Tuesday, April 18, 2006

PAF women paratroopers graduate

RISALPUR, April 13: Women cadets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday made a historic achievement by successfully accomplishing paratroop training at the PAF Academy.

Aviation cadets Bismah Naseem and Fatima Khalil concluded their three-week training in parachute jumping, setting a record among air force female cadets in Asia.

The cadets underwent training along with their 46 male counterparts, said Flight Lt Maqsood, Officer Commanding Para-trooping Squadron of the Academy.

“They proved their mettle during the training course and today they have set a record and demonstrated that women of the country are in no way inferior to men,” he said.

They underwent rigorous training in the 5th Basic Para-troop course which involved nine officers, 10 cadets and 29 airmen. The course culminated after completion of five parajumps.

Cadets Bisma and Fatima have been undergoing training at the College of Aeronautical Engineering, PAF Academy Risalpur. Paratrooper training is a part of their general service training.

Para Training Squadron at the PAF Academy conducts various basic and advance courses which also include advanced military Free Fall Training.

Bismah Naseem said that her dream to become a paratrooper had come true and it would pave way for her to serve the nation and country with zeal and valour.

Fatima Khalil said that the training had brought her distinction and she was all set to achieve higher targets while serving the PAF.

The training was completed when both the lady cadets jumped along with male cadets and officers from a high altitude twice.

Later, the trainer paratroopers of PAF Academy exhibited their skills of free fall jump from an aircraft from an altitude of around 10,000 meters.—APP

URL: http://dawn.com/2006/04/14/top11.htm

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