11 July 2004	Sunday	22 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, July 10: The chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Aziz Khan, has said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and is willing to go an extra mile to resolve disputes with India including that of Kashmir through dialogue.

"But the peaceful approach should not be taken as a sign of weakness, and we sincerely hope that the solutions we achieve are just, principled and long lasting," he declared, while addressing the 81st Midshipmen Commissioning parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Babar on Saturday.

Gen Aziz said, " With the blessing of Allah, our armed forces today, backed by the people of Pakistan, are capable of defeating all forms of aggression, and the present leadership is fully committed to this.

"We feel that an arms race in the region cannot be in the interest of anyone, but we are obliged to take necessary measures to maintain the desired balance of power, both in conventional and strategic arms."

He pointed out, " Pakistan Navy is an important ingredient of our deterrence and defence capability, and it is heartening that it has chosen the path of self-reliance of which the ongoing construction of Augosta submarine is a prominent indicator."

The chief guest said that global security environment was transforming at a rapid pace, particularly in the region, and Pakistan remained committed to support international efforts to make the world a safer place.

Gen Aziz said that Naval Officers were symbols of Pakistan's maritime frontiers, adding that young officers commissioned today would be required to lead the finest brand of men.

"Your conduct, professionalism and actions will be watched closely and emulated by your subordinates," he said, adding, " Let me remind that a true leader has the confidence and courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others, and should set an example of a role model for those whom he leads."

He advised the newly commissioned officers to command themselves wholeheartedly to their profession.

Earlier, in his welcome address the commandant, Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Hasham Khan, highlighted the salient features of a cadet's training. He said the Pakistan Naval Academy also had the distinction of training allied cadets from Saudi Arabia.

Later, the passing out cadets took oath, and the chief guest gave away awards to those cadets displaying outstanding performance in academics and professional training.

Midshipman Muhammad Saleem was awarded "Sword of Honour" for his best overall performance, while Midshipman Muhammad Amir Shakoor received the "Academy Dirk" for being the runner-up.

The "Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal" was awarded to Cadet Naveed Aslam, while Sub-Lt Waqas Shahnawaz was awarded the "Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal" for his outstanding performance during training.-APP