COAS Graces the 42nd PARA Event

The mega-shooting ceremony was held at Army Marksmanship Unit from August 22 to October 10

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa attended the closing ceremony of the 42nd Pakistan Army Rifle Association (PARA) Central Meet at Jhelum Garrison as Chief Guest. The mega-shooting event was conducted at Army Marksmanship Unit from August 22 to October 10. Over 2000 firers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces (CAFs) including rangers from Sindh, Punjab, Frontier Corps and GB Scouts as well as civilians participated in the competition that comprised of numerous events involving different ranges and types of weapons.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu was present as a Guest of Honour who gave away the prizes. In Inter Formation Competition, Mangla Corps stood first, followed by Bahawalpur Corps. In Civil Armed Forces (CAF) category, a trophy was won by the Punjab Rangers while Gilgit Baltistan Scouts received runners up trophy. In Inter Services Matches, Pakistan Army won three out of four competitions including COAS, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Matches, while Pak Navy won CISM Match. Pak Navy remained runners-up in COAS and CNS Matches while PAF came second in CAS Match.

Pakistan Army won Shotgun, Long Range and Small Bore Trophies in Open National Matches. Pakistan Navy won the Prime Minister ‘Skills at Arms’ Big Bore National Challenge Match while Pakistan Army secured the second position.

The Biggest Military Shooting Honour ‘The Master at Arms Trophy’ along with the Gold Medal of ‘The National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom(UK)’ was awarded to Lance Naik Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of 112 Wing Gilgit Baltistan Scouts. The President’s Cup National Challenge Match Trophy was awarded to Major Ahmad Jehanzeb of the Army Marksmanship Unit. The Prime Minister ‘Skills at Arms’ Small Bore National Challenge Match was won by Pakistan Army. The ‘Best Shot Match Trophy’ was awarded to Lance Naik Allah Ditta of 165 Field Regiment Artillery.

At least two new records were also made during the national-level matches.

Director General Military Training (DGMT) Major General Ahsan Gulrez participated and made a new PARA National Record by scoring 150/ 150 points with eight shots Bull Hit in the finals of 800 Yards Rifle Match whereas Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali Zulfiqar made a New National Qualification Record by scoring 150/ 150 points with 12 shots Bull Hit in 800 Yards Rifle Match.

As many as 11 participants and faculty members of the First Sniper course of Pakistan Army Sniper School (PASS) were also awarded prizes and Sniper insignias.

While interacting with participants, COAS appreciated the firers for their excellent standards of marksmanship. Terming shooting skill as a hallmark of a professional soldier, the COAS said that attaining proficiency at shooting must remain at the heart of basic military training objectives.

Later, COAS visited Jari Kas Cantt, near Mirpur, AJK. The COAS inaugurated APS Jari Kas and interacted with students. COAS also addressed officers and men at Jari Kas Cantt.