KARACHI: Thirty-one Saudi officers were among the graduates of the Pakistan Naval Academy’s 115th course commissioning parade in Karachi on Saturday, the Pakistan Navy said, as the kingdom's ambassador welcomed the graduation of Saudi personnel as "great national achievement."
Located in located in Manora Island, Sindh Province, the Pakistan Naval Academy provides initial training to officers of the Pakistan Navy and since its establishment in 1947 has also trained some 2,000 officers of friendly countries, including many of the Royal Saudi Navy and other Gulf countries.
Midshipmen from Bahrain were also part of Saturday's graduation ceremony, which saw in attendance Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen. Nadeem Raza and Naval Staff Chief Adm. Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi.
"The commissioning parade comprised of 104 Pakistani, eight Bahrain Defense Force, 31 Royal Saudi Navy personnel and 83 (Pakistani) short service commission course officers," a Pakistan Navy spokesperson told Arab News on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, was also present during the graduation ceremony.
"This graduation is a great national achievement that will bring new, young leaders for the nation," Al-Malki said in a tweet on Saturday evening.
Pakistan's navy had been providing training to Saudi officers and sailors during the Saudi navy’s formative period between the 1970's and 80's. Officers trained by the Pakistan Naval Academy are considered some of the most professional in the world.
