Naval chief says peace and stability to remain elusive till resolution of Kashmir issue

The Course Commissioning Parade of 120th Midshipmen and 28th Short Service Commission (SSC) was held at Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA), Karachi.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as the chief guest. The commissioning contingent comprised 88 midshipmen out of which 60 were from Pakistan, one from Kingdom of Bahrain and 27 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with 44 officers of the SSC Course, including 12 lady officers.

While emphasising on the geo-strategic environment, the chief of the naval staff asserted that peace and stability in South Asia will remain elusive unless the longstanding issue of Kashmir is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the UNSC resolutions. 

He urged the international community to play its role in cessation of human right violations and atrocities in the illegally occupied Indian held Jammu and Kashmir whose citizens must be allowed to exercise their right of self-determination.

During his address, the naval chief also emphasised the immediate need to end the sufferings in Gaza as indiscriminate use of force on Palestinian civilians is a gross violation of human rights and war crimes that must cease forthwith. He further reiterated that Pakistan would continue its diplomatic, moral and principled support for the Palestinians and urge a just, comprehensive and enduring solution to the Palestinian question, in line with relevant UN resolutions.

He added that Pakistan looks forward to a stable and secure Afghanistan, which is key to regional integration, growth and prosperity.

The chief guest felicitated the commissioning team and their parents. He commended the parents for instilling a spirit in their children to serve the nation, which ultimately led them in joining this prestigious service. He also lauded the Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting quality training and expressed his hope that cadets from friendly countries trained at the PNA will serve as our brand ambassadors to enhance bonds of endearment and affinity.

The chief of the naval staff also advised the youth on new dimension of warfare, which is the use of social media for disinformation, that has become an essential segment of fifth generation warfare.

Later, the chief guest gave away awards to the distinction holders. The prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt Muhammad Talha Masood PN for his overall best performance.

Midshipman Ayan Yameen claimed the coveted Sword of Honour, while Midshipman Sanaullah Safeer clinched the Academy’s Dirk. Officer Cadet Abdullah Waheed was awarded Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, Officer Cadet Sultan Abdulrahman Hamad Saleh Alrowaiei received Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal while Commandant Gold Medal was awarded to Officer Cadet Asia Safdar from Short Service Commission Course. Proficiency Banner was claimed by Fox’l Squadron.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Muhammad Khalid highlighted the main characteristics of academic and professional training afforded to Pakistani as well as friendly countries cadets.

The parade was attended by senior civil, military officials and parents of cadets, said a press release issued by the Director General Public Relations (Navy Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy) Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.