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RISALPUR: Female cadets from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved a historic landmark on Thursday by completing successful paratroop training at the PAF Academy.

Aviation cadets Bismah Naseem and Fatima Khalil have concluded their three-week training in parachute jumping, setting a record among female air force cadets in Asia, said Flight Lt Maqsood, the commanding officer of the Paratrooping Squadron of the academy, adding that it was a historic milestone because they had been trained among 46 male peers without any discrimination. “They proved their mettle during the training course and today, they have set a record and demonstrated that women of the country are as capable as the men,” he said.

Bismah and Fatima underwent rigorous training in the fifth Basic Paratroop Course that involved 9 officers, 10 cadets and 29 airmen. Cadets qualified for the course after the completion of a prerequisite of five para jumps. Cadets Bisma Naseem and Fatima Khalil were trained at the PAF Academy’s College of Aeronautical Engineering in Risalpur. Paratroop training is a part of their General Service Training. The Para Training Squadron at the PAF Academy in Risalpur conducts various basic and advanced courses that also include advanced military freefall training.

Bismah Naseem said her dream to become a paratrooper had finally materialised, which would enable her to serve the nation with zeal and valour. Emotionally overwhelmed, Fatima Khalil said the training had given her an exclusive skill and she was all set to achieve higher targets.

The training concluded when both cadets jumped twice from a high altitude alongside male cadets and officers. Later, the PAF Academy’s paratroop trainers exhibited their freefall skills by jumping from an aircraft from an altitude of 10,000 metres. APP

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