TAXILA: Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has said Pakistan’s efforts over the last year and a half years have been more successful in curbing terrorism compared to those of the coalition forces of 16 countries that are fighting in the neighbouring Afghanistan.

Addressing the 63th annual parents-day ceremony at Cadet College Hassanabdal on Monday, the minister said Pakistan has done more towards eliminating terrorism than the rest of the world and that our country’s army, police and other law enforcement agencies had sacrificed more in this war against terrorism that anyone else.

Khawaja Asif, who is a former student of the Cadet College, said Pakistan was going through a critical phase in history as “we’ve defeated terrorists but have yet to eliminate them.” The present government, he added, wants to deliver a safe and secure Pakistan to the next generations and no compromises will be made in this regard.

Lauding the sacrifices made by students of the college towards defending the country, he said from the war of 1971 to the current Zarb-i-Azab operation, cadets of the college had been at the forefront and remembered Captain Asfandyar who died fighting terrorists in Peshawar.

The defence minister announced Rs25 million for the renovation and upgradation work in the college and said a special grant from the prime minister would also be released.

The principal of the college, (retired) Major General Najeeb Tariq, said the college had been training dedicated, energetic and brave students for the past 63 years.

Students of the college have gained many distinctions this year, including winning a bronze medal at the Asian Science Camp in Thailand and another in the Biology Olympiad in Denmark besides grabbing top positions in different board exams, he added.

A learning management system has been introduced, the principal said and that astrology and hobby clubs had been formed this year as well.

He said renovation and development work had been carried out with the funds provided by the chief minister in 2013.

The cadets performed PT and air shows and displayed their horse riding and gymnastics skills. The champion’s trophy for the best performance in curricular and co-curricular achievements was won by the student’s house, Umer Wing

Chairman of the board of governors and Pakistan Ordinance Factories chief, Lt General Ahsam Mehmood, Heavy Industries Taxila head Lt General Syed Wajid Hussein and alumnus of the college attended the event.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2015