News
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
PAF always delivered in times of crises: Mushahid* Committee praises coordination between forces; terms it vital for country
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Praising the professionalism of Pakistan Air Force, Senate’s Defence Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain has said PAF has always delivered in times of crises through its high standards of professionalism and good quality leadership.
He was presiding over the committee meeting held at Air Headquarters, on Tuesday. The chairman was given a detailed briefing by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique about the PAF on its overall performance and professional capabilities with particular reference to operations and developmental plans. Mushahid said the committee would act as a bridge between parliament and the defence institutions and would be the first line of defence to protect and promote the professional role of armed forces as an institution.
The committee appreciated the excellent coordination between the forces and termed it vital for the country keeping in view the regional and international perspectives, adding that the geo-strategic interest and the internal and external threats need better coordination among the three institutions, the PAF, the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Army. The committee expressed satisfaction over the fact that PAF was providing employment opportunity to people from Balochistan in different ranks. It observed that considering the Baloch in air force is a true reflection of the fact that the government, including armed forces was making serious efforts to alleviate the sense of deprivation among Baloch Youth.
Senator Mushahid Hussain, on behalf of the committee, assured his all out support for further enhancing the professional capability of PAF.
He said that negative propaganda against the Defence institutions has to be stopped. Mushahid also assured complete cooperation to the PAF to overcome its financial problems. He said further that the defence of the country is in safe hands and that people take pride in the Armed forces, adding that we fully support the constitutional and professional role of the Armed forces in defending the motherland. Senator Mushahid appreciated the focus on gender equality in armed forces, particularly the role of women.
Earlier, the committee was given a detailed presentation which encompassed historical background, force structure, role in anti-terrorist operations, role in national building, development plans and challenges being faced by PAF.
Members of the committee also asked various questions and appreciated the performance of PAF despite financial problems. For a detailed discussion, the committee through a mutual understanding, kept the meeting in-camera. This briefing lasted for nearly three hours and thread bear discussion took place on the professional role of PAF and challenges being faced by it in modern times.
The meeting was attended by Senate Deputy Chairman, Sabir Ali Baloch, besides senators Sardar Ali Khan, Sehar Kamran, Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Haji Adeel and Muhammad Khan Sherani. Senate Special Secretary Amjad Pervez Malik was also present.Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk