SARGODHA: Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif has said that although Pakistan Army is facing challenges on several fronts, it is prepared to counter any foreign aggression.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the induction of a batch of F-16 fighter jets into the Pakistan Air Force at the Mushaf Air Base on Wednesday, Gen Sharif said the PAF had always proved its worth and after acquiring the aircraft its fighting capability had been enhanced.

He gave the squadron flag to the new commander in accordance with the traditions of the PAF and held out an assurance that “the army will extend full cooperation to the PAF, whenever needed”.

The PAF’s squadron number 19 presented a salute to the chief guest. It also held a flypast.

An agreement for supply of 13 F-16 aircraft was signed between Pakistan and Jordan and five of the fighter jets were delivered to Pakistan in April.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2014