Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Tribute to the PAF Fighter Ace: M. M. Alam
This 'Land of the Pure' can never fall, and no one can undo it as long
as the defenders of this nation follow the legacy left behind by the
tales of dedication and sincerity of the likes of M. M. Alam.
During the month of September, tales of glory were written on the blue skies by the daring Shaheens of Pakistan Air Force in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. One of them was M. M. Alam, whose name shines amongst those of true legends and heroes; and what he did on 7 September, 1965, in the skies over Sargodha is unmatched, and very few have achieved such greatness in the history of air warfare. His name is emblazoned in the annals of Pakistan's history, which we proudly own; he carved his name with pride and gave us a reason to honour this day. The great man is no longer amongst us, and this is the first time the nation would honour "7th September" without its most beloved son. Though he is not alive, his legacy, his valor, his courage, his dreams and vision for the bright future of this nation will live forever.
The name "M. M. Alam" is enough to rejuvenate the spirit of the Defense Day, mainly because of his fearless demonstration of authority over his enemy during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, when his fighter jet roared the wild skies with one and only objective - to tell the enemy that his country might be short of war machines, but it was never short of men who would sacrifice their lives to defend it. Muhammad Mahmud Alam, better known as M. M. Alam, emerged as one of the most prominent heroes of the 1965 war. After the 1965 war, he emerged as Pakistan's top scoring fighter ace and also made a world record. He is one of the finest fighter pilots Pakistan has ever produced. The level of dedication, commitment and courage which he showed for Pakistan is unmatched.
During the 1965 air battles between Indian and Pakistani air forces, Alam ruled the fiery skies of war with his supreme tactics and evasive maneuvers. He showed marvels in the Adampur attack, and Alam claimed two enemy hunters and damaged three. The aerial battle of Sargodha on 7th September, 1965 was no doubt one of the greatest days in the history of Pakistan's Air Force. Three raids were conducted by the IAF on Sargodha air base, but during the second raid, under the command of M. M. Alam, the Indian jets faced a deadly retaliation. M. M. Alam shot down five IAF Hunters in a few minutes and made a world record.
His performance is still one of the most immaculate in the history of aerial combats. After 7 September, the PAF was in control of the skies over the battlefield, and the IAF dared not engage further in the combat with our daring eagles. The way he gunned down the IAF jets, one cannot doubt the precision and accuracy of M. M. Alam. He retired as an Air Commodore of Pakistan Air Force and was also awarded the military honor 'Sitara-e-Jurrat' for his brave and remarkable shows in the air combat of 1965. He also took part in the Arab-Israeli war for the Ummah's cause as a fighter pilot along with our other brave pilots who shot down Israeli jets. In 2001, there was an escalation from the Indian forces on the borders and war seemed inevitable between Pakistan and India, Alam volunteered for flying missions, though he had retired, but his age had not broken his spirits, motivation and courage to stand as a shield in the face of the enemy.
Before his death, when he was admitted in the hospital, my family went to meet him at the PAF Hospital at Faisal Base, Karachi. When they called him, he was delighted. He was adorned in a simple white dress (Shalwar Kameez), and he arranged for tea and greeted his guests with affection and humbleness.
During the meeting, with utmost concern, he conveyed his feelings that the Muslim Ummah, in this era, is confronted with many issues, amongst which disharmony amongst the different segments of society and dishonesty amongst people will make it difficult for us to face the growing challenges of the present world. Being one of the most influential air warriors who fought against India and Israel, he was of firm belief that unity and honesty should remain the hallmark of any future national cause, be it local or international. He was hopeful of Pakistan's bright future if we stand united and committed to the cause with utmost sincerity and honesty.
In the last days of his life, he had actually become physically very weak, but his voice was full of spiritual strength and his eyes were bright with conviction. He was of the view that the nation should not forget their heroes - the ones who have sacrificed their lives to make this journey possible. He had attained the highest level of simplicity and internal peace. He never wanted to be in the glamorous and materialist world, as he never wished to be publicized. He was a simple, humble, a God-fearing and a down-to-earth man, who at times would even avoid a single snap. His successful career and fame did not affect his personality; rather, it increased his humility and faith in Allah Almighty.
Considering his bravery and commitment to the cause and his professionalism, many respectable families had offered marriage proposals to him; some of these marriage proposals were from influential and reputable families from Syria and Afghanistan, but he was so committed in his cause that he preferred not to move ahead with them. Despite having all the best options, he chose his fighter jets when he was young and his books when he grew old as his lifelong partners, and dedicated his time to learning more and more. With the passage of time, he got more inclined towards religious knowledge and grooming, and in his later years, it was very visible in his manner and expression.
During the meeting, he praised the Pakistan Air Force and expressed his confidence that the PAF is one of the best air forces in the world, and emphasized that we just need to maintain discipline and order in our ranks. He also stressed that the resources in terms of equipment and finances should be used very diligently, so that in the future, we can be independent and able to face the odds.
I had quite a few conversations with M. M. Alam, and I can still recall the aura his powerful and energetic voice used to create around me. I was always on top of the moon when he used to say, "Mariam, how are you?" I can still recall his youthful voice; a voice of a hero, a gentlemen and a sober silent soul. One day, I received a call from him, saying, "For the last few days, I was waiting for your call". Instantly, I remembered that somehow, busy in my routine, I forgot to call him during the last few days. We had built a very subtle relationship, and most of our conversation was based on books, academics and wars. Reading books was his passion, and he guided me in my research topic and suggested a few more for my further study.
I had requested him to write his autobiography, because I wanted to know the stories from his past, which he agreed to. I offered myself as his assistant when he would be writing his book, and he happily agreed to my wish to assist him. I have an inscription signed by M. M. Alam, and it is one of those things which I will hold dear and with utmost respect throughout my life. We know him as Pakistan's ace fighter pilot, but probably not as a person, as a man. He is not here to write down his memoirs, and I missed the chance to explore his concealed persona.
Dear countrymen! He was very much concerned about Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah, and he was very hopeful about the future and youth of this country. He time and again stressed upon the unity of this nation, honesty and commitment to the cause. We can never pay back what he has done for our nation. He lived as a legend, a beacon of inspiration for the coming generations; similarly, he died as an honourable man and a true Pakistani. This 'Land of the Pure' can never fall, and no one can undo it as long as the defenders of this nation follow the legacy left behind by the tales of dedication and sincerity of the likes of M. M. Alam.
Sir! I am sure that today, the skies are going to miss the impressions and aura created decades back by the roars of your fighter jet. You dreamt and created a destiny of your own in the blue skies, far above the land. Rest in peace, Sir!
During the month of September, tales of glory were written on the blue skies by the daring Shaheens of Pakistan Air Force in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. One of them was M. M. Alam, whose name shines amongst those of true legends and heroes; and what he did on 7 September, 1965, in the skies over Sargodha is unmatched, and very few have achieved such greatness in the history of air warfare. His name is emblazoned in the annals of Pakistan's history, which we proudly own; he carved his name with pride and gave us a reason to honour this day. The great man is no longer amongst us, and this is the first time the nation would honour "7th September" without its most beloved son. Though he is not alive, his legacy, his valor, his courage, his dreams and vision for the bright future of this nation will live forever.
The name "M. M. Alam" is enough to rejuvenate the spirit of the Defense Day, mainly because of his fearless demonstration of authority over his enemy during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, when his fighter jet roared the wild skies with one and only objective - to tell the enemy that his country might be short of war machines, but it was never short of men who would sacrifice their lives to defend it. Muhammad Mahmud Alam, better known as M. M. Alam, emerged as one of the most prominent heroes of the 1965 war. After the 1965 war, he emerged as Pakistan's top scoring fighter ace and also made a world record. He is one of the finest fighter pilots Pakistan has ever produced. The level of dedication, commitment and courage which he showed for Pakistan is unmatched.
During the 1965 air battles between Indian and Pakistani air forces, Alam ruled the fiery skies of war with his supreme tactics and evasive maneuvers. He showed marvels in the Adampur attack, and Alam claimed two enemy hunters and damaged three. The aerial battle of Sargodha on 7th September, 1965 was no doubt one of the greatest days in the history of Pakistan's Air Force. Three raids were conducted by the IAF on Sargodha air base, but during the second raid, under the command of M. M. Alam, the Indian jets faced a deadly retaliation. M. M. Alam shot down five IAF Hunters in a few minutes and made a world record.
His performance is still one of the most immaculate in the history of aerial combats. After 7 September, the PAF was in control of the skies over the battlefield, and the IAF dared not engage further in the combat with our daring eagles. The way he gunned down the IAF jets, one cannot doubt the precision and accuracy of M. M. Alam. He retired as an Air Commodore of Pakistan Air Force and was also awarded the military honor 'Sitara-e-Jurrat' for his brave and remarkable shows in the air combat of 1965. He also took part in the Arab-Israeli war for the Ummah's cause as a fighter pilot along with our other brave pilots who shot down Israeli jets. In 2001, there was an escalation from the Indian forces on the borders and war seemed inevitable between Pakistan and India, Alam volunteered for flying missions, though he had retired, but his age had not broken his spirits, motivation and courage to stand as a shield in the face of the enemy.
Before his death, when he was admitted in the hospital, my family went to meet him at the PAF Hospital at Faisal Base, Karachi. When they called him, he was delighted. He was adorned in a simple white dress (Shalwar Kameez), and he arranged for tea and greeted his guests with affection and humbleness.
During the meeting, with utmost concern, he conveyed his feelings that the Muslim Ummah, in this era, is confronted with many issues, amongst which disharmony amongst the different segments of society and dishonesty amongst people will make it difficult for us to face the growing challenges of the present world. Being one of the most influential air warriors who fought against India and Israel, he was of firm belief that unity and honesty should remain the hallmark of any future national cause, be it local or international. He was hopeful of Pakistan's bright future if we stand united and committed to the cause with utmost sincerity and honesty.
In the last days of his life, he had actually become physically very weak, but his voice was full of spiritual strength and his eyes were bright with conviction. He was of the view that the nation should not forget their heroes - the ones who have sacrificed their lives to make this journey possible. He had attained the highest level of simplicity and internal peace. He never wanted to be in the glamorous and materialist world, as he never wished to be publicized. He was a simple, humble, a God-fearing and a down-to-earth man, who at times would even avoid a single snap. His successful career and fame did not affect his personality; rather, it increased his humility and faith in Allah Almighty.
Considering his bravery and commitment to the cause and his professionalism, many respectable families had offered marriage proposals to him; some of these marriage proposals were from influential and reputable families from Syria and Afghanistan, but he was so committed in his cause that he preferred not to move ahead with them. Despite having all the best options, he chose his fighter jets when he was young and his books when he grew old as his lifelong partners, and dedicated his time to learning more and more. With the passage of time, he got more inclined towards religious knowledge and grooming, and in his later years, it was very visible in his manner and expression.
During the meeting, he praised the Pakistan Air Force and expressed his confidence that the PAF is one of the best air forces in the world, and emphasized that we just need to maintain discipline and order in our ranks. He also stressed that the resources in terms of equipment and finances should be used very diligently, so that in the future, we can be independent and able to face the odds.
I had quite a few conversations with M. M. Alam, and I can still recall the aura his powerful and energetic voice used to create around me. I was always on top of the moon when he used to say, "Mariam, how are you?" I can still recall his youthful voice; a voice of a hero, a gentlemen and a sober silent soul. One day, I received a call from him, saying, "For the last few days, I was waiting for your call". Instantly, I remembered that somehow, busy in my routine, I forgot to call him during the last few days. We had built a very subtle relationship, and most of our conversation was based on books, academics and wars. Reading books was his passion, and he guided me in my research topic and suggested a few more for my further study.
I had requested him to write his autobiography, because I wanted to know the stories from his past, which he agreed to. I offered myself as his assistant when he would be writing his book, and he happily agreed to my wish to assist him. I have an inscription signed by M. M. Alam, and it is one of those things which I will hold dear and with utmost respect throughout my life. We know him as Pakistan's ace fighter pilot, but probably not as a person, as a man. He is not here to write down his memoirs, and I missed the chance to explore his concealed persona.
Dear countrymen! He was very much concerned about Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah, and he was very hopeful about the future and youth of this country. He time and again stressed upon the unity of this nation, honesty and commitment to the cause. We can never pay back what he has done for our nation. He lived as a legend, a beacon of inspiration for the coming generations; similarly, he died as an honourable man and a true Pakistani. This 'Land of the Pure' can never fall, and no one can undo it as long as the defenders of this nation follow the legacy left behind by the tales of dedication and sincerity of the likes of M. M. Alam.
Sir! I am sure that today, the skies are going to miss the impressions and aura created decades back by the roars of your fighter jet. You dreamt and created a destiny of your own in the blue skies, far above the land. Rest in peace, Sir!
We are the Bright Future of Pakistan
"Journey of thousand miles starts with a single step"
said La Tzu. Actions are something that arises naturally from
stillness. It is said that, great acts are made up of small deeds. The
idea of independence is well grounded in the desire of humans to live
their lives accordingly in their full spirit and capacities without any
subjugation, oppression or curb on their basic fundamental rights and
freedoms. For centuries, humans have fought wars and battles for the
acquisition of this relatively utopian notion; an aspiration for freedom
and independence. I thank the Muslims of
subcontinent from the bottom of my heart they that took single step and
had travelled this long journey till the independence of Pakistan.
During these eventful years we have witnessed wars, gruesome episode of
partition, violent uprisings, general anarchy, brutal dictators, shaky
democracies, enlightened moderation biased attitude of Britishers
towards the Muslims and intolerance together. Our history is a narrative
of an aberrant nation. Despite of all these facts, due to the strong
willpower, determination, hard work and sacrifices, our great leaders
reached their goal and gifted us this independent, beautiful country
called Pakistan. They have played their part but now it's high for us to
think for its prosperity, dignity, virtue and pride of our country.
We have the cherished blessings of all sorts of
people; Poets, philosophers, writers, singers, theologists, sportsmen,
actors, musicians, judges, lawyers, doctors, soldiers and pedagogues. We
have democracy no matter how much tainted, corrupt and maligned it is
at present, it has the ability to progress and improve. We have a
fledgling electronic media whose rationality and research base is crude
and inept but it has the potential to develop and evolve into a mature
and responsible media. WE HAVE OUR ARMED FORCES. Who everyday are
sacrificing their lives, their moments, and their families only to save
this nation from such huge loss. They have been spending endless nights
awake so that we the nation can sleep in peace. Our people are getting
aware no wonder in a random direction still they are realizing the
importance and value of education. The influx and use of technology has
enhanced in rural areas. The rampant use of solar power for energy
generation as a substitute for traditional methods of power generation
in the rural areas of Punjab has been thoughtlessly ignored by our
mainstream media. Dissenters argue diversity is bad, I say a country
blessed with beautiful diversity as Pakistan should be proud of itself.
Have you ever come across with 'chai wala Pathan bhai in Karachi to
Karachi biryani center in Peshawar to Kashmiri chai in Lahore?' If you
haven't then go gaze upon the horizons of this land enriched with a
wonderful diversity of cultures, languages, colours, races and people
representing a totality that is Pakistan. Finally without any contention
we have a lot of weaknesses and follies. But we must also look on the
brighter side. Because where there are troubles and hardships there are
solutions and hope. Where there is darkness there is light.
"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you."
Future demands us to be ready forever challenging and
endless environment, and the best way to cope these oddities is to
equip ourselves with the latest knowledge. Nowadays, we see a lot of
discussion on Radio, TV talk shows, face book, blogs, conferences,
workshops about the future of Pakistan. The participants or guests and
topics may not be the same but what is common in all these debates is
that everybody seems deeply concerned about the current sorry state of
affairs in the country and wants to see a change- a better Pakistan.
This awakening among the politically sensitized youth as to how to make
the future of Pakistan bright must be seen as a welcome gesture.
If I cannot be the person, the change I want to see
in my neighborhood, in my society, in my country and in my religion and
as a global citizen, then nothing can happen.
"What you see in yourself is what you see in world."
No ailment as it goes is cured until the right
medicine is suggested. In the cure process to point out what causes the
disease is more important than the disease itself. Similarly, the future
of Pakistan can be made bright only if we could first point out the
factors which are creating a hindrance on our way to a bright future and
a cure for these factors. At the moment, Underperforming education
system, a visionless mob of youth, energy crisis, poor agricultural
sector and leadership crisis are the most important factors which are
keeping the country away from the road that leads to a bright future.
What is required here is to convert all the negatives into positives.
This is only possible if we work on our self-first rather than the blame
game, which we found easy. I loved this quote of Charles M Schwab "A
man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited
Enthusiasm". We need to be passionate about whatever we are doing and
excel in our fields respectively first and then join hands to pay back
to our society and country by providing a better educated, well groomed and more cultured generation that upholds true spirit of morals and ethics.
In present day Pakistan, due to the population
explosion, the young people with over 60% of share are a challenge and
an opportunity at the same time. If we can tap this youth bulge and make
them an asset by investing in their education, training and positive
employment, otherwise soon
we will find these young people crowded in street, desperate, if left
unharnessed they will become a liability, and threatening to the peace
of the country. Thus, there is dire need to convert this challenge into
an opportunity by appropriately investing in them. Every
endeavor must be made to convert this population into an asset than a
liability. To reap dividends from it, the youth must be equipped with
the weapon of education. It will certainly go a long way in achieving a
bright future for Pakistan. If we can find a way to train them with
modern skills and knowledge, up to part to the fully-fledged industrial
countries, Pakistan's future is very bright. Future Pakistan can
entertain both big sizes of market and growing consumers.
In welcoming address, representative UNESCO Islamabad
Dr Kozue Kay Nagata stressed not to undermine the potential of young
adults in Pakistan. "I can see the faces of youth, young women and men
with their potential, and energy in this country. This indicates
demographic trend of Pakistan. Pakistan has potential human resources,
which is a prerequisite for sustainable and competitive nation's
economy". We the youth on personal basis need to study and understand
the problem our country is encountering and then think of the possible
solution for the purpose. However, just understanding and thinking will
not help we need to implement the ideas too. A major reason for us being
in this state is that we do not execute our plans; they just remain
till the pages. Also that we expect other to work and do not bother what
we actually are doing. To sit and talk is easy but actually working for
a purpose is what makes a difference. When a person puts a limit on
what he will do, he puts a limit on what he can do.
Youth all over the world through history, has been a
revolutionary force. The precious asset and opulence can revive a nation
going through hard time. Youth of a nation can do wonders if availed,
trained, educated and informed in an optimum fashion. Though tender an
age, yet the intellect, physical strength and wisdom it possesses has no
parallel. In such a chaotic state, there is still a huge quantum of
hope along side; there is anticipation and prospects en route for
accomplishment and triumph. "Hope is not a dream but a way to make dreams a reality." Pakistan
is the same nation who had youngsters like Rashid Minhas (Shaheed), Lt
Faiz Sultan Malik (Shaheed), Capt Waqas Zameer (Shaheed), Capt Naveed
khan (Shaheed), Capt Junaid khan (Shaheed), Capt Manan ul Hasan
(Shaheed), and the endless list goes on. Dr. Aafia Siddique, Ali Moeen
Nawazish, Arfa Karim Randhawa (late) and Malala Yousafzai and many other
not even acknowledged yet, had shown the world the enormous talent and
potential we the Pakistani's possess. They all had proven to the world
that whatever the circumstances maybe we will not stop struggling and
will not let any stone down to make it a developed nation.
Making the long story short, Pakistan has a very
bright future. A prosperous, peaceful and economically stable Pakistan
is not a distant dream any more. It exists. It is real. What is required
is the complete implementation of the above given prescription for
ailing organs of the country on emergency basis. Those who deny the
fact, they need to change their lenses.
Long live my brethren. Long live my motherland.
Pakistan's True Heroes
Our history is full of trillion sacrifices of our
true national heroes for protection of their motherland since the time
Pakistan came into being. Pakistan, since its earlier times faced the
challenges of the world and the threats of its furious enemies but none
of the enemies have ever succeeded in overpowering Pakistan although
they were planning to uproot it since the time it came into being.
Because the thing they have forgotten before attacking Pakistan or
planning against it was that the Pakistan's tigers are guarding its
frontiers and protecting it by the grace of ALLAH. They will never let
the foes enter the pure land of TIGERS .They are no ordinary people
guarding the frontiers of Pakistan. they are special; special in their
thoughts, action, living, rules, priorities, love for their land and
special in their strength & bravery.
Not every man living in this country is given this honor and responsibility. Only Allah ALMIGHTY chooses them and confers them with the responsibility of guarding PAKISTAN. They devote their life completely to this Duty. They have different outlook of life and a different way of living it. They have firm and predetermined Aim which they strive to achieve in every moment of their life. A normal individual dreams of extremely luxurious life or of being the most successful person BUT an ARMY soldier dreams and wishes only to live like ALI (R.A) &die like HUSSAIN (R.A), They dream to live & die for their country , with honor. Till now many foes have tried destroying Pakistan such as INDIANS, ANTIPAKISTAN FORCES AND RECENTLY TALAIBAN but Pakistan ARMY stood against them as SHEILDS. Their every breath is for their country. NONE of our enemies were able to overpower us & we are still protected. This is due to unlimited sacrifices made by PAKIATNI HEROES. Pakistan army!! They have laid down their life for the single cause of Pakistan. HEROES of 1965, heroes of 1971, heroes of 1984, Heroes of 1999 and present day War heroes are fighting war against anti-Pakistan forces. Have you ever thought why you all are able to sleep peacefully and soundly at night? You are able to wander and shop openly in the markets? You are able to live safely in your houses without the worry that someone can attack you or take you away from even your house. Why you are not facing insecurity? Why are you able to go to the schools and colleges without any fear? This is due to our heroes. Those brave heroes who have sacrificed their life for the sake of your life. There is a long list of such soldiers, who sacrificed their lives, shed their blood and bear wounds they are still fighting with increased courage, bravery, enthusiasm and spirit.
SALUTE TO OUR BRAVE HEROES
SALUTE TO OUR REAL FIGHTERS
SALUTE TO ALLAH'S FORCES
& SALUTE TO PAKISATN ARMY!!
THE BRAVE DIE NEVER, THOUGH THEY SLEEP IN DUST; THEIR COURAGE NERVES A THOUSAND LIVING MEN
This is an undeniable fact that everyone has to die
and will one day leave this world and everything in it but dying for
one's country is something special. Dying for truth and dying for
righteousness matters a lot. A martyred person gets success in this
world and the world here after along with ALLAH'S covenant and
benedictions.
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!!
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!!
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Life of a Pakistani Army Soldier
The life of a Pakistani soldier is very disciplined and demanding, yet compensated by a handsome salary, accommodation, free medical facilities, free messing, routine leave policy and air/rail passage at concessional rates. Above all the respect earned is unimaginable.
The present Army has dynamically turned into one of the best war machines in the world. Today Pakistan Army has developed and acquired the latest technological advancements in weaponry besides attaining the Nuclear Power status. In recognition to its meritorious gallantry, UNO has commissioned Pakistan Army in different UN missions around the globe, and has commended their performance with rich tributes. So if you think you have the burning spirit in you, join Pakistan Army to make it invincible.
The present Army has dynamically turned into one of the best war machines in the world. Today Pakistan Army has developed and acquired the latest technological advancements in weaponry besides attaining the Nuclear Power status. In recognition to its meritorious gallantry, UNO has commissioned Pakistan Army in different UN missions around the globe, and has commended their performance with rich tributes. So if you think you have the burning spirit in you, join Pakistan Army to make it invincible.
Pak Army at a Glance
Pakistan is a poor country riven with ethnic and religious tensions. Pakistan enjoys close ties with China and shares an antipathy and distrust of India. Half of Pakistan disappeared following its disastrous 1971 war with India.
The Pakistan Army a total strength of 520000, larger than that of the United States, with a reserve element of 500,000 who have a reserve obligation up to the age of 45 years.
Since the founding of Pakistan, the army has been key in holding the state together, promoting a feeling of nationhood among disparate peoples and providing a bastion of selfless service in the midst of a venal government system. All too frequently, the Pakistan Army has felt the need to take over the government, cleanse it of corruption and try to reform its bureaucracy before returning it to civilian control. Army control of the government has all too often led to a corrupt military regime that eventually collapsed. Currently, the army is once again in charge of the government of Pakistan.
The key holder of power in the armed forces and, along with the president and the prime minister, one of the triumvirate that runs the country is the chief of the army staff (COAS)--formerly called the commander in chief. The COAS operates from army headquarters in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad. From this position, Ayub Khan, Zia and Musharef all seized power.
Other senior staff positions, at the lieutenant general level, include a chief of general staff, who supervises army intelligence and operations; the master general of ordnance; the quartermaster general; the adjutant general; the inspector general for evaluation and training; and the military secretary. The headquarters function also includes the chief of the Corps of Engineers, the judge advocate general, and the comptroller of civilian personnel, all of whom report to the vice chief of the army staff.
The 20 Infantry & 2 Armored Divisions are grouped under 9 different Corps headquarters commanded by 3-star Lieutenant Generals. These are:
I Corps (Mangla)II Corps (Multan)IV Corps (Lahore)V Corps (Karachi)X Corps (Rawalpindi)XI Corps (Peshawar)XII Corps (Quetta)XXX Corps (Gujranwala)XXXI Corps (Bahawalpur)
There is also the Northern Area Command, headquartered at Gilgit, directly responsible to army general headquarters.
Active army strength in 1994 was 520,000. In addition, there were 300,000 reserve personnel. Reserve status lasted for eight years after leaving active service or until age forty-five for enlisted men and age fifty for officers.
Paramilitary organizations, which were mainly of symbolic importance, included the 185,000-member National Guard, comprising the Janbaz Force--locally recruited militia mainly charged with air defense--and two programs similar to the United States Reserve Officers Training Corps, the National Cadet Corps and the Women Guard. The Women Guard, unlike the National Cadet Corps, included individuals trained in nursing, welfare, and clerical work. There were also some women in the Janbaz Force, and a very small number of women were recruited into the regular service in limited numbers to perform medical and educational work.
Paramilitary internal security forces were organized on the provincial level but were subordinate to the Ministry of Interior and were commanded by seconded army generals. These forces were in effect an extension of the army for internal security duties. The Pakistan Rangers, headquartered in Lahore, dealt with unrest in Punjab, while the Mehran Force performed similar functions in Sindh. In 1994 their strengths were 25,000 and 24,000, respectively, divided into "wings" of approximately 800 men each. The Frontier Corps, with a strength of 65,000, was based in Peshawar and Quetta with responsibility for the North-West Frontier Province and Balochistan. The corps was responsible to both the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions and to army headquarters. The corps was divided into twenty-seven local units--fourteen in the North-West Frontier Province and thirteen in Balochistan--and included the Chitral Scouts, the Khyber Rifles, the Kurram Militia, the Tochi Scouts, the South Waziristan Scouts, the Zhob Militia, and the Gilgit Scouts. There was also a Coast Guard, subordinate to the Ministry of Interior and staffed by army personnel.
In times of natural disaster, such as the great floods of 1992, army engineers, medical and logistics personnel, and the armed forces played a major role in bringing relief and supplies. The army also engaged in extensive economic activities. Most of these enterprises, such as stud and dairy farms, were for the army's own use, but others performed functions beneficial to the local civilian economy. Army factories produced such goods as sugar, fertilizer, and brass castings and sold them to civilian consumers.
Several army organizations performed functions that were important to the civilian sector across the country. For example, the National Logistics Cell was responsible for trucking food and other goods across the country; the Frontier Works Organization built the Karakoram Highway to China; and the Special Communication Organization maintained communications networks in remote parts of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Army a total strength of 520000, larger than that of the United States, with a reserve element of 500,000 who have a reserve obligation up to the age of 45 years.
Since the founding of Pakistan, the army has been key in holding the state together, promoting a feeling of nationhood among disparate peoples and providing a bastion of selfless service in the midst of a venal government system. All too frequently, the Pakistan Army has felt the need to take over the government, cleanse it of corruption and try to reform its bureaucracy before returning it to civilian control. Army control of the government has all too often led to a corrupt military regime that eventually collapsed. Currently, the army is once again in charge of the government of Pakistan.
The key holder of power in the armed forces and, along with the president and the prime minister, one of the triumvirate that runs the country is the chief of the army staff (COAS)--formerly called the commander in chief. The COAS operates from army headquarters in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad. From this position, Ayub Khan, Zia and Musharef all seized power.
Other senior staff positions, at the lieutenant general level, include a chief of general staff, who supervises army intelligence and operations; the master general of ordnance; the quartermaster general; the adjutant general; the inspector general for evaluation and training; and the military secretary. The headquarters function also includes the chief of the Corps of Engineers, the judge advocate general, and the comptroller of civilian personnel, all of whom report to the vice chief of the army staff.
The 20 Infantry & 2 Armored Divisions are grouped under 9 different Corps headquarters commanded by 3-star Lieutenant Generals. These are:
I Corps (Mangla)II Corps (Multan)IV Corps (Lahore)V Corps (Karachi)X Corps (Rawalpindi)XI Corps (Peshawar)XII Corps (Quetta)XXX Corps (Gujranwala)XXXI Corps (Bahawalpur)
There is also the Northern Area Command, headquartered at Gilgit, directly responsible to army general headquarters.
Active army strength in 1994 was 520,000. In addition, there were 300,000 reserve personnel. Reserve status lasted for eight years after leaving active service or until age forty-five for enlisted men and age fifty for officers.
Paramilitary organizations, which were mainly of symbolic importance, included the 185,000-member National Guard, comprising the Janbaz Force--locally recruited militia mainly charged with air defense--and two programs similar to the United States Reserve Officers Training Corps, the National Cadet Corps and the Women Guard. The Women Guard, unlike the National Cadet Corps, included individuals trained in nursing, welfare, and clerical work. There were also some women in the Janbaz Force, and a very small number of women were recruited into the regular service in limited numbers to perform medical and educational work.
Paramilitary internal security forces were organized on the provincial level but were subordinate to the Ministry of Interior and were commanded by seconded army generals. These forces were in effect an extension of the army for internal security duties. The Pakistan Rangers, headquartered in Lahore, dealt with unrest in Punjab, while the Mehran Force performed similar functions in Sindh. In 1994 their strengths were 25,000 and 24,000, respectively, divided into "wings" of approximately 800 men each. The Frontier Corps, with a strength of 65,000, was based in Peshawar and Quetta with responsibility for the North-West Frontier Province and Balochistan. The corps was responsible to both the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions and to army headquarters. The corps was divided into twenty-seven local units--fourteen in the North-West Frontier Province and thirteen in Balochistan--and included the Chitral Scouts, the Khyber Rifles, the Kurram Militia, the Tochi Scouts, the South Waziristan Scouts, the Zhob Militia, and the Gilgit Scouts. There was also a Coast Guard, subordinate to the Ministry of Interior and staffed by army personnel.
In times of natural disaster, such as the great floods of 1992, army engineers, medical and logistics personnel, and the armed forces played a major role in bringing relief and supplies. The army also engaged in extensive economic activities. Most of these enterprises, such as stud and dairy farms, were for the army's own use, but others performed functions beneficial to the local civilian economy. Army factories produced such goods as sugar, fertilizer, and brass castings and sold them to civilian consumers.
Several army organizations performed functions that were important to the civilian sector across the country. For example, the National Logistics Cell was responsible for trucking food and other goods across the country; the Frontier Works Organization built the Karakoram Highway to China; and the Special Communication Organization maintained communications networks in remote parts of Pakistan.
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