RISALPUR, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has emphasized that Pakistan and India must resolve the longstanding issue of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner as per the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir and bring this human tragedy to its logical conclusion.
“Pakistan is a peace-loving Country that has rendered great sacrifices for regional and global peace,” the COAS said while addressing at the Graduation Ceremony of 144th GD (P), 90th Engineering Course and 100th AD Courses held at PAF Academy Asghar Khan in Risalpur on Wednesday.
“We stand firmly committed to the ideal of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. It is time to extend hand of peace in all directions,” he remarked.
However, the COAS added that we will not allow anybody or any entity to misinterpret our desire for peace as a sign of weakness.
The Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was also present at the Ceremony.
In his address as the Chief Guest, the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable and prepared to thwart any threat.
The Army Chief said that the immaculate coordination and harmony displayed by all the three services in operations against the enemies of Pakistan has brought great improvement in the internal security environment.
The COAS specially commended the critical role played by PAF in the war on terror. He said that the outstanding courage and professional excellence displayed by brave air warriors of Pakistan Air Force during Operation Swift Retort is a manifestation of our resolve and capability.
General Bajwa reiterated that the whole nation is proud of its Air Force and I earnestly hope that PAF will scale new heights of glory and excellence in the years to come.
Congratulating the graduating cadets on their landmark achievement, the COAS also hailed presence of cadets from the King of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for training at PAF Academy Asghar Khan.
The Army Chief said that this is a manifestation of warm fraternal ties between Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our Defence Forces indeed.
“We are proud of the strong bonds of Islam, brotherhood and cultural communion that bind us together,” the COAS concluded
A total of 133 graduating Cadets including 11 Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets and 6 lady cadets graduated at the occasion.
The COAS awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for the best performance in General Service Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Faizan Iqbal.
The Best Allied Cadet Trophy was won by the RSAF Cadet Hatem Muhammad Alsofiani.
The Chief of the Air Staff trophy for overall best performance in Air Defence was won by Aviation Cadet Shahryar Khan.
The Chief of the Air Staff trophy for the best performance in Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Muhammad Usman.
The Chief of the Air Staff trophy for best performance in Flying Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Danish Qayyum.
The Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Muhammad Usman.
The Sword of honour for overall best performance in college of Flying Training was won by Muhammad Ibtisam Naeem.
The Ceremony was followed by a thrilling aerial display by the PAF Academy Aerobatics team” Sherdil” and a specialized military drill” Hamza Flight” of the academy.
Earlier on his arrival, the COAS was received by the Air Officer Commanding Air Vice Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar.
The Ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking military & civil officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets.
