ISLAMABAD - Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa received President Dr Airf Alvi when he visited Army Marksmanship Firing Ranges near Jhelum to witness closing ceremony of 39th Pakistan Army Rifle Association (PARA) Central Meet, the mega shooting competition of the country.

According to the ISPR directorate, the President was received by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. A press release issued by the military’s media wing said a total of 953 firers from three services, Civil Armed Forces, Team Ex Punjab, KPK, Islamabad Police, Airport Security Force, Lahore Garrison Shooting Gallery and Federal Rifle Association participated in 25 events during the four weeks long PARA meet.

War-wounded officers and soldiers who had overcome various levels of combat disabilities also participated in the event. Pakistan Army scored maximum points to become champion in Inter-Services Firing Competition.

President Dr Arif Alvi awarded the trophies and medals to the winners and runners up in each shooting category.

Biggest Military Shooting honour “The Master at Arms Trophy” was awarded to Sepoy Muhammad Nadeem of Mangla Corps. The President’s Cup National Challenge Match Trophy was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Idress Rasheed of Army team. The Prime Minister “Skills at Arms” big bore National Challenge Match was won by Pakistan Navy. COAS Rifle and Pistol Match was won by Pakistan Army. Chief of Naval Staff rifle match and Chief of Air Staff pistol match both were won by Pakistan Army. The “Best Shot Match Trophy” Group - 2 was awarded to Sepoy Clerk Saqib Ali Khan.

While interacting with participants, President appreciated the shooters on their excellent standard of marksmanship. He said that shooting was one of the basic soldiering skills and mastery and this was a proud achievement. The best way to pay homage to our Shuhada is through our contributions to the national strength in pursuit of national objectives, the President concluded.