KARACHI: President Arif Alvi on Saturday called out to the world’s ‘collective conscience’ to stand with the people of occupied Kashmir in their just and rightful struggle against the “fascist regime” of New Delhi.

The president was speaking as the chief guest at the 112th Midshipmen and 21st Short Service Commission (SSC) course commissioning parade held at the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA), PNS Rahbar.

He was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. The commissioning parade comprised 81 Pakistani and 53 midshipmen from friendly countries as well as 65 cadets of the SSC course, including seven female cadets.

In his address, the president also highlighted the grave violations of human rights in occupied Kashmir against UN resolutions.

Acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces, the president pledged full support of the nation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards safeguarding national sovereignty against any threat posed by the adversary.

Pakistan Navy holds 112th Midshipmen and 21st Short Service Commission course commissioning parade

He felicitated the commissioning term on this momentous day and advised them to keep abreast with the latest technological trends in modern warfare.

He also urged them to carry on the legacy of their predecessors’ glorious traditions, always take guidance from the wisdom of the father of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and to always come up to the expectations of their nations in the cause of national security.

Lauding Pakistan Navy’s role in maintaining regional peace and stability in line with national policy, the president commended the PNA in training of cadets from friendly navies and furthering everlasting bonds of friendship and camaraderie in collaborative security.

Earlier, in his welcome address, PNA Commandant Commodore Amir Mahmood highlighted salient features of officers’ training.

He apprised the audience that cadets from Bahrain, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar and Saudi Arabia were presently undergoing training at the academy.

He also advised the young sentinels to keep integrity, honour and interest of the country first and foremost.

Later, the president gave away prizes to position holders.

The prestigious Quaid-i-Azam gold medal for 2011-A, 2012-B and 2013-A courses was conferred upon Lt M Sayaf Pasha, Lt Nasrullah and Lt Shamil Ali Khan.

Midshipman Naveed Ahmed was awarded the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ for his overall best performance, whereas, Midshipman Mohammad Umer won the ‘Academy’s Dirk’.

Officer Cadet Abdul Rehman was awarded the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, Officer Cadet lsa Duaiji Khalifa A Moosa Al Doseri from Kingdom of Bahrain was awarded Chief of Naval Staff Gold Medal and Officer Cadet Inshal Jawed from SSC Course won the Commandant Gold Medal. Proficiency Banner was claimed by the Main Top Squadron.

The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak, a large number of senior military officers, ambassadors, defence attaches of friendly countries, civil dignitaries and parents/ relatives of passing out midshipmen and cadets.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2019