By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A cadet from Pakistan’s army has been recognized as the overall best foreign military cadet at Australia’s elite Royal Military College, the military said on Wednesday, highlighting the deepening defence ties between the two nations.
The honor went to Cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas of the Pakistan Military Academy’s 152 Long Course during the commissioning parade held on Monday at the Royal Military College Duntroon in Canberra. The Inter-Services Public Relations, the media arm of Pakistan’s armed forces, said in a statement that Abbas was selected as the highest-performing foreign cadet across every aspect of the rigorous training program.
“This is a testament to the highest standards of professionalism, commitment and excellence demonstrated by the junior leadership of the Pakistan Army,” the statement said. The parade was reviewed by Australian Chief of Army Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, with other senior Australian Defence Force officials in attendance. Diplomats from several countries, including Pakistan’s high commissioner to Australia, joined families of the graduating cadets to watch the ceremony.
The recognition marks the 14th time a Pakistan Army cadet has claimed the overall best foreign military cadet award at the academy, according to the statement. Among those previously honored was Lt. Nasir Hussain Khalid Selhria, who was martyred on Sept. 4, 2020, in Pakistan’s North Waziristan district. His name is inscribed on a memorial stone at the RMC parade ground, the statement noted, “symbolising the enduring legacy of courage, sacrifice and honour of brave Pakistani Army officers.”
Pakistan and Australia have maintained a close military relationship for years, with the Royal Military College Duntroon serving as a key link. Since 2009, 46 Pakistan Army cadets have graduated from the institution. Since 2013, seven Pakistani officers have served as platoon commanders on the college’s faculty.
The award for Abbas comes as both countries continue to emphasize professional military exchanges, with Australian and Pakistani forces regularly participating in joint training and other defense cooperation activities.
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