https://arab.news/vfkpc
- The Royal Saudi Air Force cadet joined the academy in 2018 and received the award in recognition of his exceptional performance
- Pakistan’s army chief describes the presence of Saudi cadets at the PAF academy as a manifestation of warm fraternal ties between the two countries
ISLAMABAD: A Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) cadet, Hatem Muhammad Alsofiani, won the Best Allied Cadet Trophy, announced an official statement released by the military’s media wing, ISPR, earlier this week, during the graduation ceremony of the 144th General Duty Pilot course at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy in Risalpur.
“Alsofiani, who joined the 144th long course in 2018, was awarded for overall best performance including studies and general services training,” Group Captain Muhammad Bahroni, director media affairs with the PAF, told Arab News on Thursday.
According to the ISPR, a total of 133 graduating cadets, including 11 Royal Saudi Air Force trainees, graduated at the ceremony.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa awarded branch insignias to the graduating officers and gave away trophies to distinction holders.
“We are training 50 Saudi cadets and officers in Pakistan, and these 11 [who graduated] will continue to stay in the country for one more year as officers,” Bahroni said, adding that 34 Saudi cadets were still being trained at the academy.
“The rest of the five officers have completed their course at the academy and are now getting technical training for one more year in Pakistan,” he added.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan are witnessing a thrilling display of aerobatics by Pakistani pilots during the graduation ceremony held at the Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur on Feb. 2, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Air Force)
Addressing the graduation ceremony, the army chief congratulated all young officers for their landmark achievement and applauded the presence of Saudi cadets at the PAF Academy.
“This is a manifestation of warm fraternal ties between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our Defense Forces indeed. We are proud of the strong bonds of Islam, brotherhood and cultural communion that bind us together,” he said.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki and Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa are cutting a cake along with the graduating cadets at the Pakistan Air Force Academy Risalpur on Feb. 2, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Saudi embassy)
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki was also present at the graduation ceremony which was followed by a thrilling performance of aerobatics by PAF pilots and a specialized military drill.