NOWSHERA, Oct 27: A graduation parade was held at the Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur, here on Saturday, marking the culmination of 108 general duty (pilot) and 54 engineering courses.

Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff, was the guest of honour on the occasion.

In his message on the passing-out parade, President Gen Pervez Musharraf said: “We believe in peaceful co-existence with our neighbours, but we cherish peace with dignity and honour. To make our defence preparedness credible, we need to train hard and remain ever vigilant. The nation is proud of its armed forces.

We should never forget that the path to glory is paved with sweat and blood, as is evident from the examples of our past heroes. The nation expects soldiers, sailors and airmen to excel in courage, spirit of sacrifice and professionalism. I urge the graduating cadets to take pride in the sublime tradition of PAF.”

Addressing the parade, Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza said: “You should be justifiably proud of joining an elite service, which is held in esteem for its devotion to duty and professional excellence. As worthy successors of your illustrious heroes, you will have to work with singular zeal and total commitment in your respective spheres. Your calling will demand of you the best of head and heart and a passion for professional acquisition.”

Earlier, on his arrival at the parade ground, the naval chief was presented the general salute. He reviewed the parade and presented the Quaid-i-Azam banner to the new champion squadron, which was the No. 2 squadron.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mashaf Ali Mir also witnessed the parade.

The Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee’s trophy for best performance in general service training was won by Aviation Cadet (Wing Under Officer) Hammad Farooqi.