflinching faith in the cause of national defence. Coupled with the leadership of the outgoing Air Marshal, these factors have enabled PAF to adapt to this kind of warfare, he said.
He said that the efficacy of the COIN strategy was proven when Pakistan Air Force took active part in the anti-terrorism operations in the aid of Pakistan Army in Swat and elsewhere. A major highlight of the three-year tenure of the Air Marshal has been technology-driven revamped security system installed within the PAF.
However, no technology howsoever hi-tech can help you achieve your desired goals, unless the soldiers working under the command have the requisite training, skills, determination and passion to achieve the strategic objectives, he said. "This is the area where Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman deserves to be applauded. The culture of 'We Care' founded by the outgoing Air Marshal has been instrumental in the establishment of various welfare projects for the servicemen. I understand exemplary performance is an outcome of care and welfare in addition to other things.
He said that Pakistan Air Force enjoys global prestige because of its competence and professionalism. "It is a matter of satisfaction that during the tenure of Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, maximum numbers of inland as well as foreign exercises were conducted." He said.
He said that the PAF took part in various bilateral and multilateral exercises with countries like the US, UK, France, Italy, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia and China. High-Mark is a major command level operational exercise of 2010. By collaborating with the Air Forces of the world, PAF has reflected Pakistan's commitment to global peace and security, he said.
The Prime Minister said that another area where PAF has risen to challenge has been its role in the flood relief activities. PAF, under the command of the Air Marshal, contributed immensely in the relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations for the flood affectees.