PAF will be in a leading role in case of any eventuality

Lahore:   ”I am convinced that the PAF will be in a leading role in case of any eventuality and create yet another chapter full of glory and valour in the history,” said the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the Graduation Ceremony of 130 GD (P), 75 Engineering Course, 89 Air Defence Course and Commissioning Parade of 133 GD (P), 79 Engineering Course and 14 A&SD Course held at PAF Academy, Risalpur today. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also present at the ceremony.

While addressing the Aviation cadets, the Prime Minister said, “Pakistan is peace loving country. We have always worked for peace and we would continue to play our role to defuse tension at the borders and reducing any possibility of war. However, our enemy must know that Pakistan’s aerial defence is impregnable”. He further said, “The PAF is a potent and hard-hitting Air Force with the ability to strike and surprise the enemy in such a manner that it will repent the decision to opt for adventurism. In view of the current environment, PAF has enhanced its vigilance and it is fully committed and determined to give a befitting response to the enemy”.

A total of 94 Under Training Officers and 12 cadets were graduated where as 110 cadets were commissioned on the occasion. The Chief Guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and Aviation Cadets and also gave away trophies among the distinction holders. The chief guest awarded Quaid-e-Azam Banner to No 4 Squadron, the Champion Squadron of the Academy. Chief of the Air Staff trophy for Best performance in flying training was awarded to Pilot Officer Hassam Hassan; whereas, Pilot Officer Umer Shahzad was awarded Sword of Honour for overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training. Pilot Officer Hamza Malik won the Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering. Trophy for Overall Best Performance in 89 Air Defence course was received by Aviation Cadet Arif Rasheed.

The ceremony was followed by an exhilarating aerial display by the PAF Academy Aerobatics team ‘Sherdils’ and para motor glider formation ‘The Eaglets’. Earlier, on his arrival at the Academy, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was received by Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Air Vice Marshal Rashid Kamal, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur. The ceremony was witnessed by Senators, Parliamentarians, Diplomats, senior high-ranking Military & Civil Officials, foreign Military Attaches, other dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating/commissioning Under Training Officers and Aviation Cadets.