ISLAMABAD, July 14: The army’s women paratroopers made history by jumping from a helicopter on Sunday.

The first batch of 24 women officers completed their three-week basic airborne course at the Parachute Training School in Peshawar.

Captain Sadia was the first lady officer to jump from an MI-17 helicopter and make history. Captain Kiran Ashraf was declared the best paratrooper.

The lady officers were awarded the Para Wings (insignia) by Maj Gen Abid Rafique, General Officer Commanding of the Special Service Group, at a ceremony held in Tarbela.

According to an ISPR statement, the para-jumping course involved training in exit, flight and landing techniques.

The paratroopers were taught to control their parachutes while descending and to carry out emergency measures such as untwisting their rigging lines, taking necessary action upon collision with another parachutist and landing in water.

Talking to Dawn, Captain Sana Nasri said it was a unique and great experience.

Captain Hajra Khan said: “It is a matter of pride and honour for me to be part of this pioneer course.

“This is for the first time in the history of the Pakistan Army that lady officers have been given a chance to undergo the airborne course. Alhamdulillah all of us have successfully completed the course which is a big achievement and a matter of honour for us.”

Captain Fauzia said: “I am so happy to be part of this airborne family and successfully completing this adventurous activity.”

Brigadier Attiqueur Rehman of the ISPR said it was a landmark achievement by women paratroopers of the army.