KARACHI, Pakistan: The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Saturday said that any attempt to browbeat Pakistan would neither succeed nor serve the purpose of peace and prosperity in the region.
“(Pakistan’s) Desire for peace must not be construed as a sign of weakness,” the Naval Chief said while addressing the passing out parade of 105th Midshipmen commissioning and 14th Short Service Commission Course held at Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday.
“We are fully geared to give a befitting response in case of any misadventure,” he said.
The Naval Chief said that Pakistan is a peace loving country and seeks harmonious and peaceful co-existence with all its neighbours. But, he added, that in the current security scenario, certain elements, who are mostly abetted externally are at play to disrupt our peace and harmony.
Zakaullah remarked that there is a consensus at the national level to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism once and for all. He said that Pakistan Armed Forces are at the cutting-edge of this resolve.
“A resolve that is evident from our actions and results achieved,” he remarked.
The Chief of Naval Staff also dilated upon the efforts of Pakistan Navy to curb Maritime related terrorist activities at international level and highlighted that Pakistan Navy is engaged with the global community and is contributing more than its fair share against the nefarious elements contriving to disrupt peace and stability in our region.
In this regard, Pakistan Navy’s participation in Combined Task Forces 150 & 151 operations is a manifestation of our earnest endeavours to eradicate unscrupulous elements and complement counter-terrorism and security efforts in our region.
Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said that they are also preparing to the utmost to ensure security of our China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
While congratulating and extending felicitations on achieving this milestone, the Naval Chief advised the passing out Midshipmen and Cadets to remain abreast with the latest developments, both in technological domain as well as evolving doctrinal concepts.
The Naval Chief further emphasized that “you will lead highly trained and motivated personnel. Your conduct and professionalism will be observed and emulated by them. You are therefore, expected to blend the traits of professional acumen, loyalty, courage and character in your personality.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers training and apprised the audience that the commissioning term comprises of 105 Midshipmen including 45 from Pakistan and 60 from brotherly countries Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Libya.
The Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy added that 26 Cadets from Short Service Commission Officers batch are also being passed out today.
The Commandant highlighted that cadets from Bahrain, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan and Yemen are also undergoing training at Pakistan Naval Academy.
Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Sher Zaman was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance. Whereas, Midshipman Muhammad Ahsan won the Academy’s Dirk, Cadet Munis Mehboob (SSC) clinched/received the Commandant Gold Medal and Cadet Raja Muhammad Shehryar Qadir was given Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officers, Ambassadors, Defence Attaches of various countries, civil dignitaries and parents of passing out midshipmen and cadets.
