RISALPUR: “You are the pillars of PAF' s future and your excellence will forge a world class air force”, said Lieutenant General Ding Laihang, Commander People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), China while addressing the Graduation Parade at PAF Academy, Asghar Khan, Friday.

He was the Chief Guest during the graduation ceremony of 139 GD(P), 85 Engineering, 95 Air Defence, 20 Admin Special Duties and 04 Logistics courses. On his arrival at the Academy, he was received by Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.

Addressing the graduating cadets the Chief Guest said, “You will shoulder the sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. I hope you, together with young military officers from PLAAF, would carry forward the friendly and cooperative relations between the two air forces”.

He further said, “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, we have established all weather friendship and all round cooperation. We always respect, understand and support each other in issues concerning core interests, representing an excellent model of friendly cooperation between two countries”.

He added, “As an important part of friendly cooperation between two countries, military to military cooperation between two air forces witnessed the broadest and deepest pragmatic exchanges. In recent years, PLAAF and PAF have carried out extensive cooperation and achieved great success in operational command, joint exercises, training, logistic supply, weapons and equipment”.

A total of 109 aviation cadets including 02 cadets from Royal Saudi Air Force and 02 Lady Cadets graduated in the ceremony. The Chief Guest awarded branch insignias to the graduating cadets and also gave away trophies to the distinction holders.

The chief guest awarded Quaid-e-Azam Banner to 4 Squadron, the new Champion Squadron of the Academy.

Aviation Cadet Academy Under Officer Ameer Hamza clinched Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in Flying and the coveted Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training.

Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best performance in Engineering was lifted by Aviation Cadet Sergeant Hamza Hussain; whereas, the prestigious Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Furrukh Iqbal.

Trophies for overall best performance in No 95 Air Defence and No 20 Admin Special Duties Courses were won by Aviation Cadet Sergeant Sarosh Arif and Aviation Cadet Sergeant Waleed Hassan respectively.

Aviation Cadet Sergeant Ahsan Ahmed won the trophy for Overall Best Performance in Logistics course. Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer Muhmmad Kamran was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for Best Performance in General Service Training.

The ceremony was followed by a thrilling performance by “Eaglets”- the Para Motor Glider team of the Academy.

“Bravehearts and Sherdils”, the PAF Academy Aerobatics Teams also displayed a stunning aerial display at the occasion. The well-synchronized drill presented by Hamza Flight was an icing on the cake, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests.

The ceremony was witnessed by high-ranking Military Civil Officials, Diplomats, foreign dignitaries and a large number of guests of graduating cadets.