Addressing graduates: PAF is well-equipped to guard the skies, says air chief

Air chief Tahir Rafique Butt claims force fully capable of countering external, internal threats.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has state-of-the-art equipment in its inventory and is well-equipped to defend the country’s aerial frontiers, said Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt while addressing the graduation ceremony at PAF Academy Risalpur on Wednesday.

Students of the 132 General Duty (GD) Pilot, 77 engineering course, 91 air defence course and commissioning parade of 135 GD Pilot, 81 engineering course, 16 A&SD course and 3 navigation course graduated from the academy.

While addressing the graduating parade, the air chief said, “With air power fast becoming the weapon of choice, you must acquire the ability to be able to accept this role with all its manifestations. You must note that perseverance, diligence and unwavering determination would be the name of the game.”

Today, the air force is not only defending the aerial frontiers against external threats but is also in the lead role in meting out a telling blow to anti-state elements in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said further.

Talking about the relief activities carried out by the armed forces, Butt said with the unflinching spirit of serving the nation, PAF has always been a part and parcel of all national efforts in mitigating the suffering of our people, whether in relief and rescue efforts in earthquakes and floods or supporting the internally displaced brethren.

A total of 102 under-training officers and 13 cadets graduated from the academy whereas 111 cadets were commissioned into the air force. The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and aviation cadets and also gave away trophies among the distinction holders. The chief guest awarded Quaid-e-Azam Banner to No 3 Squadron, the champion squadron of the academy.

Pilot Officer Muhammad Sameed Ahsan of the 132 GD (P) course and Pilot Officer Ali Rashid of 77 engineering course were awarded trophies for the best performance in General Service Training. The Chief of the Air Staff’s trophy for best performance in flying training and engineering discipline were awarded to Pilot Officer Danial Abid and Pilot Officer Ali Hanif respectively. The trophy for the best performance in 91 Air Defence course was awarded to Aviation Cadet (Sgt) Asim Muhammad.

Moreover, the prestigious sword of honour for overall best performance in the college of flying training was clinched by Pilot Officer Haris Salahuddin of 132 GD (P) course whereas Pilot Officer Rana Sufyan of 77 engineering course received the sword for overall best performance in the College of Aeronautical Engineering.

The ceremony was followed by an aerial display by the academy’s aerobatics team ‘Sherdils’.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2014.