KARACHI: The 111th Midshipmen and 20th Short Service Commission (SSC) course commissioning parade was held at the Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar on Saturday.

The parade comprised 65 Pakistani and 12 midshipmen from friendly countries as well as 98 cadets of the SSC course, including 25 female cadets.

Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Vice Admiral Fahad Bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily graced the occasion as chief guest. Upon his arrival, the chief guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.

In his address, Vice Admiral Al-Ghofaily highlighted that close collaboration of armed forces are reflective of the deep-rooted fraternal relationships between the two nations.

While highlighting the common desire of both the nations for regional peace and stability, he acknowledged that Pakistan has rendered countless sacrifices for eradicating the menace of terrorism and for establishing peace both on the internal as well as external fronts.

Midshipmen, SSC course commissioning parade held

The chief guest thanked Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi for giving him an opportunity to return to his alma mater and rejoice over the old memories. Vice Admiral Fahad Bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily joined the Pakistan Naval Academy in 1979 and upon completion of his initial training he passed out in 1984.

While felicitating the commissioning term on this momentous day, Vice Admiral Al-Ghofaily advised the young officers to follow in the footsteps of great martyred heroes and ghazis to become the pride of their service and nation. He asked them to earn the trust of their subordinates who will look up to them for guidance in all matters.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Commandant of the Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Vaqar Mohammad highlighted the salient features of officers’ training. He mentioned that cadets from Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen are also undergoing training at the Pakistan Naval Academy. He advised the young sentinels to keep integrity, honour and interest of their country first and foremost.

Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the high achievers.

Midshipman Mohammad Talha Masood was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance, whereas Midshipman Faizan Saeed won the Academy’s Dirk. Officer Cadet Naveed Ahmed was awarded the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal and Officer Cadet Abdulrahman Ali Ebrahim Jasim Al Malki from Bahrain was awarded the Chief of Naval Staff Gold Medal and Officer Cadet Manaal Ayesha Aamer from SSC Course clinched the Commandant Gold Medal. Proficiency Banner was claimed by Main Top Squadron.

A large number of senior military officers, ambassadors, defence attaches of friendly countries, civil dignitaries and parents / relatives of passing out midshipmen and cadets attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2019