'Time to extend a hand of peace everywhere,' says Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa congratulating the graduating cadets at PAF Academy on Tuesday said Pakistan is a peace loving country that had rendered great sacrifices for regional and global peace.

The graduation ceremony of 144th GD (P), 90th Engineering Course and 100th AD courses was held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) academy Asghar Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was the chief guest on the occasion, said the Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release.

Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was also present at the ceremony .

While addressing the graduating cadets, Gen Bajwa said that Pakistan stands firmly committed to the ideals of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence.

"It is time to extend a hand of peace in all directions," he remarked.

Pakistan, India should resolve Kashmir issue

Pakistan and India should also resolve the longstanding issue of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner as per the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir and bring this human tragedy to its logical conclusion, the army chief emphasised.

"However, we will not allow anybody or any entity to misinterpret our desire for peace as a sign of weakness," he added.

The army chief said that Armed Forces of Pakistan were fully capable and prepared to thwart any threat.

The immaculate coordination and harmony displayed by all the three services in operations against the enemies of Pakistan had brought great improvement in the internal security environment, he said.

War on Terror

The army chief specially commended the critical role played by Pakistan Air Force in the War on Terror.

"The outstanding courage and professional excellence displayed by brave air warriors of Pakistan Air Force during Operation Swift Retort is a manifestation of our resolve and capability.

"The whole nation is proud of its Air Force and I earnestly hope that PAF will scale new heights of glory and excellence in the years to come," Gen Bajwa said.

Gen Bajwa welcomes presence of Saudi cadets

He hailed the presence of cadets from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for training at PAF Academy Asghar Khan.

"This is a manifestation of warm fraternal ties between Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our Defence Forces indeed.

"We are proud of the strong bonds of Islam, brotherhood and cultural communion that bind us together," the army chief said.

The ceremony

A total of 133 graduating Cadets including 11 Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets and 6 lady cadets graduated at the occasion.

Gen Bajwa awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and also gave away 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 Faizan Iqbal.

Best Allied Cadet Trophy was won by RSAF Cadet Hatem Muhammad Alsofiani.

Chief of the Air Staff trophy for overall best performance in Air Defence was won by Aviation Cadet Shahryar Khan.

Chief of the Air Staff trophy for the best performance in Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Muhammad Usman.

Chief of the Air Staff trophy for best performance in Flying Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Danish Qayyum.

Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was won by Aviation Cadet Muhammad Usman.

Sword of honour for overall best performance in college of Flying Training was won by Muhammad Ibtisam Naeem.

The ceremony was followed by a thrilling aerial display by PAF Academy Aerobatics team ”Sherdil” and a specialised military drill ”Hamza Flight” of the academy.

Earlier, on his arrival, the army chief was received by Air vice Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Air Officer Commanding, and PAF Asghar Khan Academy.

The ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking military and civil officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets.