Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force on Monday said, "The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is fully committed to defend sovereignty of the country with utmost might and with all possible means."
He was addressing the graduation ceremony of 117 Combat Support Course of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets, 83rd Engineering Course of Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) cadets and commissioning of 1st GD (P) of Kuwait Air Force (KuAF) cadets was held at PAF Academy, Risalpur.
Major General Mohammed Saleh Al Otaibi, Commander Royal Saudi Air Force was the chief guest of the ceremony, a statement issued form PAF said. While addressing the parade, Commander Royal Saudi Air Force congratulated the graduating cadets, including the Royal Saudi Air Force and Kuwaiti Air Force cadets on the successful completion of their training.
He urged them to maintain the PAF's lofty traditions of hard work and devotion to service and add new chapters for future generations to follow. He further said, "Commissioning of Saudi cadets at the PAF Academy is a shining example of shared vision and cooperation between PAF and RSAF and is a step towards strengthening the friendship and good will between our great nations and armed forces."
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force thanked the Commander Royal Saudi Air Force for accepting invitation and gracing the occasion with his august presence. He said, "Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and their Air Forces enjoy cordial and brotherly relations." He reiterated the PAF's resolve to support and extend cooperation in imparting military training to Saudi Arabia and other brotherly Islamic countries. Furthermore, he emphasised that PAF sacrifices and successes in operation Zarb-e-Azb are testimony of its firm resolve to root out menace of terrorism from the country and the region.
A total of 64 cadets including 13 female cadets, 03 RSAF and 12 KuAF cadets graduated at the occasion. The Chief Guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating cadets and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders. Trophy for Best Allied Cadet was won by RSAF cadet Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Malki. Trophy for Best Overall Performance in 117 Combat Support Course was won by Officer Cadet Anum Ameen.
The ceremony was followed by a thrilling performance by "Eaglets"- the Para Motor Glider team of the Academy. The icing on the cake was a scintillating aerial display by "Sherdils", the PAF Academy Aerobatics team which displayed an exhilarating aerobatics display at the occasion. Earlier, on his arrival at the Academy, the Chief Guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Air Vice Marshal Imran Khalid, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur.
The ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking Military & Civil Officials, Diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets.