KAKUL: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that the whole nation was standing united behind its Armed Forces and the state despite financial problems was providing the defence forces with all the possible resources to make the country's defence invincible.
Addressing at the passing out parade of 129th Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course, 48th Integrated Course and 3rd Mujahid Course, the Prime Minister told the newly graduated cadets that the profession of arms they were now beholden to, demanded by its very nature the unquestioned spirit of allegiance and sacrifice embodied in the oath they have all taken today.
"But don't you ever forget, your nation will stand united behind you. The state despite calls of economy and austerity is providing the defence forces all possible resources needed for making the defence of the country impregnable," he added.
The Prime Minister reminded that without a strong economy, rule of law and containment of terrorism, a credible defence system could not be sustained.
He urged that they, therefore, have to work together as a nation to achieve these goals.
The Prime Minister felicitating the graduated cadets and their parents said that it was a seminal event that heralded the beginning of the practical lives of the commissioned officers in Pakistan Army.
They had reaped the just reward of their long effort on successful completion of their onerous military training from this great alma mater, he added.
The Prime Minister lauded the excellence of the Academy, its faculty members and staff and said that it was because of their tireless efforts that this course, and many more before this one, consummate of their strenuous training to become officers, the nation can rely on, to guard its frontiers.
He said "Your professional competence and concern for training and welfare of your under-command will earn you their respect and leadership. We all know that your soldiers will smilingly offer the greatest sacrifice under your command."
The Prime Minister said Pakistan Military Academy is rightfully considered a veritable cradle of leadership.
"It is here, that the art of transformation is perfected and raw youth is shaped and chiselled into self-assured and responsible Army officers. It is here, that the trainees imbibe the best values of life to develop into sterling characters. Therefore, the standards set here must serve as the touchstones for all officers," he added.
He told the cadets that their immaculate turnout today, complemented with the elegant drill movements, unmistakably reflected the enviable training standards and their deep dedication to the profession of arms.
"More importantly, your proud and upright bearing implies uncompromising ideals pursued at this great institution. Let these yardsticks endure and have a ring of permanence about them. Let them be your guide and mentor," the PM maintained.
The Prime Minister as a chief guest on the occasion told the graduating cadets that commissioning in the Pakistan Army and becoming a member of officer corps was a matter of great pride but at the same time, it called for shouldering enormous responsibilities and staying steadfast in the face of heavy odds.
"In other words, it calls for character and integrity. Army Officers need to be embodiment of courage, composure and compassion," he said, adding "You are thus duty-bound to uphold the glorious traditions through the strength of your character, commitment and perseverance."
He said that the training at the PMA had provided them the wherewithal to meet the future challenges successfully.
"These challenges will come in many shapes and forms and will test the quality of your character. Remember, They will not only be technical and professional in nature, but call for material and moral strength in you," he added.
The Prime Minister further told them that during all such tests and temptations, they should not forget that the nation reposed enormous trust in them.
"It trusts you and admires you. Therefore, you must prove yourselves equal to that trust and admiration by being a symbol of steadfastness and uprightness," he added.
He reminded them that they were joining a proud tradition of valiant warriors like Major Aziz Bhatti shaheed, Captain Sarwar shaheed, Major Muhammad Tufail shaheed, Lance Naik Mohammad Mehfuz shaheed and Major Shabir Sharif shaheed, just to name a few.
Referring to meritorious services of the Chief of Army Staff, the Prime Minister told the cadets that they must also keep in their mind the lives and conduct of officers like General Raheel Shareef, who are only known for their professionalism, patriotism, dedication and commitment to their motherland.
He further observed that technological innovations were the order of the day which were changing the very lifestyle with noticeable impacts.
He opined that modern technology had also transformed the nature of warfare and tilted the balance squarely in favour of the technologically-advanced nations.
"While the duty of the Government is to provide for the means and resources for defence, it is incumbent upon you to keep yourself abreast of the latest technology and make yourself adept at operating the new weapons of war," he underlined the significance of modern warfare.
As a citizen of a country, much starved of means and material, the Prime Minister said, urging the cadets that they would have to make do with whatever was available, in the best possible manner.
"What you lack in possession, you must make up for, in passion. That is the spirit this nation was founded on. That is the spirit, my dear officers that will sustain this nation," he said, adding "And out of this passion for progress and change, I am confident that one day, sooner rather than later, our nation shall end its trials and tribulations; we shall overcome; we shall succeed."
The Prime Minister told the marvellous gathering of young cadets that by becoming a part of the Army steeped in the pride of its traditions, they joined the ranks of soldiers wholly devoted to their calling.
He urged them to follow in the footsteps of great "Shaheeds" and "Ghazis", to become the pride of this dynamic, throbbing and vibrant nation.
"You have today become tall enough for us to look up to you. May Allah be your guide and strength in embracing the brave new world," he said.
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Major General Nazir Ahmed Butt, Commandant Pakistan Military Academy, military officers and Federal Ministers were also present during the ceremony.
