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Archive for category Heroes & Heroines of Pakistan

Polish contribution to PAF and its Air Transport Command S.M. Hali The News

In 1947, when Pakistan was created as an independent country, the new government asked the British Air Force command for pointing out the most experienced and trusted pilots who would be able to help establish the air force in Pakistan.

The British professionals recommended Polish officers, pilots and technicians, who had gained fame in the Battle of Britain. After the war, they were unable to return home, since it was under Soviet occupation. There was no place for them in the Royal Air Force either.

Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who also had the portfolio of the Defence Minister, did not hesitate in accepting the British recommendation and offered them three-year contracts with high salaries. 30 Polish officers chose to join the Royal Pakistan Air Force (RPAF) as it was known then. (‘Royal’ was dropped on 23 March 1956 when Pakistan became a Republic). Thus, a small group of 30 Polish pilots, engineers and technicians led by Turowicz arrived in Pakistan in 1947.

RPAF made a humble beginning with two fighter and one transport squadrons, a negligible infrastructure, non-existent command structure, and almost nil maintenance facilities.

Within three weeks of independence, Indian hegemonic designs sparked off the first war between Pakistan and India. Pakistan’s young air arm was called upon to fly supply missions with one of the two war-weary Dakotas. Contending with the unpredictable weather, the difficult terrain, and the enemy fighters was an uphill task. The strength was replenished with two more Dakotas only as the skirmishes resumed the following winters.

It was in this milieu that Squadron Leader Wladyslaw Józef Marian Turowicz, who was only 39 years of age, together with his wife Zofia, and the Polish air and ground crew, set about helping establish RPAF. Turowicz and his team set up technical institutes in Karachi. He taught and revitalized the PAF Academy, where he worked as a chief scientist. His colleagues assisted him in imparting specialized technical training to RPAF technicians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zofia, Turowicz’s wife, also contributed to the PAF in her own way. She taught gliding to Shaheen Air Cadets in Karachi and Rawalpindi, and applied mathematics and particle physics at Karachi University.

In 1952, Turowicz was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, in 1959, to the rank of Group Captain, and in 1960 he became an Air Commodore and an Assistant Chief of Air Staff in charge of PAF’s Maintenance Branch.

 

 

In 1965, the first major Indo-Pak War broke out. As veterans of World War II, Turowicz and his fellow Poles had sufficient experience in aerial combat. They flew the legendary F-86 Sabres and joined their Pakistani comrades in defending Lahore’s skies against the invading Indian planes. After the war ended, Turowicz and his colleagues were hailed as national heroes in Pakistan. Along with his comrade Squadron Leader Anotnii Zbigniew Jedryszek, Air Commodore Turowicz and other Polish pilots were awarded the Sitara-e-Pakistan. During a grand ceremony in Pakistan’s new capital Islamabad, then President (Field Marshal) Ayub Khan granted honorary citizenships to these Polish officers for their bravery and sincerity in helping Pakistan in its hour of need.

Turowicz was killed in a car crash on January 8, 1980. He was buried with full military honours. For his meritorious service, Turowicz was honoured with many awards including the Sitara-i-Pakistan, the Tamgha-i-Pakistan, the Sitara-i-Khidmat, the Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the Abdus Salam Award in Aeronautical Engineering and the ICTP Award in Space Physics. The Pakistan Air Force placed a memorial in honour of Air Commodore Turowicz at the PAF Museum while Suparco established the Wladyslaw Turowicz Space Complex in Lahore.

While the Polish pilots rendered yeoman services to the RPAF and later PAF fighter command and the technical services, some pilots and technicians joined the air transport command of the fledgling air force. Squadron Leader Wolanski commanded the prestigious No 6 Squadron, which is one of the oldest air force squadrons of the Subcontinent.

Squadron Leader Wolanski’s command extended from December 1948 to March 1949. Every Pakistani pilot knows him and his achievements. He supervised extensive and very daring night drop missions in the beleaguered Kashmir Valley using the intrepid but outdated Douglas Dakota DC-3 aircraft. Most of the sorties were conducted through the hubs of Risalpur and Peshawar. Under Squadron Leader Wolanski’s auspicious command, 437 air drop sorties were conducted at the challenging Bunji, Astor, Gilgit, Burzal and Skardu drop zones.

During his command, the Prime Minister and Defence Minister Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan visited the squadron and lauded its services to the nation, especially under the command of Squadron Leader Wolanski.

It is also a historic landmark that during the tenure of command of Squadron Leader Wolanski, Gilgit airfield was completed on 22 February 1949 and the bold Polish Squadron Commander landed the first aircraft on the tricky Gilgit airfield, which still remains treacherous and has claimed a number of aircraft accidents during landing.

The Polish contribution to Pakistan Air Force is a matter of pride for the rank and file of this fighting force and speaks volumes for the bravery and enterprising skills of the pioneering Polish officers and men, who helped establish

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A NEW LEADER EMERGES IN PAKISTAN: MUSTAFA KAMAL – MR.CLEAN & IN MOLD OF SINGAPORE’S LEE KUAN YEW

Mustafa Kamal tears apart MQM chief, forms new political party

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KARACHI: Launching a scathing attack on Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and his ‘evil’ policies, Syed Mustafa Kamal, former Karachi mayor and ex-MQM leader, has announced to form a new political party aimed at mustering support of all patriotic forces to work for the country.

Addressing a crowded press conference in Karachi, Kamal said, “We [party workers] took enmities for Altaf Hussain, but Mr. Hussain doesn’t care about a single worker or any Urdu-speaking person.”

Flanked alongside senior former party leader Anis Qaimkhani, he said MQM stayed in power despite worst performance from 2008 to 2013 just because of party’s organizational structure and modus operandi.

He said MQM joined the government on directions of Mr. Altaf Hussain in 2008-13. During those five years, we left the government and rejoined it for four times.

In 2013 elections, the Urdu-speaking people of Karachi gave 7 to 8 lakh votes to PTI. He said it was in 30 years that people gave votes to any other party.

Regarding his party, he said we wanted devolvement of powers to the provinces. He said the current local government structure is a total fraud. “I am talking about a real devolved local government system. Every developed country has a proper LG system, but we have none.”

Regarding his surprising arrival to Karachi, he said: “We came here on our own, rented a house through a friend to address press conference. There is no one behind us.”

Backing of ‘establishment’

Responding to a query by journalists, Kamal said what kind of establishment it is that could not let other leaders sit alongside us. “We are just two people here.”

Anis Qaimkhani said he has come to Pakistan to face cases.

“I will not run away and face all cases legally.” Only two people could have been such bold in speaking this truth, he said while referring to himself and Kamal.

‘One man show in MQM’

“In MQM, only one person rules the roost,” said Kamal.

“Why should we sacrifice?.. Is it only for making properties for Altaf Hussain in US, Canada and London out of Fitra collection, land grabbing and hides collection.”

“I am telling all these facts to make people and workers mend their ways,” said Kamal.

“People like me assumed that MQM would come to sanity and focus on serving people after people voted PTI a heavy mandate. But instead of mending their own ways, MQM chief Altaf Hussain vented his anger on PTI women who gathered to protest election rigging on Clifton’s Do Talwaar area.”

He claimed that directions came from the MQM chief to gag protest by women and children of PTI in Karachi. He added the workers opposed the instructions.

Kamal said people sacrificed their lives for Altaf Hussain, but their sacrifices were never acknowledged. “What is the agenda… what have you gotten?”


MQM chief made Saulat Mirza, Ajmal Pahari a… by arynews

‘RAW agents’

“We were a cultured community, but now we are labelled as RAW agents.” He added: I know Altaf’s workers of Indian set-up, South African set-up are working, and I was literally terrified by the impending outcome.

He said Altaf Hussain never accepted his mistakes, nor he would. In reaction of refusal by the workers, MQM head on May 19, 2013 let workers to smash Rabita Committee members.

He said Rabita Committee now gets abused in minutes and seconds [by the party workers]. We often tried, he said, to portray Altaf Hussain like a God before the public.

Kamal alleged that the party chief often came to address workers when he was intoxicated.

He said Karachi’s situations never deteriorated in a day – it took a long time just because of bad policies of the party.

The MQM chief brought goons on Nine Zero to abuse senior party leaders against massive votes gained by the PTI.

“It’s around after three years parting ways with the MQM that we are interacting with media.”

He said he was a Senator in 2013 when he left MQM. We neither had any petrol pump, wedding hall or a piece of land.”

He said it’s been a history of MQM that only a person who is kicked out leaves the party.

In 2013 elections, JUI, PML-Q, ANP were all wiped out from Karachi except MQM.’

“Why have we returned to Pakistan?” explains Kamal

Just 24 hours ago, me and Anis Bhai were spending a luxurious life with our families. Allah has been so kind to us.

He said everyone knew the MQM links with Indian spy agency RAW.

“Regarding Imran Farooq murder case, the Scotland Yard grilled all MQM officials concerned”. He said Altaf was interviewed by the police for three consecutive days.

He said MQM leaders were asked to come in London by the party chief. Tariq Mir and Muhammad Anwar briefed the leaders on Scotland Yard investigation. Rehman Malik was also present in the meeting, he added.

He said today Altaf Hussain is insisting that he is a patriotic leader of Pakistan. But a local party worker doesn’t know the reality.

‘Altaf Hussain, despite “gobbling up” two generations of supporters, should be brave enough to tell people the truth.’

He said Pakistani establishment is now conceiving every citizen as a RAW agent. “We have returned just to press Altaf Hussain to speak truth to people.”

“The Almighty Allah will ask every one in the hereafter about your deeds.” I have made these remarks to convince my God and repent whatever I did, he said. “We have succeeded today.”

Kamal underlined that, “We could have gathered people to rebel against the party chief. But it’s not our aim.”

He said several die-hard party workers were arrested by the Rangers during raid on March 11, 2015.

MQM chief slammed for disowning workers

Kamal asked, “Was Saulat Mirza a born criminal?”

He said who forced Mirza to murder former MD KESC Shahid Hamid. He questioned who made Ajmal Pahari a criminal.

Has any moment Altaf Hussain thought about the future of boys who sacrificed their lives for the party. All these, he said, young boys were made criminals after joining the party.

The former mayor asked why MQM workers laid their lives for party chief. He appealed civil society, establishment and anchorpersons not to hate Urdu-speaking people just because of actions of a few individuals.

Former mayor shares his future plan

The former mayor of Karachi said: We [Anis Qaimkhani and me] are now forming an organisation, which has no name right now.


Mustafa Kamal announces to form new party by arynews
He showed a flag of Pakistan and said “it’s a flag of my organisation/party”. He explained that he didn’t want to stain Pakistan flag by adding more colours to the national flag for sake of a political party.

 

 
 


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In Memory of Gen Hamid Gul Asif Haroon Raja : Pakistan Think Tank Members Mourn Our Personal Loss of General Sahib

In Memory of Gen Hamid Gul

Asif Haroon Raja

 

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In Memory of Gen Hamid Gul

Asif Haroon Raja

An extremely sad, painful and soul searing event took place on the night of August 15, 2015. Renowned Gen Hamid Gul left this mortal world never to return. He was at Murree with his wife and other family members for recreation. While watching the TV program, at about 2030 hours he developed headache and his blood pressure shot up. He was rushed to CMH Murree at 2115 hours but fell unconscious en-route. The doctors couldn’t recover him and he died of brain hemorrhage at 2345 hours.  His body was brought to his residence in Askari Villas in Chaklala Scheme-3 in Rawalpindi at midnight. Very large numbers of people including high gentry kept pouring in throughout the day on August 16. Everyone was heartbroken and had a story to tell about the General. His sudden departure has left millions of mourners in all parts of the world in a state of utter shock and grief.

Funeral of 79 years old Gen Hamid Gul was held at Army Graveyard near racecourse ground Rawalpindi at 6 pm on August 16. The attendance was exceptionally large and many had to stay out due to lack of space. Gen Raheel Sharif gave shoulder to the coffin of the departed soul. He was laid to rest with honor at the best site amid touching scenes. Many were seen bitterly weeping who loved him as their father. Members of Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan which Gen Gul had patronized and is led by Abdullah Gul, came with Pakistan flags and took part in last rites with tears in their eyes.

All TV channels kept flashing the news of his death after 12 pm on the night of 15/16 August and commentators paid glowing tributes to him for the services he rendered to the Army, nation and Islam. PM Nawaz Sharif and other senior politicians offered their condolences. People kept visiting the residence of Gen Gul the whole day on August 17 and Qul was arranged under the supervision of Abdullah Gul and his brother-in-law Air Cdre retd Yusaf Gul in the evening, which was also heavily attended.

Born in 1936 at Sargodha, Gen Hamid Gul’s family has their origins in Swat and hail from Mohmand tribe. He commenced his service in 19 Lancers in 1956 and took active part in 1965 war as squadron commander. During his service, he held all the high profile appointments but he came into prominence as head of Military Intelligence and later as DG ISI from March 1987 to 1989. He put new life in these two organizations and made them vibrant and fruitful. It was owing to his efforts that the ISI developed a strong long arm capability and became the best outfit in the developing world and dreaded by all. Later on, ISI transformed into best spy agency in the world. He was the blue eyed boy of late Gen Ziaul Haq under whom he had served as battalion commander, colonel staff and Ist Armed Division commander and had demonstrated his excellence in profession and commitment to duty. His outstanding contributions made in the last phase of Afghan Jihad and ending the war on a victorious note will be remembered for times to come. Afghans loved Gen Zia and Gen Hamid Gul and called them Mard-e-Mujahid. When opponents of Hamid Gul maliciously referred to him as ‘Father of Taliban’, he remarked, “I wish I had the strength and resources to help them”.

Gen Mirza Aslam Beg had recommended Gen Hamid Gul as his successor. His last active post was Corps Commander 2 Corps Multan (April 1989-August 1991). There he underwent a tragedy of death of his married daughter Mehreen Gul. Another setback he faced was his posting as Chairman Heavy Industries Taxila after he developed difference with COAS Gen Asif Nawaz Janjua. He decided to resign saying that he had joined the Army to become a fighting soldier and not a ironsmith. He was conferred with Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Basalt.  After retirement, he never visited GHQ or ISI and never vied for a job and dedicated his services for the cause of unity of Ummah. In September 2013, he was persuaded and elected by members of The Pakistan Ex Servicemen Society (PESS) to take over as President of the Society, which offers no pay and perks. He spent money from his pocket to run the office kitchen and meet other essential expenditures since PESS has no funds. He tried hard to convert it into the world’s biggest NGO and a productive workforce both in peace and war and gave out his vision but unfortunately his dreams remained unfulfilled since he didn’t receive the backing of the Army. None deemed it fit to make good use of his stupendous talents and experience in intelligence and counter intelligence.         

A scrupulously honest and down to earth par excellence soldier and a thorough gentleman; he was blessed with extraordinary sterling qualities of head and heart. Endowed with a fertile mind, he had photogenic memory of historical and geographical facts. He was gifted with remarkable blend of forceful written and oral expression duly complemented by a reservoir of knowledge and acumen. Insightful and visionary, he could conceptualise and decipher things on a wider canvass. He had the knack of strategising and coming out with concrete logical conclusions as to what shape the emerging picture was taking and its impact on national, regional and global dynamics. He was alive to the problems faced by Muslim Ummah in general and Pakistan in particular and the conspiratorial role of the US led west, Israel and India. An ardent flag bearer of Islam and its ideology, he relentlessly worked for the interests of Pakistan and unity of Ummah and raised his voice against the adversaries of Islam and Ummah fearlessly.  

A devout Muslim, it was his daily routine not to sleep after Fajr prayers and to recite Quran till daybreak. He revered Holy Prophet (PBUH) and in every weekly meeting he chaired in PESS HQ, he would start the proceedings with a verse of Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad. He never tired of fondly quoting Quaid-e-Azam and would take pains to quote his speeches and statements indicating his quest to make Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state in line with Measakh-e-Medina. He drew inspiration from Allama Iqbal’s poetry and would often read it out adoringly. He was firm, focused and steadfast in his thought process and was of the view that application of Islamic system in accordance with Quran and Sunnah as spelled out in Objectives Resolution was the only remedy to address the multiple ailments which afflict Pakistan. He was fiercely against the Anglo-Saxon laws saying they were flawed and pro-rich and was a strong exponent of Sharia laws.

An affectionate and caring senior, he seldom lost his temper on his subordinates and would go all out to help anyone approaching him. He had the skill of captivating the audience with his brilliant oratory, astuteness and charisma. Handsome man and bestowed with graceful personality, demeanor and a sweet tongue, he was a born fighter and spoke with authority on any subject and none could outdo him in arguments. An unusually bold, blunt and forthright person, he would express his views candidly and would never mince his words to call a spade a spade. When Gen Musharraf called him in his office after his takeover and informed him that he was his ideal and wanted his support and offered him office of his choice, Gen Gul told him that he didn’t need any office but wanted an assurance from him that he would not compromise on Kashmir and nuclear issues, he will work towards implementation of Islamic system and build rapport with people rather than with USA and lastly carryout strict across the board accountability. Alas! His wise councils were ignored. In July 2014, he presented himself for accountability and asked other PESS members to follow suit to set an example for others. He neither carried any financial baggage nor had any skeletons in his cupboard.

Gen Hamid Gul was not only admired and respected in Pakistan but had lot many admirers abroad particularly among the Arab countries, Turkey, Iran and China. He was seen by his admirers as Salahuddin Ayubi and Tipu Sultan of this time. Many came from abroad on return flights to pay homage to their ideal. All TV channels hungered to seek his interviews/comments on current issues. He led a full and spirited life and never compromised on principles despite the worldly trials and tribulations he had to bear with in his domestic life and the stings of his adversaries.

Gen Hamid Gul has returned to the Creator, but he has left behind a vacuum and a legacy which will be remembered with fondness and often quoted by historians in rich words. He has left behind ailing widow, two sons Umar Gul and Abdullah Gul, a daughter Uzma Gul and seven grandchildren. Hopefully, his son Abdullah Gul will keep his illustrious father’s legacy alive. May God rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the deceased all the rewards of life hereafter and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. Ameen.    

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Brave Son of Pakistan: A National Hero:Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry (SJ, S Bt and President’s Award for Pride of Performance) : CICF thanks government for renaming a road to Cecil Chaudhry Road

CICF thanks government for renaming a road to Cecil Chaudhry Road

cecil roadLAHORE: The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) applauds the initiative taken by the government of Pakistan to rename a portion of Lawrence Road Lahore to “Cecil Chaudhry Road”.

Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry (SJ, S Bt and President’s Award for Pride of Performance) was a national hero, a highly decorated war veteran, a legend of the Pakistan Air Force, an acclaimed human rights activist, and an inspiration for all Pakistanis. He was bestowed with numerous honours from gallantry awards to equally high peace time citations for his bravery and courage.

A grand and befitting ceremony was organized by the Pakistan Air Force in which Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan paid glowing tributes to all the aspects of Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry’s life by honouring him as an ace fighter pilot of the PAF, an accomplished educationist and an acclaimed human rights activist. He ended his tribute by stating “I leave you with one last thought; there is a Cecil Chaudhry in every Pakistani, so let us bring him out in our spirits, so that the nation may reap the harvest of his courage and goodness. ”

Michelle Chaudhry, President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation and eldest among Cecil Chaudhry’s four children said, “We appreciate this initiative taken by the Chief Minister Punjab for recognizing and honouring the services rendered by our father Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry. Lawrence Road holds great significance in the life of our father as this is the road where St Anthony’s High School is located and he not only received his schooling from this school but also served as Principal of this institute for fourteen years.”

A citation was read out recognizing the services of the Group Captain to the Air Force and the country at large besides the tribute documentary by Pakistan Air Force. A plaque was unveiled by the Chief Guest which was later fixed on to prominent portion of the road.  The CICF President also expressed her deep gratitude to the Pakistan Air Force for organizing the event.

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