PETARO: Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that power loadshedding, terrorism and economy were the main challenges before the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) when it took the reins of government. It has since effectively controlled terrorism and loadshedding.

Mr Khan was speaking as chief guest at a ceremony held as part of the 56th Parents’ Day at the Cadet College Petaro on Tuesday. He said that the country’s armed forces were effectively rooting out terrorism, adding that the Zarb-i-Azb and Raddul Fasaad military operations had achieved great success.

“Today, Pakistan is passing through a very critical time as we have opportunity to prosper and at the same time we are facing a number of challenges,” the minister said.

56th Parents’ Day programme held at Cadet College Petaro

“The country is on the road to progress and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a kick-start of the country’s long journey [towards] economic progress and development,” he said. He told the cadets to work hard to become useful citizens and remember the mission of serving the country.

The defence minister held out the assurance that the college would continue to get all possible support and cooperation from the federal government for the noble cause.

He said that on behalf of the prime minister, he was announcing a Rs50 million grant to the college for further improvement of its educational facilities and welfare of its employees.

“Petarians have brought good name to their alma mater not only in Pakistan but abroad as well,” he acknowledged. He also appreciated the progress report presented by the college principal.

The defence minister enjoyed all segments of the programme and applauded the cadets who presented daring and amazing performances in different segments that included PT show, kung fu, gymnastics, karate and horse riding.

A contingent of smartly-dressed cadets held a march past and presented a salute to the defence minister. A similar contingent gave an impressive band performance.

The distinguished guest also visited and appreciated an exhibition where cadets had set up various stalls showcasing their talent and skills.

At a ceremony, the minister gave away awards, medals and shields to the teachers and cadets who demonstrated their meritorious performance in different fields.

The college principal, Commo­dore Mehboob Elahi Malik (SI military), in his report on progress of the institution said: “We have almost 1,000 cadets on our roll which makes us the largest cadet college of Pakistan. The college has been instrumental in providing efficient youth to the armed forces of the country, civil services and many other professional organisations”.

Rear Admiral Ather Mukhtar (HI military), who is also the chairman of the college’s board of governors, ComKar and other senior military officers, as well as senior officials of the district administration and a large number of Petarians, cadets and their parents attended the programme.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2017