Terrorists' backbone broken: Kayani addresses passing-out parade

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday said that security forces have broken the backbone of terrorists and the nation will soon prevail over this menace. Addressing passing out parade of 123rd Long Course, Integrated Course 42 and Lady Cadet Course 8 at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, he said Pakistan Army is fully aware of internal and external threats to the country and will come upto the expectations of the nation.
"In the ongoing war against terrorism, our officers and soldiers have made great sacrifices and have achieved tremendous success," he said. The army chief said that people of the country value their freedom and independence more than anything else and consider no sacrifice too great to preserve it. He called upon people to remain optimistic and keep the dream of strong and prosperous Pakistan alive.
"I have no doubt that all of us together can achieve it. People have the capacity and will to do it, whatever the difficulties and challenges. Let us revive our promise to make Pakistan a strong country, worthy of its name and the aspiration of its people." General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani congratulated the passing-out cadets on their accomplishment and conveyed his felicitations to cadets's parents, families and the faculty of Pakistan Military Academy.
He extended his heartiest felicitations to Cadets from friendly country Kazakhstan. Addressing the cadets, Army Chief said that they have been chosen for a challenging and honourable profession in one of the finest armies of the world.
"This profession demands strong resolve and conviction. You can reach the zenith of glory by following the high standards of professionalism and valour set by your illustrious predecessors." He said nation has reposed great trust in you and you will have to comp-up to their expectation under all circumstances. After reviewing the parade and presentation of Quaid-i-Azam Banner to the Champion Command, Chief of Army Staff presented awards to the distinguished cadets.
The Sword of Honour for the overall best cadet of 123rd Long Course was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Muhammad Abdul Malik, President's Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Qazi Fasihuddin, the Chief of Army Staff's Overseas Gold Medal for the best Allied Cadet to Academy Under Officer Tuyakov Batyr Naryzbayevich and the Commmandant's Cane for the best cadet of Lady Cadets was given to Course Under Officer Ayesha Aslam.