Pakistan Army Clinches Championship Trophy at 44th PARA Central Meet

Jhelum, The Gulf Observer: The Pakistan Army secured the prestigious Championship Trophy in the 44th Pakistan Army Rifle Association (PARA) Central Meet, marking a stellar performance in one of the country’s largest shooting competitions.

According to a news release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, over 2,000 participants from the Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces (including Punjab and Sindh Rangers), provincial teams, Federal Rifle Association, Lahore Garrison Shooting Gallery (LGSG), and civilians competed in the event.

Inter-Services Matches

In the Inter-Services matches, the Pakistan Army showcased dominance, winning the CJCSC, COAS, and CNS contests. The Pakistan Air Force excelled by clinching the CAS contest.

Closing Ceremony and Recognition

The event concluded with a grand ceremony at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Jhelum. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), attended as the Guest of Honor. The ceremony celebrated outstanding performances with the distribution of trophies and medals.

Notable achievements included:

• FTR Team Trophy: Won by the Pakistan Army team led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, HI (M).
• President’s Cup National Challenge Match Trophy: Awarded to Naik Waseem Ahmed Khan of Pakistan Army.
• Prime Minister’s Skills at Arms Big Bore National Challenge: Secured by the Pakistan Air Force.
• Infantry Squad Prize: Won by the Azad Kashmir Regiment in para firing matches.
• ‘Master at Arms’ Trophy: Bestowed upon Sepoy Aftab Ahmed of the Punjab Regiment.
• Best Shot Match Trophy (Group 2 & Group 3): Awarded to Lance Dafadar Muhammad Imran of the Cavalry and Havaldar Fateh Ullah Khan of EME Battalion.

COAS’s Remarks

While addressing the participants, General Asim Munir lauded their exemplary marksmanship and reaffirmed the significance of shooting skills as a hallmark of professional soldiers. “Attaining proficiency at shooting must remain at the heart of basic military training objectives,” he emphasized.

The mega event, held from October 14 to November 28, 2024, highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to fostering excellence in marksmanship and underscored the importance of such competitions in enhancing operational readiness.