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PAF is frontline of national defence, says air chief
* Sohail Aman says the existing combat fleet of the PAF is in a highly operational state
ISLAMABAD/RISALPUR: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has said that the unwavering courage and strong motivation of PAF’s officers has made it the frontline of national defence and an icon of undeterred strength.
The air chief was addressing the graduation ceremony at PAF Academy, Risalpur on Thursday. He was the chief guest at the graduation parade of 133 GD (P), 78 Engineering Course, and 13 A&SD course.
While addressing the graduating parade, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said, “This is the era of rapid technological advancements. By the grace of God and concerted efforts of the successive generations of airmen, today the existing combat fleet of the PAF is in a highly operational state along with additions of more state-of-the-art equipment to the inventory.” But weapons alone, he said, did not guarantee strength of a force. “Therefore, to maintain your mark among leading air forces of the world, and to acquire professionalism and respect, you will have to work with missionary zeal to prove equal to every challenge,” he added.
The chief of air staff further said, “Pakistan has always followed the policy of peaceful co-existence; however in the prevailing scenario we are confronted with both internal and external security challenges.” He said that it was a matter of immense pride for the nation that PAF, in coordination with defence forces of Pakistan, responded to all difficult situations and thwarted nefarious designs of the extremist elements in a befitting manner.
He said, no doubt, the role of the sister services are different and the platforms that PAF operate from are different, but “our aim certainly is none other than providing invincible defence of this motherland”. “The decisive role of the PAF in the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a proof of our seamless coordination and tremendous harmony that have broken the back of the militants. I am sure, no one can ever dare to cast an evil eye on our hard-earned freedom, God willing,” he said.
The air chief said that PAF stands fully determined to continue its efforts until peace and stability are established, paving way for happiness and prosperity of citizens of the country.
A total of 106 under training officers, including 9 female trainees, graduated on the occasion. The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders. The chief guest awarded Quaid-e-Azam Banner to No 1 squadron, the champion squadron of the academy.
Pilot Officer Fida Muhammad Khan of No 133 GD (P) course and Pilot Officer Kashif Hayat of 78 Engineering course were awarded with the trophies for best performance in General Service Training. Chief of the Air Staff’s Trophy for best performance in Flying Training was won by Pilot Officer Sikandar Waseem, while Pilot Officer Ahsan Naveed clinched Chief of the Air Staff’s Trophy for best performance in Engineering discipline.
Trophy for the best performance in 13 A&SD course was awarded to Pilot Officer Usama. Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training was won by Pilot Officer Fida Muhammad Khan of 133 GD (P) course; whereas Pilot Officer Ahsan Naveed of 78 Engineering course received the Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering.
The ceremony was followed by an exhilarating aerial display by the PAF Academy’s Aerobatics team ‘Sherdils’. Earlier, on his arrival at the academy, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was received by Air Vice Marshal Aasim Zaheer, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military & civil Officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating/commissioning under training officers and aviation cadets.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk