Pakistan military academy graduates cadets from eight friendly countries
By The South Asia Times
ABBOTABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan’s military academy has graduated a new group of army officers, including cadets from eight foreign countries, highlighting Islamabad’s military training ties with partners across Asia and the Middle East.
The passing-out parade for cadets from the 154th Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course, 39th Technical Graduate Course, 73rd Integrated Course and 28th Lady Cadet Course was held at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Saturday.
Graduates from Bangladesh, Iraq, the Maldives, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Yemen also completed their training at the academy.
General Syed Aamer Raza, commander of Pakistan’s National Strategic Command, attended the ceremony as chief guest and reviewing officer. He inspected the parade and presented awards to cadets who distinguished themselves during their training.
Academy Senior Under Officer Muhammad Junaid Jabbar of the 154th PMA Long Course received the Sword of Honour, the academy’s top distinction.
Battalion Senior Under Officer Syed Hassan Abbas, also from the 154th Long Course, received the President’s Gold Medal.
The Chief of Defence Forces Overseas Gold Medal was awarded to Riyad Mahmood Khan of Bangladesh, a company senior under officer from the same course.
Muhammad Abdullah received the Marksman Medal, while Ali Ahmed Mustafa of the 39th Technical Graduate Course was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Cane.
The Commandant’s Canes went to Muhammad Hamza Fayyaz of the 73rd Integrated Course and Maryam Tariq of the 28th Lady Cadet Course.
The ceremony underscored the academy’s role in training Pakistani military officers and personnel from partner countries. The participation of foreign cadets provides a channel for professional military education and institutional contacts between Pakistan and the countries represented.
