The 102nd Midshipmen commissioning term and 11th short service commission officers’ course comprising a total of 101 officers got commissioned at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS RAHBAR upon completion of rigorous training.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mehmood was the chief guest on the occasion. Upon his arrival, the chief guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah.
Addressing the commissioning parade, the chief guest said that Navy is an important instrument of military as well as maritime policies. The maritime policy of a country involves not only its military strategy, but its total response to the ocean around. It involves economic, social, political and diplomatic aspects. This implies that Navy has a very important and definite role both during peace as well as crisis and war like situation. Nations aware of this fact have always used this very important tool to further their interests.
Adding further, the chief guest said that being the protector of maritime boundaries, a potent and modern navy is indispensable to thwart the challenges to their sovereignty in the entire spectrum of maritime spheres and guard their economic strength linked to maritime potential and sea trade. Pakistan Navy is rapidly developing its indigenous capability with greater vigour than ever before which is commendable.
While appreciating the smartly turned out parade, General Rashad said” “today you assume responsibility to defend the sea frontiers of our motherland and to guard its ideology, integrity and freedom even at the cost of your lives for which you have proved yourselves worthy of a noble and demanding profession. You will truly take pride and cherish being in the fraternity of armed forces officers in general and Navy in particular.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers training. He apprised the audience that the commissioning term comprises 81 Midshipmen and 20 short service commission officers including three female officers. He added that cadets from brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Libya, Palestine, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Yemen are also undergoing training at Pakistan Naval Academy.
Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Nasrullah was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance whereas Midshipman Muhammad Hasan Siddiqui won the Academy Dirk. Cadet Mubashir, Lieutenant Yasir Bilal Alvi, Cadet Kenneth DG (from Nigeria) and Cadet Kanwal were given Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal, Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal and Commandant Gold Medal, respectively. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officers, ambassadors, defence attaches of various countries, civil dignitaries and parents of passing out officers.
