Captain Afia Ashfaq, Pakistan Army
This is with reference to a letter ‘Women soldiers and their dress’ (Oct 17). I would like to clarify some misconceptions regarding the uniform and training of women soldiers. I have been serving in Pakistan Army as a commissioned officer since last five years.
After induction, Female Army Officers go through a six months military training at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) like their male counterparts. The comprehensive training includes military education and physical efficiency skills development. They have a regular khaki uniform (Sarhi) that is worn during routine official working which is very much comfortable in the office. While in the field, they wear combat uniform called CCD with DMS boots same as the male officers wear. How does one’s attire ever affect one’s efficiency is a question that the writer needs to elaborate?
After completion of military training they go through a physical efficiency test that includes rigorous physical activities. Female officers are equally capable of handling all sorts of small arms and field rigours.
Women soldiers are equally, if not more, capable of performing their duties efficiently and effectively. That the writer has called them the ‘antithesis of their brethren in arms” is an antiquated notion that does not warrant any comment. Female army officers have proved themselves as an equally significant working force in the journey towards national progress.
I think the question should not be what or how our female comrades should dress up… but to decide about the exact nature of employment in Armed Forces! This dilemma needs to be seriously addressed…
First off, you have the heroic courage of your convictions for acting in accordance with your beliefs, in spite of criticism, and for choosing to prepare yourself and be ready to be in the harm’s way for the sake of your country, it takes truck loads of determination and bravery in facing such a great danger for someone else.
As a gesture highly indicative of my profound respect for our armed forces, salute to all of you whether man or a woman, for your valor and your patriotism, all of you deserve reverence for being on the front line to defend Pakistan and her good folks including the author of the said article.
Here is what I wrote for Pakistan some time ago.
Pakistan is eternally tranquil in the sense of its natural pulchritude; it is loaded with gratifying natural beauteousness, its people although pecuniarily indigent yet munificent at heart… God bless Pakistan and people indigenous to Pakistan, where ever they might be…
May Allah bless you all!
My best regards,
Nawaz Ansari
Come on … I dont see them working in main race …