KARACHI: Marking the graduation of 49 midshipmen and 29 Short Service Commission (SSC) cadets, the commissioning parade of the 122nd Midshipmen and 30th SSC Course was held at the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) here on Saturday.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was the chief guest.

He extended his felicitations to the newly commissioned officers and their parents on the successful completion of their training.

He commended PNA for imparting high-quality training to cadets, including those from friendly countries, and expressed the hope that these cadets from friendly nations will serve as ambassadors, strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual respect.

The air chief emphasised the importance of staying updated with modern trends, technologies and the evolving geo-strategic landscape.

He said today’s high-tech and information-driven era, only knowledgeable leaders can effectively address emerging challenges.

Earlier, in his welcome address, PNA Comm­andant Commodore Tasawar Iqbal highlighted the key features of the academic and professional training provided to the cadets at the academy.

Later, the chief guest presented awards to distinction holders.

The prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lieutenant Muhammad Imad Ud Din for being the best all-round officer throughout training.

Midshipman Tennakoon M.L. Vimukthi from Sri Lanka won the coveted Sword of Honour.

Midshipman Muhammad Shayan was awarded the Academy’s Dirk.

Officer Cadet Abdul Rehman received the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal.

Officer Cadet Ali Jalil Ibrahim Sharif Shuhaib Al Shabani from Iraq was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal.

The Commandant Gold Medal was awarded to SSC Course Officer Cadet Sidra Saeed.

The Proficiency Banner was claimed by the Fox’l Squadron.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025