Jhelum (Ghag Report):
The closing ceremony of the 44th Pakistan Army Rifle Association (PARA) Central Meet was held at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Jhelum. General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), attended the event as the Chief Guest. The competition, conducted from October 14 to November 28, 2024, showcased exceptional marksmanship skills.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the mega shooting event saw participation from over 2,000 competitors, including personnel from the Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, Punjab and Sindh Rangers, provincial teams from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, as well as the Federal Rifle Association, Lahore Garrison Shooting Gallery (LGSG), and civilian shooters.
The COAS, along with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI(M), the Guest of Honor, awarded trophies and medals to the winners and runners-up.
In the Inter-Services matches, the Pakistan Army dominated by winning the CJCSC, COAS, and CNS contests, securing the overall championship trophy. The CAS contest was won by the Pakistan Air Force.
The FTR team trophy was claimed by the Pakistan Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, HI(M). Naik Waseem Ahmed Khan of the Pakistan Army won the President’s Cup National Challenge Match Trophy, while the Prime Minister’s Skills at Arms Big Bore National Challenge was won by the Pakistan Air Force. The Azad Kashmir Regiment clinched the first prize in the para firing matches (infantry squad).
Sepoy Aftab Ahmed of the Punjab Regiment earned the prestigious ‘Master at Arms’ Trophy, the highest military shooting honor. Lance Dafadar Muhammad Imran of the Cavalry and Havaldar Fateh Ullah Khan of the EME Battalion won the ‘Best Shot Match Trophy’ in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively.
COAS Syed Asim Munir lauded the participants for their outstanding marksmanship, emphasizing that shooting skills are a hallmark of professional soldiers and must remain central to military training objectives.
Earlier, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Commander of the Rawalpindi Corps.