COAS Bajwa's address at UK Royal Military Academy 'honour' for Pakistan: Shehbaz

Islamabad: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa's address at the UK's Royal Military Academy was an "honour for Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday.

"COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa's address at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst UK as a chief guest is not just a matter of honour for the armed forces but also for Pakistan," the premier said in a tweet.

Sharif was of the view that the army chief's participation was a recognition of the Pakistan-UK strategic partnership and the success of the Pakistani armed forces in the war on terror.

The army chief attended the passing out parade at the Royal Military Academy as the first Pakistani chief guest — where he spoke about wide-ranging issues.

COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa's address at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst UK as chief guest is not just a matter of honour for the armed forces but also for Pakistan. This is a recognition of the Pakistan-UK strategic partnership & the success of our armed forces in war on terror.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 12, 2022

The COAS has become the first Pakistani ever to be the representative of the Queen during the sovereign’s parade at the Military Academy Sandhurst. 

Apart from UK cadets, 41 international cadets from 26 various countries including two cadets from Pakistan military academy — Cadet Muhammad Abdullah Babar and Cadet Mujtaba — passed.

This was the 198th sovereign’s parade where General Bajwa became the first Pakistani to be the sovereign’s representative.