RAWALPINDI, May 4: The passing-out parade of 30th Junior Leaders Academy course was held at the JLA, Shankiari, on Saturday.

Military Training Director-General Maj-Gen Mohammad Javed was the chief guest.

Maj-Gen Javed, speaking to the passed out non-commissioned officers, said junior leaders were the backbone of the army and they had an important role to play in peace and war.

He paid tribute to Sawar Mohammad Hussain, Lance Naik Mohammad Mehfooz and Havaldar Lalak Jan, the non-commissioned officers who rendered supreme sacrifice in the defence of the motherland.

He appreciated the academy’s role and congratulated the passing out officers. Gen Javed was presented the guard of honour and he reviewed the parade.

He distributed prizes among the officers who distinguished themselves during the training.

Sepoy Shehbaz won the first prize being overall best student of the course. Sepoys Shahid, Khurram, Akram, Aziz and Shahbaz received medals for being first in tactics, map reading, physical training, assault course and weapon training, respectively.