Pakistan wants peace with honour, dignity: Qamar
KARACHI (January 04, 2011) : The geo-political situation has undergone radical changes especially over the past few years. Pakistan today stands committed in the war against terrorism alongside the international community. "We want peace with all our neighbours but peace with honour and dignity", stated Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman. He was addressing the 94th officers commissioning parade held at Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) on Monday, said a press release on Monday.
The air chief said that our desire for peace must not be construed as a sign of weakness. In fact, it is reflective of our confidence to effectively safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Aggression of any kind from any side would be met with full force by the Armed Forces of Pakistan, he added.
He commended participation of Pakistan Navy in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP). He said that the opportunity to command Combined Task Force-150 four times by PN is a testimony of their professional excellence. Suleman added that Pakistan Navy has been entrusted with the onerous command of Combined Task Force 151 in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin to deter and disrupt piracy for the benefit of all nations.
Appreciating a good proportion of female cadets on the parade ground, he said that it is heartening to see that females are also being trained at the Naval Academy. This reflects Quaid's vision to provide women with an equal instrumental role to play in defence and development of our country. In his address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Ayaz Ahmed Nasir highlighted the salient features of officers training. He apprised that a total of 61 officers are passing out after a rigorous training. He further said PNA is privileged to train cadets from the brotherly countries of Kazakhstan, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Turkmenistan.
Earlier, on his arrival, the chief guest was received by Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir. Thereafter, Air Chief inspected platoons of the newly commissioned officers and reviewed parade. He also awarded prizes to the winners. Midshipmen Muhammad Bilal Asif was given the Sword of Honour for his best performance. Academy's Dirk went to Midshipmen Owais Ahmed Khan while Lieutenant Shahab Hussain while Cadet Zeeshan Javed clinched Quaid-e-Azam and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Gold Medal respectively. Main Top Squadron was the recipient of Proficiency Banner. After a splendid march past, oath-taking ceremony was held. At the conclusion of the programme, the newly commissioned officers were presented salute by two Z9EC helicopters and a frigate class ship, which sailed in front of the academy. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior officials from all three services, foreign diplomats and parents of cadets.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2011