Pakistan Army Cadet Named Best Foreign Military Cadet in Australia

The Australian Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon has named Pakistan Army cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas as the “overall best foreign military cadet” during the institution’s passing out parade held in Canberra, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ISPR said Cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas from Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) 152 Long Course received the award for outstanding performance across all areas of military training.

The military’s media wing described the recognition as a reflection of the professionalism, commitment and training standards of Pakistan Army junior leadership.

The commissioning parade was reviewed by Australian Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and attended by senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Australian Defence Force representatives, and families of graduating cadets.

ISPR said Pakistan and Australia share longstanding military ties, adding that seven Pakistan Army officers have served as platoon commanders at RMC Duntroon since 2013, while 46 Pakistani cadets have graduated from the institution since 2009.

According to the statement, this marks the 14th time a Pakistan Army cadet has been declared the “overall best foreign military cadet” at the Australian military academy.

ISPR also noted that Lieutenant Nasir Hussain Khalid Selhria, who was martyred in North Waziristan in 2020, was among the previous recipients of the award. His name remains inscribed on the memorial stone at the RMC parade ground.