The graduation ceremony of 116 Non GD & 38th BLPC courses was held at PAF Academy, Risalpur Wednesday. Lieutenant General Anwar Hamed Ameen Ahmed Commander Iraqi Air Force was the chief guest of the ceremony.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also present at the occasion.
A total of 17 Iraqi Officers and 53 cadets including 11 female cadets graduated at the occasion. The chief guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders.
While addressing the graduating officers, the chief guest said that Iraq was the first Arab country to recognize Pakistan in 1947 and since then both countries are intertwined in eternal bonds of culture, religion and brotherhood. He said that the graduation of 17 Iraqi trainees from PAF Academy is a true manifestation of co-operation which will further cement the relationship between the two air forces in times to come. He acknowledged the professional approach and outstanding role played by the PAF in pursuit of achieving goals of national security.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman; Chief of the Air Staff, PAF also appreciated Commander Iraqi Air Force for accepting invitation and gracing the occasion. He advised the graduating cadets and officers to lead from the front and devote their energies to enhance professional competence and operational efficiency of their respective air forces.
Trophy for best overall performance in flying training was won by Lieutenant Colonel Saad Malala Suleiman from Iraqi Air Force. Overall best performance trophy in 116 non GD course was won by Officer Cadet Anum Mushtaq whereas, Aviation Cadet Muhammad Sabir won the overall best performance trophy in 38th BLPC course.
The “Sherdils”, PAF Academy Aerobatics team also displayed an exhilarating aerial display at the occasion. The icing on the cake was a scintillating aerial display by the Pride of Pakistan, JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
Earlier, on his arrival at the Academy, the Chief Guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Air Vice Marshal Asim Zaheer, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy, Risalpur. The ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking Military & Civil Officials, Diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets and Officers.
Great to see that the trophy for best performance and that too in Flying was won by the Iraqi Airforce Officer. Had they come to Pakistan for training earlier, they would not have been in that embarrassing situation today. But was Iraq the first country to recognize Pakistan ?
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