Daily Times

The graduation ceremony of 141 GD (P), 87 Engineering Course, 97 AD, 22 A&SD, 07 Nav & 06 Log courses was held at PAF Academy Asghar Khan Thursday. The ceremony was followed by a thrilling performance by a formation of 04 T-37 from Basic Flying Training Wing, “The Bravehearts”. The PAF Academy Aerobatics team “Sherdils” also displayed an exhilarating aerial display at the occasion.

General Hasan Küçükakyüz, Commander Turkish Air Force was the chief guest of the ceremony. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also present at the occasion.

While addressing the graduating officers, the Chief Guest said that Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Turkey and our Air Forces enjoy deep-rooted brotherly relations spanning over decades. We are closely knit together in the strong bonds of Islam, fraternity and cultural communion. We fully acknowledge the efforts of Government of Pakistan for regional peace. Great sacrifices of Pakistani nation and through professionalism displayed by its armed forces in eradicating extremism and terrorism from Pakistan and the region are regarded very high by the Turkish nation. I am sure the level of cooperation that exists between the two friendly Air Forces will enhance our operational capability and interoperability. Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistani nation have always stood shoulder to shoulder by us in the times of crises and Turkish nation will always stand by Pakistan in every thick and thin.

Indeed, Pakistan Air Force has a rich history of professionalism. It has upheld the finest traditions of dynamic leadership imbued with courage, professional excellence, integrity and self-respect. Its worthy predecessors have made commendable contributions towards making PAF a hard-hitting Air Force. Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, PAF has made remarkable progress and recently PAF under his leadership successfully thwarted aggression from eastern border. His earnest pursuit to enhance operational capabilities of the PAF and taking it to further heights of glory has surely helped this hi-tech organization to establish its status as one of the most modern air forces of the world.

A total of 101 Aviation Cadets including 02 Libyan Air Force Cadets were graduated at the occasion. The Chief Guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders. The chief guest awarded Quaid-e-Azam Banner to No 4 Squadron, the new Champion Squadron of the Academy.

In College of Flying Training, Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in Flying Training was clinched by Aviation Cadet Muhammad Ijlal Zaffer while, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training was won by Aviation Cadet Talha Iftikhar. The coveted Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Muhammad Faisal Shafqat. Aviation Cadet Hassnain Shahzad won the trophy for overall best performance in 22 A&SD course. Trophy for Overall Best Performance in Air Defence Course was awarded to Aviation Cadet Syed Fahad Hussain, while Aviation Cadet Faheem Abbas was awarded Trophy for Overall Best Performance in Navigation.

In College of Aeronautical Engineering, Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in Engineering and coveted Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Aviation Cadet Hammas Bin Shahab.