RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif visited Army Aviation School Gujranwala on Tuesday and witnessed the graduation ceremony of Basic Pilot Course – serial 56. Congratulating the graduating officers, the COAS said that modern aviation capabilities are critical to the success of ongoing fight against terrorism, as well as thwarting conventional threats to the motherland. “There has been tremendous development in army aviation and special efforts are made towards further advancement, not only in domain of combat aviation but in other categories as well, including cargo and smaller aircrafts,” COAS remarked. The COAS said that Army Aviation has proved its mettle not only in ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb, but also has been always at the forefront to help the nation during natural calamities. Army’s significant achievements, over past few years, are greatly attributable to the active role of army aviation, he said, adding that the untiring efforts of aviation pilots and their sacrifices deserve highest accolade. He appreciated the efforts of Army Aviation School for training professionally competent and dependable pilots and junior staff officers for the Corps of Army Aviation. Later, the COAS attended Central Command War Games at Corps Headquarters Gujranwala and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops along working boundary and Line of Control (LoC). Earlier, on his arrival at Gujranwala, Central Command Commander Lieutenant General Ikramul Haq received the COAS.