Adil Najam
This news item from today’s Daily Times (23 September, 2006) needs no explanation. Saira Amin needs our words of congratulations, and maybe a crisp salute.
The coveted Sword of Honour for best all-round performance was claimed by Aviation Cadet Saira Amin, who made history by being the first woman pilot to have won the Sword of Honour in any defence academy of Pakistan. The passing out parade of the 117th GD (P) course, which includes the second batch of three women pilots, was held at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy, Risalpur Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, PAF chief of air staff, was the chief guest. The trophy for best performance in general service training and the Chief of Air Staff Trophy for best performance in flying were lifted by Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Nadir Ali. The Asghar Hussain Trophy for best performance in academics was achieved by Aviation Cadet Saira Amin. Squadron No 3 received the Quaid-e-Azam Banner for being the champion squadron.
I had always thought that Inayat Hussain Bhatti’s 1965 song, jang khed nai zananian di (‘war is not the sport of women’) was a ratehr silly song. I guess Ms. Amin is also not a fan of that song. I wish her the very best, although I do also wish that neither she nor anyone else – man or woman – has to actually go to war to demonstrate the silliness of Mr. Bhatti’s histrionics.
The courage of Mukhtaran Mai, the skill of Urooj Mumtaz Khan, the determination of Saira Amin, and the sheer resiliance of all the other 80 million women in Pakistan. You make us proud.
A failed effort to promote the soft image of Pakistan. Dont know which deserving person was deprived of his award just because we have to promote a silly soft thing called a women cadet. Rape has always been used as a weapon in wars. Imagine she getting into enemy hands. NOw that would really expose our soft image.
good show Pakistani women !! we are proud of you !
i am praying for u to achieve ur goal in army. i wish to join pak army but my height is not suficient for joining the army.plz pray for me to achieve my any fields.
SALAM,
I M REALLY GLAD TO SEE OUR BRIGHT STARS OF PAKISTAN WINNIG AND CHASSING SUCH HEIGHTS OF VALOUR. I M 2…… MUCH GLAD 2U
AND PRAY TO ALLMIGHTY ALLAH THAT HE SHOULD KEEP U HIS BLESSINGS.
(GREAT BALTI’S )
practice makes a man perfect we all proud to you
(balti’s) i love PAF