PAF ready to face all challenges: air chief

PAF graduation ceremony held

Royal Air Force head attends ceremony; lauds Pak Air Force’s frontline role in anti-terror operations

ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is ever ready to face all challenges, and the successes in Zarb-e-Azb were a testimony of its enhanced operational efficiency.

The PAF had a firm resolve to root out the menace of terrorism from our beloved country, he said. Addressing the passing-out parade of the participants in the 118th Combat Support Course and 39th BLPC Course at PAF Asghar Khan Academy on Friday, he urged the graduates to focus on achieving high-level of professionalism and come up to the expectations of the nation. He said PAF is the most potent element of the state defence.

Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen John Hillier was the chief guest of the ceremony. He referred to the historical linkages between PAF and RAF in the realms of operations and mutually beneficial training programmes.

He said his visit was a manifestation of the shared feelings of mutual respect and close cooperation which existed between the two air forces and indeed the two nations. He also lauded PAF's frontline role in the operation against terrorists.

Sohail Aman said that both Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) enjoyed a relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation. He further said that the RAF had rendered a valuable contribution towards the development of PAF especially in its early years and this contribution was indeed deeply regarded by the PAF.

Sohail Aman added that the relations between two countries and, of course, the two air forces would continue to strengthen even further. A total of 43 cadets including nine woman cadets graduated.

The chief guest awarded branch insignia and trophies to the distinction-holders. Trophy for Best Performance in 118th Combat Support Course was awarded to Aviation Cadet Maymoona Liaquat, while Aviation Cadet Muhammad Zada received trophy for Overall Best Performance in 39th BLPC Course.

The ceremony was followed by a thrilling performance by Eaglets - the Para Motor Glider team of the Academy. "Bravehearts and Sherdils", the PAF Academy Aerobatics Teams also displayed an exhilarating aerial display at the occasion. The ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking military and civil officials, diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets.