The defence forces are committed to fighting the menace of extremism, said Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Kahlid Shamim Wynne during the graduation ceremony held at the Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur on Friday.
Wynne was the chief guest at the occasion while Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt was also present there.
Addressing the aviation cadets, Wynne said PAF possessed a variety of potent military equipment and new additions were always well-catered to maintain the force as a strong instrument of the national defence. “Being the custodians of aerial frontiers of our sacred homeland, you are required to operate and maintain the sophisticated and expensive aircraft and other equipment in the highest state of operational readiness,” he said.
The general said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and maintained a policy of friendly relations with other countries. “However, in the recent security scenario, where the extremist elements are trying to disrupt our peace and harmony, our responsibilities have increased manifold,” he added.
Wynne said PAF was admirably supporting the army and navy in their efforts.
A total of 49 under training officers and 14 cadets were graduated while 121 cadets were commissioned on the occasion. The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and aviation cadets and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders. The ceremony was followed by an aerial display by the PAF Academy Aerobatics team.
