- Landmark Commissioning Parade at Pakistan Naval Academy Marks 120th Midshipmen and 28th Short Service Commission
Karachi (Khyber Mail): The Course Commissioning Parade for the 120th Midshipmen and 28th Short Service Commission (SSC) was held at the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) in Karachi. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The commissioning contingent included 88 Midshipmen, with 60 from Pakistan, 01 from the Kingdom of Bahrain, and 27 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with 44 officers of the SSC Course, including 12 lady officers.
Addressing the geo-strategic environment, the Chief of the Naval Staff emphasized that peace and stability in South Asia hinge on the resolution of the longstanding Kashmir issue in line with the aspirations of its people and UNSC resolutions. He called upon the international community to address human rights violations and atrocities in Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the citizens’ right to self-determination.
Furthermore, Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the urgent need to end the suffering in Gaza, condemning the indiscriminate use of force on Palestinian civilians. He stressed the importance of a just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question in line with relevant UN resolutions. Pakistan, he asserted, would continue its diplomatic, moral, and principled support for Palestinians.
The Chief Guest congratulated the commissioning terms and their parents, commending the parents for instilling a spirit of service to the nation in their children. He praised the Pakistan Naval Academy for providing quality training and expressed hope that cadets trained at PNA would serve as ambassadors, enhancing bonds of friendship and affinity. Admiral Naveed Ashraf also advised youth on the new dimension of warfare, emphasizing the use of social media for disinformation as an essential segment of fifth-generation warfare.
During the event, awards were presented to the distinction holders, including the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal, the Sword of Honour, the Academy’s Dirk, and other honors. The parade was attended by senior civil and military officials, as well as parents of cadets.