LONDON: A platoon of cadets at UK s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), led by Pakistan Army’s Major Umar Farooq, was declared as the best platoon of the course this year for demonstrating outstanding skills. Yesterday, the Sovereign’s Parade of Commission Course 173 was held at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. UK’s Chief of General Staff General Mark Carlton Smith was the chief guest on the occasion. Major Farooq, who had trained cadets for over a year, was declared platoon commander of the course and his platoon was declared best among eight others. Queen Elizabeth has written a letter of appreciation to the Major Umar and praised the Pakistani officer for “outstanding achievement.” Major Umar’s name has also been written on the Sovereign’s platoon board in Royal Military Academy library. Pakistan High Commissioner Sahebzada Ahmed Khan attended the ceremony and congratulated Major Farooq and his platoon for such achievement. Major Farooq belongs to the 44 SP Artillery. He has also served in Pakistan Military Academy Kakul as Adjutant and Platoon Commander. He was appointed instructor after Major Uqbah, who returned to Pakistan last year after serving as the first Pakistani military instructor in RMAS.