Islamabad:
A teenage boy suffering from blood cancer was able to realise his wish to become a soldier as he donned the uniform for a day and was welcomed by a unit on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day.
Abdul Basit, 15, was made a soldier for a single day in keeping with his desire to serve in the armed forces.
Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took special interest in Basit's case and fulfilled his wish, the military said.
Basit had conveyed his desire to be a soldier, even if for a day, to Kayani through the NGO Make A Wish Foundation.
Despite being very weak due to his illness, Basit put on a soldier's uniform and reported to a unit of the Punjab Regiment at Malir Cantonment in Karachi.
He was warmly welcomed by the unit and spent a busy day with the officers and soldiers.
Basit later said that his life-long dream of joining the Army had come true and that he had cherished every minute spent with the soldiers.
Basit also took part in a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark the Independence Day and received the letter written by Army chief.
Abdul Basit, 15, was made a soldier for a single day in keeping with his desire to serve in the armed forces.
Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took special interest in Basit's case and fulfilled his wish, the military said.
Basit had conveyed his desire to be a soldier, even if for a day, to Kayani through the NGO Make A Wish Foundation.
Despite being very weak due to his illness, Basit put on a soldier's uniform and reported to a unit of the Punjab Regiment at Malir Cantonment in Karachi.
He was warmly welcomed by the unit and spent a busy day with the officers and soldiers.
Basit later said that his life-long dream of joining the Army had come true and that he had cherished every minute spent with the soldiers.
Basit also took part in a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark the Independence Day and received the letter written by Army chief.
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