NAWABSHAH: First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has impressed upon girl cadets to carry the values of discipline, respect and resilience in every endeavour, and to always uphold the honour of their families and the country.

Addressing the 5th passing out parade and Annual Parents’ Day at the Bakhtawar Cadet College for Girls as the chief guest on Friday, she highlighted the college’s historic role as Pakistan’s first girls’ cadet college, established to empower young women through education, discipline and leadership training.

She praised the cadets’ dedication, the faculty’s guidance and Sindh government’s support, noting that these combined efforts have transformed the college into an institution producing confident, disciplined and globally competitive young leaders.

Highlighting the legacy of prominent women leaders, she reminded the cadets of the example set by Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, emphasising that education and leadership of girls is essential for Pakistan’s future.

Addresses students at Annual Parents’ Day of Bakhtawar Cadet College

The first lady also presented college crests and prizes to cadets, witnessed march pasts, physical training and gymnastic displays and a karate show.

She was briefed that the college, established in 2017 and managed by the Pakistan Air Force, currently enrolls 423 cadets from across the country.

In the college visitors’ book, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari wrote: “Honoured to visit Bakhtawar Cadet College. We must appreciate President Asif Ali Zardari for his vision in creating this institute. May these bright cadets continue to succeed in all walks of life. May they serve Pakistan and make their country proud.”

Earlier, she inaugurated the college’s newly-completed gymnasium and swimming pool, participated in a tree plantation ceremony, and officially opened the “Art & Science Exhibition 2025-26”.

She also inspected the guard of honour and met the college faculty before addressing the cadets and parents.

Later in the day, she inaugurated the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Nawabshah. She was accompanied by her aunt and Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2025