Australia’s Royal Military College (RMC) has declared Pakistan Army Cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas the “overall best foreign military cadet”, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.

“The Australian RMC, Duntroon has declared Pakistani army Cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas (PMA 152 Long Course) the ‘overall best foreign military cadet’ in the passing out parade held at RMC Duntroon, Canberra on May 5,” ISPR said in a statement.

The statement said that the award was conferred upon the highest performing foreign military cadet across all facets of training.

“This is a testament to the highest standards of professionalism, commitment and excellence demonstrated by the junior leadership of the Pakistan Army,” the military’s media wing said.

It stated that the commissioning parade was reviewed by the Australian Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and other officials. The event was witnessed by members of the diplomatic corps, including the Pakistani high commissioner in Canberra, families of graduating cadets and Australian Defence Force officials, it said.

“Pakistan and Australia share a longstanding military relationship. Since 2013, seven officers of the Pakistan Army have served as platoon commanders on the faculty of RMC, while 46 Pakistan Army cadets have graduated from this prestigious institution since 2009,” the statement said.

It further stated that Wednesday’s declaration by the RMC marked the 14th occasion on which a Pakistan Army cadet had been declared the ‘overall best foreign military cadet.

ISPR said that this list also included Lieutenant Nasir Hussain Khalid Selhria, who was martyred on September 4, 2020 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district.

“The name of Lieutenant Nasir Shaheed is also inscribed on the memorial stone at the RMC parade ground, symbolising the enduring legacy of courage, sacrifice and honour of brave Pakistani Army officers,” the statement concluded.