KARACHI: Some 100 midshipmen and 65 cadets of the Short Service Commission course graduated during the Pakistan Navy’s 113th Midshipmen and 22nd SSC course passing out parade held at the Pakistan Naval Academy here on Saturday.

The Commander of Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq was chief guest.

Addressing the parade, the commander congratulated the newly-commissioned officers for proudly joining the ranks of maritime defenders of Pakistan.

He advised the officers to remain grateful to Allah Almighty for the opportunity being bestowed upon them and remain resolute in taking up the sacred task of defending the motherland.

The chief guest also asked the young officers to do their best to live up to the expectations of the nation in line with Pakistan Navy’s traditions. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony was attended by a limited number of guests.

Cadets told about malignant designs of eastern neighbour

Admiral Khaliq applauded the friendly countries’ midshipmen in absentia and also valued modest proceedings due to the outbreak.

Admiral Khaliq also briefly mentioned the recent acquisitions of platforms by Pakistan Navy and urged the officers to keep themselves abreast with latest technologies in modern warfare and broaden their geostrategic horizon along with professional competence.

He also acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces and pledged towards safeguarding national sovereignty against any threat posed by the adversary.

Speaking on India-occupied Kashmir, the admiral underlined the unprecedented, unjust unilateral revocation of Article 370 [of the Indian constitution] and malignant designs of the eastern neighbour. He further highlighted that humiliation of the adversary on both internal and external fronts had bestowed more responsibility upon Pakistan armed forces to respond befittingly, if provoked.

Earlier in his welcome address, the commandant of the Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers’ high training standards that had ensured the confidence of friendly countries in the Pakistan Naval Academy’s training. He also advised the young sentinels to hold fast the core values of faith, character, courage and commitment, adopted in Pakistan Navy, while keeping the national interest as first and foremost.

Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to position holders.

The prestigious ‘Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal’ was conferred upon Lt Arslan Tariq PN. Midshipman Abdul Rehman was awarded the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ for his overall best performance, whereas, Midshipman Ahmed Iqbal Bazmi won the ‘Academy’s Dirk’.

Officer Cadet Muhammad Hassan Jalal was awarded ‘Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal’ and Officer Cadet Muhammad Usman Khan from Short Service Commission Course won the ‘Commandant Gold Medal’. The Proficiency Banner was reclaimed by Main Top Squadron.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2020