PAF is the custodian of the aerial defence of our motherland: General Rashad Mahmood

Lahore: “Being custodians of the aerial defence of our motherland the Pakistan Air Force is required to keep the state-of-the-art aircraft and other technological equipment in an immaculate condition and also in highest state of operational readiness,” said, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, while addressing the Graduation Ceremony at PAF Academy, Risalpur today.

General Rashad Mahmood, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, was the Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony of 131 GD (P), 76 Engineering Course, 90 Air Defence Course and Commissioning Parade of 134 GD (P), 80 Engineering Course, 02 Navigation course and 15 A&SD Course. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also present at the occasion.

While addressing the graduating parade, the Chief Guest said, “The profession of arms is highly demanding and requires an unflinching courage and dedication to ensure the defence of the nation. As Air Force officers you are required to march in sync with the latest developments and aim for excellence in your respective fields. You are expected to contribute devotedly in making the Air Force progress from strength to strength.

” The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee further said,” Geo political undercurrents have propelled severe security challenges for our nation. To face these external and internal security challenges Pakistan Armed Forces will continue to perform with unflinching resolve and professional motivation.”

A total of 85 Under Training Officers and 17 cadets were graduated whereas 113 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 1 Squadron, the Champion Squadron of the Academy.

Chief of the Air Staff trophy for Best performance in Flying Training and Engineering were awarded to Pilot Officer Ali Hunain and Pilot Officer Hafiz Muhammad Umer respectively. Pilot Officer Uzair Aziz Khan was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training whereas Pilot Officer Hafiz Muhammad Umer won the Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering. Trophy for the best performance in 90 AD course was awarded to Aviation Cadet Zaid Bin Umer.

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, CJCSC 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 high-ranking Military & Civil Officials, Diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating/commissioning Under Training Officers and Aviation Cadets.