RISALPUR, March 14: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Afzal Tahir has said that the Pakistan Air Force is destined to play a pivotal role in the defence of country. Addressing the graduation parade of 118th GD (P) course and 62nd engineering course at the PAF Academy in Risalpur on Wednesday, he said that it was an integral part of the PAF’s mission to extend active support to the Pakistan Army and Navy in pursuit of their missions in war.

It may be mentioned that the engineering course included the first batch of four women aeronautical engineers.

“By the inherent virtues of air power to exercise speed and access, the PAF has tremendous operational flexibility to reach everywhere from the high mountain peaks in the north to the deep blue sea in the south with prompt air support.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art aircraft, precision weapons and, above all, a dedicated pool of highly committed professionals, I am confident that the PAF will Insha Allah, continue to maintain its credibility in shaping the future course of warfare,” he said.

The naval chief awarded trophies and Swords of Honour.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee trophy for best performance in general service training in 118th GD (P) course was lifted by wing under officer Shoaib Babri and Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in flying was awarded to aviation cadet Bilal Raza.

Sword of Honour for overall best performance in 118th GD (P) was awarded to aviation cadet squadron under officer Khurram Ikram.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for best performance in general service training and sword of honour for best all round performance in 62nd engineering course were received by senior cadet group under officer Sohail Ahmed Rao.

Chief of Air Staff Trophy for best in engineering discipline was clinched by senior cadet Saman Ahmed. The chief guest awarded Quaid-e-Azam banner to No 4 squadron for being the champion squadron.