April 19, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 12, 1429

RISALPUR, April 18: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Tariq Majid on Friday said the prevailing geopolitical developments and complex internal dynamics had resulted in intense security environment for the country, posing myriad of external and internal challenges.

Gen Majid was addressing the graduation parade of 120th General Duty (Pilot) and 64th Engineering courses, which was held at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy, Risalpur.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed was among others high-ranking military officers who witnessed the passing-out parade.

“As the nation is passing through a crucial phase of its socio-political transformation, the security challenges have become even more pronounced.

“While the evolving threats warrant a cohesive national response, our military as an instrument of state policy has to stay prepared for foiling any external misadventure, or an internal security eventuality,” he said.

According to Gen Majid, Pakistan seeks harmonious and peaceful coexistence with all countries of the world, especially its neighbours, however, the overtures for peace could not be at the cost of any compromise on our core interest, sovereign rights and national honour.

“I take great satisfaction and pride in pronouncing with full conviction that PAF throughout its history has always stood test of times and lived upon the nation’s expectations,” he observed.

“Its feats and professionalism are well acknowledged, and it ranks today amongst the elite air forces of the world. This has been made possible by its sagacious leadership that despite many odds has remained steadfast towards achieving the assigned PAF mission with ingenuity and sincerity.”

Gen Majid also congratulated the graduating cadets on earning much coveted Flying Wings and Engineering insignias. He offered sincere felicitations to those who won swords of honour and other trophies.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee’s Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Pilot Officer Ahnaf Hannan Lodhi, while Pilot Officer Mohammad Waqas Rasheed lifted Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee’s Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training in College of Flying Training.

Chief of the Air Staff’s Trophy for Best Performance in Engineering Discipline was awarded to Pilot Officer Ahnaf Hannan Lodhi, while Pilot Officer Adnan Arif lifted Chief of the Air Staff’s Trophy for Best Performance in Flying. The coveted Sword of Honour for Best All Round Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Pilot Officer Ahnaf Hannan Lodhi, while Pilot Officer Mohammad Bilal Ahmed Khan won Sword of Honour for Best All Round Performance in College of Flying Training.

Significant event of the ceremony was a colourful air show by “Sherdils’ Formation” of T-37 aircraft. Six T-37 jet trainers performed formation aerobatics, leaving spectators spellbound.

Besides this, a solo K-8 jet trainer and Mushshak aircraft also performed aerobatics. At the end of the ceremony, cadets of PAF Academy displayed aerobatics on Para Motor Gliders.

Parents and relatives of graduating cadets, senior civil and military officials were also present on the occasion.

PAF Academy, Risalpur imparts training not only to aviation cadets of Pakistan Air Force but also to those of friendly countries and sister services.