PESHAWAR Oct 28: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Khalid Shameem Wynne has said that the PAF remains a potent force, fully capable of defending the aerial frontiers of Pakistan.

“The innovations carried out by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) leadership have enabled it to make very meaningful contributions to the success of land forces in their fight against terrorism,” said the CJCSC on Thursday while speaking at the graduation ceremony of airmen held at PAF Academy, Risalpur, as chief guest.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman was also present on the occasion.

General Wynne said that today Pakistan was facing the aftermath of catastrophic floods, which in its wake had brought bereavement and devastation, surpassing records of last hundred years. He said that the PAF had once again come on the forefront in collaboration with Pak Army and Navy for flood relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The aviation cadets presented general salute to General Wynne on his arrival at the parade ground. Later, General Wynne reviewed the parade and presented Quaid-i-Azam Banner to No 3 Squadron, the new champion squadron. This was followed by award of flying badges and branch insignias to graduating officers and aviation cadets.

The CJCSC’s Trophy for best performance in general service training in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to pilot officer Husham Muhammad, while pilot officer Salman Shair lifted CJCSC’s Trophy for best performance in general service training in College of Flying Training.

Chief of the Air Staff's Trophy for best performance in Engineering discipline was awarded to pilot officer Adeel Anwar, while pilot officer Ali Hassan lifted Chief of the Air Staff trophy for best performance in flying.

The coveted Sword of Honour for best all-round performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to pilot officer Adeel Anwar, while pilot officer Salman Shair won Sword of Honour for best all-round performance in College of Flying Training. In Air Defence branch, aviation cadet Sharjeel Ahmed received best performance trophy and in A&SD branch, aviation cadet Naveed Umar was awarded best performance trophy. —APP