ISLAMABAD, 23 September 2006 — Saira Amin became the first woman cadet pilot in Pakistan’s armed forces to win the traditional Sword of Honor awarded by military academies at graduation ceremonies.

Saira was one of the three woman cadets in a class of 36 who graduated from the Pakistan Air Force academy yesterday.

Air Force Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said the force was proud of her achievement, which he said he hoped would encourage more women to join the armed forces.

Saira was declared the best all rounder aviation cadet. The Sword of Honor is presented to the best officer in the army, navy and air force not only at the military training academies of Pakistan but at all military training institutes in the British Commonwealth countries.

Two other women cadets also passed out during yesterday’s ceremony. Pakistan has recently decided to induct women into the army, navy and air force.

The air force chief said PAF was acquiring the latest technologies to keep its fighting capability at par with the world’s best air forces.

Doors of the armed forces were opened to women only recently, under a policy of “enlightened moderation” introduced by President Pervez Musharraf after the 2001 terrorist attacks in the US.