Pakistan Army cadet wins top foreign military honor at Australia’s prestigious RMC Duntroon

Australia’s Royal Military College Duntroon has awarded Pakistan Army Cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas the “Overall Best Foreign Military Cadet” during the institution’s passing-out parade. 

The parade was held in Canberra, according to the ISPR. 

Cadet Abbas, from Pakistan Military Academy’s 152 Long Course, received the honor for achieving the highest performance among international cadets across all aspects of military training, including leadership, discipline and professional excellence. 

The commissioning parade at RMC Duntroon was reviewed by Australian Chief of Army Lt. General Simon Stuart. 

The ceremony was also attended by senior Australian Defence Force officials, diplomats, families of graduating cadets and Pakistan’s high commissioner in Canberra. 

In its statement, ISPR described the award as a reflection of the professionalism, commitment and high standards demonstrated by Pakistan Army’s junior leadership. 

Moreover, ISPR highlighted the longstanding defence ties between Pakistan and Australia. Since 2009, 46 Pakistani Army cadets have graduated from RMC Duntroon, while seven Pakistan Army officers have served as platoon commanders at the academy since 2013. 

According to ISPR, this marks the 14th time a Pakistani cadet has earned the title of “Overall Best Foreign Military Cadet.” 

The list of previous recipients includes Lieutenant Nasir Hussain Khalid Sulehria, who embraced martyrdom in North Waziristan in 2020 and whose name remains inscribed on the memorial stone at the academy’s parade ground.