October 26, 2008	Sunday	Shawwal 26, 1429

LAHORE, Oct 25: Women’s participation in non-traditional fields like aviation, engineering, politics and armed forces has raised the country’s international profile, according to National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza.

She was addressing the first-ever batch — also the first-ever in South Asia — of 60 Lady Rangers Officers (LROs) at the Sutlej Rangers ground on Saturday morning,

The speaker of the National Assembly praised officers for devotion during their professional training and hoped that they would maintain the level of motivation and expertise during the course of their service.

The director-general of Punjab Rangers also attended the ceremony.

Praising Pakistan Rangers’ services for maintaining peace and safeguarding the frontiers, Dr Mirza said: “The country is at a very critical juncture. As a nation we must demonstrate high level of responsibility to steer the country out of multiple challenges.”

She said on the one hand anti-Pakistan forces were trying to destabilise the country, while inciting people to violence and ill will in the name of religion.

She said elected representatives realised their responsibilities, but national consensus was vital for resolution of problems, adding that people from all schools of thought were being approached for the larger objective.

Earlier, Dr Mirza inspected the parade and presented awards to officers showing outstanding performance during the course.

The Rangers DG presented souvenirs to the chief guest.

—APP