NOWSHERA: Being custodians of the aerial defence of our motherland, the Pakistan Air Force keeps the state-of-the-art aircraft and other technological equipment in an immaculate condition and in the highest state of operational readiness, said Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Rashid Mehmood on Thursday.

Addressing the graduation ceremony at the PAF Academy in Risalpur, the chief guest, General Rashid, said the profession of the armed forces was highly demanding and required an unflinching courage and dedication to ensure the country’s defence.

“As the air force officers, you are required to march in sync with the latest developments and aim for excellence in your respective fields. You are expected to contribute devotedly in boosting the air force’s progress,” he said.

The CJCSC said the geo-political undercurrents had propelled severe security challenges for the nation.

He said to face the external and internal security challenges, the country’s armed forces would continue performing with unflinching resolve and professional motivation.

During the ceremony, PAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt was also in attendance.

Eighty-five under-training officers and 17 cadets were graduated, while 113 cadets were commissioned on the occasion.

The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and Aviation Cadets and gave away trophies to high-achievers.

He awarded Quaid-i-Azam banner to No 1 Squadron, the Champion Squadron of the Academy.

Pilot Officer Ali Hunain and Pilot Officer Hafiz Mohammad Umar were given Chief of the Air Staff Trophies for the best performance in flying training and engineering respectively.

Pilot Officer Uzair Aziz Khan was awarded the Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Flying Training, whereas Pilot Officer Hafiz Mohammad Umar won the Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering. Trophy for the best performance in 90 AD course was given to Aviation Cadet Zaid bin Umar.

The ceremony was followed by an aerial display by the PAF Academy aerobatics team, Sherdils, and paramotor glider formation, The Eaglets.

Earlier on arrival at the academy, CJCSC was received by Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt and Air Officer Commanding of PAF Academy Risalpur Air Vice Marshal Rashid Kamal.

The ceremony was witnessed by senior military and civilian officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating/commissioning under-training officers and aviation cadets.