125 cadets including 5 from Saudi Air Force graduate at a ceremony at PAF Academy Risalpur
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu has said the Pakistan Air Force is fully capable to meet all “internal and external challenges”.
Addressing the passing out parade ceremony of 145 GD Pilots, 91 Engineering, and 101 Air Defense Courses at PAF Academy Risalpur on Monday, the Air Chief said the brave PAF warriors have always displayed great courage during testing times and upheld Quaid’s vision of PAF being Second to None.
“I am proud that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are professionally competent and well-trained to cope with all internal and external challenges,” the Air Chief said. “I assure you that PAF is very well poised to preserve our freedom at all costs.”
He, however, stressed that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and wishes to maintain friendly relations with all countries. “Our desire for peace must not be misunderstood as weakness,” he emphasized.
Addressing the graduating cadets, he said, “Remember, today is the beginning of your journey in PAF as an officer. You have been trained well at this leading Air Force Academy and must continue to work hard in order to keep abreast of latest developments in technology, modern concepts, and current trends related to the role of Air Power in modern warfare.”
He asked the graduating cadets to take inspiration from the legacy of their forefathers who, despite tough challenges, kept Pakistan Air Force’s flag high.
The award winners
A total of 125 Aviation Cadets including five Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets graduated at the Ceremony. The Chief Guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating cadets and Trophies to the Distinction Holders.
- Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for the best performance in General Service Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Nayyer Ashfaq
- Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in Air Defence was won by Aviation Cadet Sargent Hanzallah Moin Khan
- Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Sargent Muhammad Aqib
- Chief of the Air Staff Best Pilot Trophy for outstanding performance in Flying Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Sargent Abdul Rehman
- Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer Sufiyan Sidique
- Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Flying Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Anas Mustafa.
The Ceremony was followed by a thrilling aerial display by the PAF Academy Aerobatics team “Sherdils”. The Graduation Parade was witnessed by military and civilian dignitaries as well as parents of the graduating cadets.
