'Pakistan fully prepared, capable of guarding national sovereignty'

KAKUL: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Rao Qamar Suleman said on Saturday that while Pakistan vows to contribute to peace and prosperity in the world, it is fully prepared and capable of guarding its national interest and sovereignty with full force and resolve.

Addressing the gentlemen cadets as a chief guest at Passing Out Parade of 124th PMA Long Course, 23rd Technical Graduate Course, 43rd Integrated Course, 9th Lady Cadet Course and 19th Short Service Commission held at Pakistan Military Academy, here, he said, today, the nation faces unprecedented external as well as internal threats.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan are facing these challenges boldly and have offered countless sacrifices, he said and added, "We fully understand our responsibilities and have the resolve to defend our way of life, principles and freedom."

He asked the cadets to strive consistently to grow and mature in knowledge of modern technology and the art of warfare, as they advance in their professional life.

The Chief of Air Staff said that today, warfare is closely linked with technology, leading to revolutionary changes in concepts and doctrines. "Your professional competence will help you not only in mastering the modern concepts, but it will also give you the confidence and conviction, which you essentially require to become effective military leaders," he added.

Rao Qamar Suleman called upon the cadets to live up to the trust and confidence the nation has reposed in them. "Whatever the circumstances and challenges are, always keep the national standard high. Let us revive our promise to make Pakistan a strong country, worthy of its name and the aspirations of its people," he added.

Earlier, an impressive Passing out Parade of 124th PMA Long Course, 23rd Technical Graduate Course, 43rd Integrated Course, 9th Lady Cadet Course and 19th Short Service Commission was held. The Chief of Air Staff, reviewed the smartly turned out parade and awarded medals.

He also congratulated all the graduating cadets on successful completion of their basic military training. The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Company Senior Under Officer Raffay Tassawar from 124th PMA Long Course while the Presidents Gold Medal was given to Battalion Senior Under Officer Omer Nisar from 124th PMA Long Course. Under Officer Abdul Latif Ahmed Al Dosari won the Chief of Army Staff Overseas Gold Medal for the best Allied Cadet of 124th PMA Long Course.

The Chief of Army Staff Cane was awarded to Course Under Officer Muhammad Usama Khalid of 23rd Technical Graduate Course while the Commandants Cane for the best cadet of Integrated course 43rd was awarded to Course Under Officer Aqib Naeem.

The Commandant Cane for the best cadet of Lady Cadets Course 9th was awarded to Course Under Officer Sana Ayaz Qazi. The Commandant's Cane of 19th Short Service Commission was awarded to Course Under Officer Zulfiqar Ali Haideri. Major General Mazhar Jamil, Commandant Pakistan Military Academy was also present on the saluting dais.

A large number of senior serving and retired armed forces officers, parents of cadets, foreign diplomats and relatives of graduating cadets witnessed the spectacular parade.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011