RISALPUR - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that in the prevailing circumstances the importance of collaboration between the Pakistan Army and the Air Force has increased.
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Addressing the ceremony, Gen Kayani said that the joint exercises of the Army and the Air Force have a crucial role in the current security situation. Terming enhanced inter-forces collaboration key to success in today’s warfare, Gen Kayani said that joint exercises of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army helped the two forces synergise their efforts.
“Joint exercises like PAF’s High Mark and Pak Army’s Command level exercises like Azm-e-Nau have helped us a great deal to synergise the efforts of Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force.” In response to the new military requirements, the armed forces are enjoying a higher level of relationship that did not exist in the past, he added.
The COAS said: “I can say with full confidence that never before in our history we had the level of ‘jointness’ as we do today.” He said that efforts should be made to even enhance this ‘jointness’ because it was the real force multiplier.
Speaking to the graduating Under-Training Officers (UTOs) and Commissioning Cadets, he said that the PAF has procured latest generation fighter aircraft and force multiplier to enhance its defensive as well as offensive capabilities. “This will require you to be fully abreast of the advancements in the field of aviation technology,” he added.
Gen Kayani also stressed upon the cadets that apart from developing their professional abilities, they must also focus on strengthening their character and demonstrate in their conduct the core values of honesty, integrity, team work excellence, discipline and leadership.
Congratulating the graduating and commissioning officers on earning their coveted Branch Insignias, he commended the Air Officer Commanding and his team for educating, training and grooming the cadets into proficient and confident airmen and women, capable of taking up important responsibilities and future challenges with courage and conviction.
The COAS advised the graduating cadets to remain cognisant for the larger and longer-term challenges ahead. “Remember, you are defenders of Pakistan. Therefore, you need to master your profession to be able to face the challenges of air warfare. You will be called upon to take brave and bold actions for which you should prepare yourself.”
Earlier, upon his arrival at the parade ground, Chief of Air Staff Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt and Commandant of the Academy welcomed Gen Kayani, who was also presented general salute as he reviewed the parade.
He presented the Quaid-i-Azam banner to the champion squadron and awarded badges and trophies to the cadets. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) trophy for the best overall performance was awarded to Pilot Officer Muhammad Bilawal, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) trophy for the best performance in flying was awarded to Pilot Officer Adnan Shamoon and Sword of Honour for best performance in flying school was awarded to Pilot Officer Talal Hassan.
The trophy for the best performance in A&SD Course was presented to Pilot Officer Junaid Saleem while trophy for the best performance in air defence course to Aviation Cadet Muhammad Owais Arif. Under-Training Officer (UTO) Bilal Habib won Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) trophy and sword of honour for the best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering. Syed M Bilal Alam won Chief of Air Staff (CAS) trophy for the best performance in the engineering discipline.
Fabulous aerobatics by Sherdils led by Squadron Leader, Ahmad Noman and Para Motor Gliding display by PAF Eaglets mesmerised the chief guest, chairman and members of the senate standing committee on defence and defence production, senior PAF and military officers and parents and relatives of the graduating and commissioning cadets.
