Sportsmen and athletes from 14 other foreign countries’ armies took part in the First International Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) competition including pushups, sit-ups and combat efficiency test. Army cricket teams from different countries participated in the first ever Physical Agility Combat Efficiency System (PACES) competition hosted by Pakistan Army. The army contingents of China, UK, USA, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Jordan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Australia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Indonesia had marched past in the opening ceremony. This is enough to show that India’s plan of isolating Pakistan has completely failed, as teams from four SAARC member countries also participated in the events. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has rightly said that it is India which stands isolated due to its unwise policies.
If India continues with its efforts to make SAARC ineffective, Pakistan would create another South Asian forum and invite the regional countries to join it. After opening ceremony, PakistanArmy’s regimental troupes, representing all provinces of Pakistan including Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammun Kashmir presented traditional folk dances on the tune of famous regional songs and a spectacular demonstration by the Pakistan Army band, which won applauds from the audience and the participants from other countries. Their city tour ended with the splendid demonstration by the smart jawans of the Rangers during the flag ceremony parade at the Wagah border. The most impressive and heart-touching gesture was demonstrated by Chinese and Turkish soldiers for lasting friendship with Pakistan holding their own and Pakistani flags during the March past.
People’s Liberation Army (China) and Pakistan Army dominated the opening day of the Push-ups contest in the First International PACES Competition-2016 that commenced at the Ayub Stadium Lahore cantt. Meanwhile, the Australian Army cricket team and athletes of the armies of 14 other countries visited several historical places on Thursday. They visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, where they were accorded a warm welcome upon their arrival, and were briefed about the contribution and work of Iqbal. After paying homage to the great poet, the visitors went on to see the historic mosque built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and took a beautiful view of the Minar-e-Pakistan (a venue where Lahore Resolution was passed) from the balconies of the Badshahi mosque.
Soldiers of Pakistan Army established their supremacy in the Sit-ups category contested in the ongoing First International PACES Competition-2016 at the Ayub Stadium here Thursday. The participating athletes were divided into six groups and each of them joined a rigorous display of resolution and endurance during the 30 minutes time allotted. Nevertheless, the Pakistan Army soldiers outshined them winning all three positions. Sabir Hussain completed 2076 Sit-ups in the allotted time to grab the first position. Anyhow, Pakistani and Chinese athletes dominated in the first ever PACE competition, which was organized by Pakistan Army. One can infer from the participation of the above countries that Pakistan is not isolated, and has excellent relations with the regional and other countries.
