Address to Officers and men of Pakistan Armoured Corps Center, Naushera 13th April, 1948
Officers and Men,
As you know on partition all Armoured Corps Training Establishments
were in India. We were left with absolutely no training Establishment for
Armoured Corps. Literally, we in Pakistan had to start from scratch in
this particular field. And it was very essential to take steps to open
a Pakistan Training Establishment as soon as possible so that the intake
of recruits should not be held up and their training should continue with
as little break as possible and Courses could be run for Regiments. But
unfortunately, considerable delay was caused owing to the impossibility
of moving the Pakistan element from India until October, and I am glad
to say it is due to the untiring efforts of all of you that, in such a
short space of time, the Center is now functioning fully in all departments.
The Cavalry has always been the spearhead of the Army. This is no less
true in these days of mechanisation than it was in the day of horses. To
carry out their role, Cavalry must have the very best in Officers and men;
whether they do in fact attain this level depends very largely on you.
You produce the recruit and turn him out as a trained soldier. You train
officers and men in all the latest developments of your arm of the service.
Upon this training and teaching depends the efficiency of the Armoured
Corps as a whole.
Those of you, who are in the Staff of the Center, make up your minds
that there is always room for improvement, and much depends upon your efforts.
Those of you, who are under training, determine always to do your best,
to take the fullest advantage of your opportunities here.
There are many of you on parade today who have come here before going
on pension or release. Your Army Service is completed and you have given
the best years of your life to the service of your Country. Your Country
is grateful. Many of you may not wish to go--but it is unavoidable. After
all great wars, it is necessary to reduce the Army to its peacetime strength
and all cannot remain.
Remember that you have learned much of the world and of the duties of
a good citizenship in the Army. You can continue to serve your Country
in your homes by spreading this knowledge and by the example of your way
of living.
There are many among you, who are refugees from India. You are uncertain
of the future for yourselves and for your families. I can assure you that
problem are receiving the most earnest attention of Government and that
no efforts are being spared in endeavouring to arrange for our resettlement.
I am glad to know that this Center contributed the sum of Rs. 4,516 to
the Quaid-i-Azam's Relief Fund, which is giving much aid in this work.
Do not forget Espirit-DE- CORPS--pride in your Regiment, pride in the
Corps as a whole, and pride in and devotion to your Country--Pakistan;
Pakistan depends on you and puts her faith in you as defenders of your
Country. Be worthy of her. This Army was built up and made its reputation
due to the devotion and bravery of your fathers and grandfathers. Make
up your minds to be worthy sons.
You have started well and have accomplished much. Continue as you have
started and all will be well with the Pakistan Armoured Corps.
Pakistan Zindabad
