KARACHI: The 114th midshipmen commissioning parade was held at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar in Karachi.

The commissioning parade comprised 102 Pakistani and 64 midshipmen from friendly countries.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi was the chief guest, according to a PN statement issued on Saturday.

While addressing the ceremony, the naval chief highlighted the technological strides and recent acquisitions made by Pakistan Navy and underscored the responsibility and challenges entrusted upon newly commissioned officers.

The admiral said that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and desired to maintain amiable and friendly relations with all its neighbours. He underlined that our desire for peace and readiness must not be misconstrued as our weakness as the armed forces of Pakistan were fully cognizant of all such nefarious designs and stand fully ready to foil them, whatever may be the cost.

The chief guest advised the newly commissioned officers to be grateful to Allah Almighty and remain resolute while taking up the sacred task of defending the motherland and put in their best to live up to the expectations of the nation in line with PN traditions.

The naval chief congratulated the commissioning officers for practically joining the proud community of defenders of Pakistan. He also felicitated midshipmen from friendly countries on becoming commissioned officers.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie highlighted the quality training being imparted to Pakistani as well as friendly countries’ cadets at Pakistan Naval Academy.

Addressing the commissioning term, comprising one Jordanian, seven Qatari and 56 Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and 102 Pakistani midshipmen, the commandant urged them to hold fast the ideals of honour, duty and loyalty to keep the nations’ interests first and foremost.

Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the distinction holders.

The prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was conferred upon Lt Asad Munir PN.

Midshipman Muhammad Hassan Jalal claimed the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance, whereas, Midship man Muhammad Usman Ahmed Khan clinched Academy’s Dirk.

Beside, Officer Cadet Hamza Malik was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal and Midshipman Hussam Mohammed Al Rashidi from RSNF won Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal.

The Proficiency Banner was claimed by Main Top Squadron.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, civil dignitaries and parents/relatives of passing-out midshipmen.—PPI

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2020