Pakistani cadet wins top honours at Australian military academy passing-out parade

A Pakistani army cadet has been awarded the top honour for foreign trainees at the Royal Military College Duntroon in Australia, marking a notable achievement for the country’s armed forces, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

Cadet Arsam Abbas, from the Pakistan Military Academy’s 152nd Long Course, was declared the “Overall Best Foreign Military Cadet” at the passing-out parade held at the Royal Military College Duntroon.

The award is given to the international cadet who demonstrates outstanding performance across all areas of training.

The commissioning parade was reviewed by Simon Stuart, Chief of the Army of Australia.

The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the Pakistani High Commissioner in Canberra, families of graduating cadets and officials from the Australian Defence Force.

Officials said the recognition reflects the high professional standards, commitment and performance of the Pakistan Army’s junior leadership. It also highlights the long-standing military ties between Pakistan and Australia.

Since 2013, seven officers from the Pakistan Army have served as platoon commanders at the college. Since 2009, a total of 46 Pakistani cadets have graduated from the institution.

This marks the 14th occasion on which a Pakistani cadet has received the “Overall Best Foreign Military Cadet” award.

Among previous recipients is Nasir Hussain Khalid Sehriya, who was later awarded a gallantry medal and lost his life in North Waziristan on 4 September 2020. His name is inscribed on the memorial plaque at the college’s parade ground.

Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor