Pakistan Army sets high training standards: observers

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has always set a high training standard for the world to follow. This was observed by foreign teams participating in the First International PACES Competition  – 2016 (Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System).

The competition commenced at the Ayub Stadium, Lahore Cantt, on 18 Oct, 2016. In all, 16 teams are participating in the first-ever competition in the world, including China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Qatar, Australia and the UK.

Sources said holding of the prestigious event shows that peace has returned to Pakistan as international teams are visiting the country. They also said that India had completely failed in isolating Pakistan. “This event is a wake-up call to the Indian government i.e. if your hangover is over, then see the world is visiting Pakistan,” added a regional analyst who attended the event.

The Commander Lahore Corps, Lt-General Sadiq Ali, declared the PACES Competition open amid a colorful ceremony, which was attended by a large crowd.

All the participating teams joined a flag march past, followed by the army’s regimental troupes representing all the provinces of Pakistan besides Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The troupes presented traditional folk dances on the tune of famous regional songs and a spectacular demonstration by the Pakistan Army band, which won deafening applause from the audience.

Sources said that an impressive and heart-touching gesture was demonstrated during the march past by Chinese and Turkish soldiers, holding their own and Pakistani flags.

The People’s Liberation Army (China) and Pakistan Army dominated the opening day at the First International PACES. China’s First Sergeant Zhang Qi completed 71 Pull-Ups while Pakistan Army’s Sepoy Zubair scored 67 Pull-Ups in two minutes time. China’s Lance Corporal lagged behind, completing 66 Pull-Ups to get the third position. Army cricket teams from different countries have also arrived to take part in the PACES. Teams from Sri Lanka, England, Saudi Arabia, China and Australia are participating in the competition.