Friday, 27 June 2025

173 - Pakistan Army Museum: Rawalpindi!

Rawalpindi is located on the northern edge of Punjab, near the Margalla Hills. It was once part of the famous Gandhara civilization. The renowned city of this civilization, Taxila, lies just 20 km northwest of Rawalpindi. In more recent history, this area served as a stronghold of the warrior tribe known as the Gakhars. Their well-known fort, Pharwala, is situated only 25 km east of Rawalpindi’s center. Rawalpindi has likely remained inhabited throughout history, and due to its location on the historic Grand Trunk Road, it has always held strategic importance.

During the Mughal period, this area was frequently used by emperors traveling to Kabul and the northwestern frontier. The nearby Wah Gardens stand as a testament to the Mughals' interest in the region. After the decline of the Mughals, the Sikhs took control of the area in 1765. Later, in 1849, the entire Punjab was annexed by the British. In 1851, recognizing its strategic location due to its proximity to Afghanistan, the British established a military cantonment, which later gained greater significance as the headquarters of the British Army’s Northern Command. During British rule, the city developed rapidly and soon became one of the major urban centers of British India.

After the creation of Pakistan, Karachi was made the capital of the new country. However, due to its large cantonment, significant arsenal, and strategic location, Rawalpindi was designated as the Headquarters of the Pakistan Army. Later, in the early 1960s, it also served as the interim capital of the country before the newly established capital city of Islamabad became the permanent seat of government.

As the headquarters of the Pakistan Army, Rawalpindi is also known as the garrison city and hosts many military installations and institutions. One such place that particularly interested me was the Army Museum. The first time I attempted to visit it was in 2023, but it was closed for maintenance and renovation. I did not get another opportunity until the 5th of June, 2025. The museum is located in the Saddar area of the city at coordinates 33°35'11.53"N, 73°3'15.08"E.

The museum is housed in a beautiful building and features a well-maintained lawn at the front. The main entrance opens into a large hall, which is surrounded by various galleries. These galleries showcase different aspects of the Pakistan Army and highlight the history of the wars it has fought since its inception, beginning with the conflict in 1948 up to the present day. However, I will present the items on display in a simpler way to avoid confusing my readers.

Army Museum, Rawalpindi. (24.06.2025.)


Colours Presentation: Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Governor General of Pakistan

Left to right from front: Major Maqbool Hussain, Subedar Major Hashim Khan, 
Havildar Nadir, Major Sardar

Colour Presentation
Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Governor General of Pakistan
Addressing the gathering after the Queens's Colour Presentation Ceremony to 2nd Battalion the 15th Punjab Machin Gun Regiment (Now 10 Punjab Regiment) at Aerodrome Peshawar on 15th April, 1948. The Colour Presentation is an old Tradition from the days of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in which the coveted flag was presented to a group of warriors for their bravery and identification during the battle. 
Willy Jeep
(Major General Niranjan Prasad)
nJeep of Major General Niranjan Prasad, General Officer Commanding 15 Indian Infantry Division captured by 18th Battaltion Baloch Regiment in the afternoon of 8 September 1965.

Mr Obaid ur Rehman. (05.06.2025.)

Tariq Amir, the writer. (05.06.2025.)
 
A general view of the main hall on the ground floor.
 
Left: Vespa Scooter 
Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider)4th Battalion Frontier Force Regiment. Donaed to Pak Army Museum by his brother Hafeez ullah Malik.  
Centre: NSU Quickly Moped 
Owned by Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider), 17th Battalion Punjab Regiment. Donated to Pak Army Museum by his son Major Zafar Bhatti (R), 19 Lancers. 
Triumph Thunderbird Motorcycle 
Owned by Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider, Sitara-i-Jurat), 6th Battalion the Frontier Force Regiment . Donate to Pak Army Museum by his younger brother COAS General Raheel Sharif (HI, Military). 
2 Inch Smooth Bore Muzzle Loading Brass Cannon (Circa 1540 A.D)

A fine piece of craftsmanship from the Medieval era. Cast in brass some times during the early Mughal period. (1526 - 1600 A.D). The barrel construction is influenced by central Asian / Turkish style of casting / Moulding, in vogue mostly in Eastern Europe and Russian Turkestan. The brass cannon displayed, is probably from Sher Shah Suri's artillery park which contained almost all Mughal cannons captured from Emperor Humayun during the battle of Kanuaj on 16 May 1540 AD. Its maximum effective range was approximately 400 yds.

A scene from the Kashmir War 1948. 

Showing action in the Rann of Kutch, April 1965.

Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (NH), the hero of 1965 war. 

Maps showing the Lahore Sector, 1965. Many other similar maps show different theatres of war. 

A soldier manning a heavy machine gun. 

120 mm M 1938 Infantry Field Mortar. Origin: USA/China

A Hur. Brave sons of Sindh, who fought bravely along Pakistan Army in the Rajasthan Sector in 1965.

Clock of Khem Karan Railway Station. 

Major Raja Aziz Bhatt in action (Nishan-i-Haider) at Barki Sector, Bamban Wali Ravi Bedian, Lahore during Indo-Pak War of 1965. Painted by:  Mr Hussain 1998

A map in the section of the 1971 war, showing the erstwhile East Pakistan theatre of war. 

 
Hereunder hangs a Tale
1. This is a tale of selfless dedication and patriotism expressed through the passionate love for the National Flag by Sher Zamin Khan, a young Swati of 22 years who was employed as a Security Guard in Fauji Foundation Flour Mills at Chittagong.

2. He was repatriated to Pakistan in November 1973 and the only thing he brought was some memories, happy and tragic and the National Flag which flew at the mast head of the Mills in Chittagong. The flag was taken down on 19 December 1971 and kept by Sher Zamin Khan for the total period of his captivity sewn in second-hand clothing provided to him by the red cross. He guarded this proud possession throughout the period of his incarceration although he knew full well that if found on his person the consequences would be dire. 

3. Risking his life this brave young Pakistani had the courage of his convictions to bring this treasure back with him. In a befitting testimony to this deed of courage Maj General Mohammad Nawaz Mallik, Managing director Fauji Foundation remarked:-
"This is probably the only National Flag which which has been retrieved from East Pakistan. I express my gratitude to Mr Sher Zamin Khan for such a heroic display devotion and loyalty to our National Flag and the country."
4. This flag proudly flew on the head offices of Fauji Foundation, Harley Street, Rawalpinidi and is now being consecrated and presented to the Army Museum Rawalpindi for display to mark and remember the gallantry and devotion of a Proud Son of Pakistan. A picture of this lean and spare man, young in years but stout of heart, appears below. (Picture displayed on the left of the flag.) 

A painting depicting the Kargil War, 1999.
 

The main hall. L to R: Tariq & Obaid.  

The official car of the President Field Marshall Ayub Khan. 
















Sword of honour awarded to the cadet on over all-round best performance.

7.62 mm L1A1 Self-Loading (2nd Pattern) Rifle
The Rifle was captured from Indian Army on 15 June 1998 at Loran Mandi, district Poonch. Gen Ziauddin Butt (Commandant 108 Engineer Battalion) presented this rifle to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in 1999.
Donated by: Cabinet Block, Isb. 

Medals of Subedar Lakha Singh (1875 - 1904)
Presented by Subedar Lakha Singh to 9 Punjab on his retirement.
  
Original officer's mess table of the 7 Native Infantry (now 2 Punjab) used at the battle of Serigapatam (Mysore State) - May 1799.

Persian Bell (1918) presented by 1st Punjab Regiment to Pakistan Army Museum. 

Bren Carrier / Universal Carrier / T-16

The museum features an extensive collection of weapons, primarily light infantry arms, including several old pre-firearm weapons. These include swords, spears, and other traditional arms that reflect the evolution of military technology over time.















The true strength of an army lies not just in the weapons it uses, but in the courage and dedication of its soldiers, who form its backbone. The performance of any army depends on the bravery and valour of these men. The museum also pays tribute to such heroes—individuals who earned not only great respect for themselves but also brought honour to the army they served.

Three such outstanding soldiers are those who won Victoria Cross, while serving during the British Raj, who belonged to the areas that later on formed Pakistan. Actually more Muslim soldiers won this prestigious award. 
Subedar Khudadad Khan
(11th Battalion Baloch Regiment)
3 August 1914


Lance Naik Shahmad Khan
(1st Battalion Baloch Regiment)


Naik Fazal Din
(15th Battalion Baloch Regiment)
11th October 1940



Nishan-i-Haider

Of all the sections, I found the most interesting and inspiring to be the one displaying portraits and personal belongings of the recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider—our bravest of the brave and true national heroes. Their deeds of extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice have always inspired, and will continue to inspire, generations of soldiers and the nation forever. Standing before their portraits, one cannot help but feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for their unmatched dedication and heroism.

Awarding Procedure
1. Only those members of the forces of any rank, who had performed acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger and have shown bravery of the highest order, or devotion to the country in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air shall be eligible for this award. 
2. The recipients of this award shall be authorized cash reward of four hundred thousand rupees (JSI 1/93 refers) and if the recipients are below the rank of a commissioned officer, the award shall also be accompanied by an allowance of one hundred and ninety rupees per month, and other conditions governing the allowance attached to this award or to a bar thereto shall be the same as those stated in paragraph 5, and further changes in the above amount will be notified through JSI from time to time.
3. This award shall also be conferrable posthumously. 
4. The recipients of this Award shall have the privilege of adding letters "NH"after their names. 
5. The insignia of this award shall comprise a five-pointed star made of gunmetal with vide enameling and cupronickel metal edging with the inscription Nishan-i-Haider on its bar, it shall be worn on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon which shall be one and a half inch wide green plain silk, when worn alone miniature replica of the star will be attached to ribbon, and the bar shall be indicated by another miniature replica of the star. 
6. This shall be the highest award and shall take precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. 
7. Recommendations for this award shall be made through the normal channels to the senior military, naval or air force commanding the Force and the citation shall be supported by the evidence of at least three witnesses, recommendations for the grant of the appropriate award shall then be submitted by the Service Chief concerned through proper channel to the President for his orders, and the names approved by the President shall then the published in the Gazette of Pakistan.
Nishan-e-Haider means "Emblem of the Lion". 
 



Captain Muhammad Sarwar (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider - 27th July 1948
Captain Muhammad Sarwar (Shaheed)

Captain Muhammad Sarwar was born in village Sanghori, district Rawalpindi, in 1910. He was commissioned in Punjab Regiment in 1944. While serving as Company Commander in the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment during the Kashmir Operations he launched an attack on 27 July 1948 against a strongly fortified enemy position in the Urdi Sector. Within fifty yards of the enemy his company came under heavy machine-gun, grenade and mortar fire, causing major casualties. Displaying remarkable courage and leadership, Captain Muhammad Sarwar led a platoon in flanking movement within twenty yards of the enemy bunkers. Here he was obstructed by barbed wire. Undaunted by the obstacle, he moved the rest of his company forward. In the process he was hit by the enemy fire in the right shoulder and was wounded seriously but he silenced the enemy machine-gun with grenades. Undeterred by the repeated volleys of enemy bullets, he took over a Bren gun of his platoon, after its gunman was killed and continued firing on the enemy concentration. He then moved forward with six of his men to cut the barbed wire when a burst of automatic fire riddled his chest and he embraced 'Shahadat'. Captain Muhmmad Sarwar thus became the first soldier to be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award of "Nishan-i-Haider".


The personal belongings of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed. 

Monument of Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed: Nishan e Haider


Naik Saif Ali Janjua (Shaheed)
Hilal-i-Kashmir 
26th October 1948
Naik Saif Ali Janjua (Shaheed)

Number 68275 Naik Saif Ali Janjua was born in 1922 at village Khandar, Post Office Nakyal, Kashmir. He was enrolled in the army on 18 March 1941. Naik Saif Ali Janjua was commanding an isolated Platoon of 18 Azad Kashmir at Pir Kleva (Mendhar Sector) on 26 October 1948 and was holding a vital position. The enemy put in an attack with approximately one Infantry Brigade supported by tanks, artillery and air force. This brave Non Commissnioned Officer with his handful of men held the position against very heavy fire power with outstanding and dauntless courage. Despite being isolated from his own battalion and with clear knowledge of being isolated, he was determined to fight till last man and last bullet. His personal example and personality kept the other men clinging to the position till he was finally blown to pieces by a direct shell from the enemy artillery. Naik Saif Ali Shaheed was awarded Hilal-i-Kashmir (highest Azad Jammu and Kashmir operational award) posthumously on 2 March 1949. The same was equated with "Nishan-i-Haider) by Government of Pakistan vide gazette notification No. 1/18/D/25/91 of 30 Nov 1995.


The personal belongings of Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed.


Major Tufail Muhammad (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
7th August 1958
Major Tufail Muhammad (Shaheed)

Major Tufail Muhammad was born in Hushiarpur in 1914. Commissioned in 1943, he joined the Punjab Regiment. After a distinguished career, which included several instructional and command appointments in his own battalion and also in the Civil Armed Forces, he was posted to East Pakistan Rifles in 1958 as a Company Commander. 

Early in August 1958 he was assigned the task of clearing some Indian troops entrenched in Lakshmipur area. He executed a night march in the small hours of 7 August and encircled the Indian post. Leading his men to about 15 yards of the enemy, he led the assault party from the rear. When Indians opened the machine-gun fire, Major Tufal Muhammad was the first to be hit. Bleeding profusely, he lobbed a grenade and silenced the machine-gun. With the flame of his life gradullay fading away, he continued to direct the operation. When another enemy machine-gun opened fire, killing his second-in-command, Major Muhammad Tufail destroyed that gun too with w well-aimed grenade. During the hand to hand encounter that followed, he noticed the commander of the Indian post moving stealthily to attack one of his men. Though mortally wounded, Major Tufail Muhammad crawled towards the enemy commander. He stretched out one of his legs and as the enemy stumbled he hit him in the face with his steel helmet, saving his comrade. He continued to lead his troops till the Indians were driving out, leaving four of their dead and three prisoners behind. Major Tufail Muhammad later succumbed to his wounds the same day. For his unprecedented courage and leadership role, he was awarded the highest operational award of "Nishan-i-Haider".


The personal belongings of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed.


Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider 
12th September 1965
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed)

Major Raja Aziz Bhatt was born in Hong Kong in 1928 in family from Gujrat. He was commissioned in the Punjab Regiment in 1950 and had the unique distinction of winning both, the Sword of Honour and Norman Gold Medal at Pakistan Military Academy. On 6 September 1965, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was commanding a company in Burki area of Lahore Sector. Although two of his platoons were located on the home bank of the Righ Fall Canal, yet he chose to move to the forward platoon. From 7 September onwards, the enemy launched continuous attacks on his position with the full weight of artillery and armour. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti and his men, however, held on and continued to fight with determination. On the night between 10 and 11 September, the enemy mounted a major attack all along the sector, throwing a whole battalion against Major Raja Aziz Bhatti's platoon. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was then ordered to pull back to the home bank of the canal. When he fought back his was to the ferry site with his last platoon, he found the enemy in occupation of the site. Here he led his men in a fierce charge and dislodged the enemy. He covered the withdrawal of his men and vehicles and was last to leave the enemy bank. Back on the home bank, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti organized his company to defend the canal. Undaunted by constant fire from enemy small arms, tanks and artillery, he continued to withstand the onslaught directing his men to return the fire. In the process, he received a direct hit on his left shoulder from an enemy tank shell and embraced 'Shahadat' on the spot. 


The personal belongings of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed. 

Family photographs of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed.


Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
20th August 1971
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (Shaheed)

The youngest recipient of Nishan-i-Haider, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas was born on 17 February 1951 in Karachi. Still under training, he was taxing for take-off on a routine flight on 20 August 1971 when an instructor pilot forced his way into the rear cockpit, seized control of the aircraft and took off.

As soon as Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas realized that the intruding pilot was heading towards India, he tried to regain control of the aircraft but could not manage it against the superior skill and experience of the seasoned instructor. With only forty miles to go to cross over into Indian territory, he made yet another effort to steer the aircraft back to the base. Realizing the futility of the struggle, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas resorted to the only honourable course open to him: he so interfered with the controls as to render the instructor Pilot helpless and forced the aircraft to crash 32 miles short of the border, knowing that it meant certain death.

For the supreme sacrifice that he made for the honour of his country, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas was awarded Nishan-i-Haider" posthumously.


The personal belongings of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed.


Major Muhammad Akram (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
5th December 1971.
Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed.

Major Muhammad Akram was born in Dinga, district Gujrat, on 2 April 1938. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army on 13 October 1963 and joined the Frontier Force Regiment. On 7 July 1968, he was posted to East Pakistan where he commanded a Company of 4 FF Regiment. When war broke out in 1971, he was in command of the company in a forward area in Hilli district which was the focal point of concentrated Indian pressure. Subjected to incessant air, artillery and armour attacks, Major Muhammad Akram's company withstood every assault and did not concede even an inch of Pakistani territory. On one occasion the enemy mounted a major attack by a Brigade supported by a squadron of tanks to break through our defence and make way for its 20 Mountain Division. Despite enemy's superiority, both in numbers and fire power, Major Muhammad Akram and his men repulsed every attack for a fortnight while inflicting heavy casualties to the enemy. The heroic resistance put up by him in the face of virtual firestorm demonstrated exemplary courage and unwavering determination to fight till the bitter end. Major Muhammad Akram embraced 'Shahadat' on 5 December in the action during this epic battle leaving behind the legend of his supreme sacrifice in the execution of his mission. He was awarded "Nishan-i-Haider" posthumously.


The personal belongings of Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed. 



Major Shabbir Sharif (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
6th December 1971
Major Shabbir Sharif (Shaheed)

Major Shabbir Sharif was born in village Kunjah, district Gujrat, on 28 April 1943. He was commissioned in the 6th Battalion, the Frontier Force Regiment in April 1964. On the morning of 3 December 1971, his company was ordered to capture the high bund overlooking Gurmukh Khera and Beriwala village in Sulemanki Sector. The area was defended by an enemy company of Assam Regiment supported by a squadron of tanks. Major Shabir Sharf went through an enemy minefield and swam across 30 feet wide and 10 feet deep defensive canal under heavy artillery and automatic fire. Leading his company. he launched a frontal attack and succeeded in driving the enemy out of its fortified trenches by dusk. In this superhuman action, 43 enemy soldiers were killed, 28 taken prisoners and 4 tanks were destroyed. During the next three days, Major Shabir Sharif repulsed enemy counterattacks and kept two enemy battalions at bay. On the night between 5 and 6 December. Major Shabir Sharif jumped out of his trench killed the enemy company commander of 4 Jat Regiment and recovered important documents. During another attack in the afternoon of 6 December, Major Shabir Sharif took over an anti-tank gun from his gunner and while engaging enemy armour, was killed by a direct hit from an enemy tank and embraced Shahadat. In recognition of his unbending determination and valour he was awarded Nishan-Haider posthumously.


The personal belongings of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed.
 

Sowar Muhammad Hussain (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
10th December 1971
Sowar Muhammad Hussain (Shaheed)

Sowar Muhammad Hussain was born in Dhok Pir Bakhsh (Rawalpindi) (now Dhok Muhammad Hussain Janjua) on 18 January 1949. He joined army in September 1966 in 20 Lancers of Armoured Corps. Although he was trained as a driver, yet he took active part in every battle fought by his unit in 1971 Indo-Pak War. He would many a times take over a machine-gun and engage the enemy in the thick of the battle. On 5 December 1971, he went from trench to trench and delivered ammunition despite intense enemy fire in the Zafarwal- Shakargarh area. On 10 December, he went out with four fighting patrols and undertook most hazardous missions. The same day he spotted the enemy and directed the recoilless rifle crew to engage enemy tanks accurately. He was thus responsible for the destruction of 16 enemy tanks. While directing fire from one of the recoilless rifles, he was hit in the chest by a burst of enemy machine-gun and embraced 'Shahadat'. He has the distinction of being the first soldier to be awarded "Nishan-i-Haider".


The personal belongings of Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed.



Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
18th December 1971
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz (Shaheed)

Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was born in Pind Malikan (now Mahfuzabad, district Rawalpindi) on 25 October 1944. He joined the army on 25 October 1962. When war broke out in 1971, Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was serving in 'A' Company of 15 Punjab Regiment deployed on the Wagah-Attari Sector. On the night of 17 - 18 December, his company was assigned the task of occupying Phul Kanjri village located in the sector. Platoon No. 3, to which Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz belonged, was the forward unit in the assault and had to face torrential volleys of enemy fire from concrete pillboxes. When the company was about 70 yards from the Indian position, it was pinned down by unceasing frontal and cross fire from automatic weapons. By the break of dawn, the enemy artillery had also opened up. Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz, whose machine-gun was destroyed by an enemy shell, took over a light machine-gun from a gunner who had already fallen and advanced towards an enemy bunker from which automatic fire had inflicted heavy casualties on his company. Wounded in the legs by shell splinters, he continued to fire, dragging himself forward. At the bunker he got up with almost superhuman effort and pounced on the enemy and was hit at point-blank range. His weapon dropped from his hand, but despite being unarmed and mortally wounded, he got hold of an Indian soldier and began to strangle him when another Indian bayoneted him to death.

After the ceasefire, the enemy commander admitted to his Pakistani counter-part in a meeting that the courage and tenacity displayed by Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz had seldom been witnessed before. In recognition of his unbending determination and valour he was awarded "Nishan-i-Haider" posthumously.


The personal belongings of Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed.



Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
5th July 1999
Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed)

Captain Karnal Sher Khan was born in Faujoon Abad, a small village of Nawan Kali district Swabi on 1 January 1970. His grandfather had a dream that Sher Khan would be an Army officer, so he used to call him 'Karnal' which later on became part of his name. He started his military career as an Airman in Pakistan Air Force in 1987 and served there for five years. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army in October 1994. After receiving training at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, he was posted to 27 Sind Regiment. During his deputation to Northern Light Infantry (NLI) he volunteered himself for the defence of his motherland, therefore, he was posted to the Line of Control (LOC) for two years. Before 'Kargil Operation' he established military posts on the snow hidden peaks of Gultary, some 15,000- 17,000 feet above sea level. The enemy attacked his post eight times and he inflicted severe casualties upon them every time. On 5 July 1999, the enemy launched a two pronged attack on his post and fired some approximately 12,500 rounds. Captain Karnal Sher Khan was not only a valiant soldier but also a wise commander. He created an impression of a Brigade's presence by making use of small contingent of soldiers. He himself took an active part in the battle when enemy captured a part of his post. Despite a sheer shortage of ammunition and men, Captain Karnal Sher Khan repulsed the enemy back to their territory. He was hit in the chest by a burst of enemy machine-gun and embraced 'Shahadat' in action. In recognition of his unbending determination and valour he was awarded "Nishan-i-Haider" posthumously.

The personal belongings of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed. 

"Captain Sher won the respect of Indian officers defending the Tiger Hills feature and the adjoining hills, with his courage and brilliant attack. The officers of both '8 Sikh' and '18 Grenadier' watched the brave Pakistani captain lead a counter-attack to recapture the feature of the western spur of Tiger Hills on July 7," the report quoted.

He was very courageous. After a fierce battle, we had recovered the Tiger Hills on July 4 and for the next four days, were gradually advancing to recover other features - the Helmet, India Gate and Rhino Horn. Soon after the soldiers of 8 Sikh recovered the feature on July 7 around 8 am, Captain Karnal Sher with just a handful of Pakistani soldiers, launched a swift counter attack," said an officer of the 8 Sikh, liberal in his appreciation. "It was suicidal for Sher to launch the attack in broad daylight because we could see his movements. Yet in the highest of military traditions, he launched the attack.

Sher fought till the end till a hail of bullets snuffed life out of him. Even as he fell, his finger was curled around his gun. "We are a professional Army and respect another professional soldier, even if he is from the enemy side. And we would feel happy if a soldier like him gets recognition for his bravery.
(The Indian Express)


Havildar Lalak Jan (Shaheed)
Nishan-i-Haider
7th July 1999
Havildar Lalak Jan (Shaheed)

Havildar Lalak Jan was born at village Hindur in Yasin Valley of Gilgit in 1967. He joined Northern Light Infantry (NLI) as a Sepoy. Lalak Jan set an example of gallantry and unwavering determination during Kargil crisis. In May 1999 when the enemy was preparing for a major ground attack, he was serving in the NLI Headquarters. He volunteered himself to fight on the front. During the last week of June 1999 enemy launched a powerful battalion size night attack on his post. During fighting he displayed extremely brave behavior thus raising the morale of his colleagues. The action forced the enemy to retreat leaving behind heaps of carcasses. The next night, the enemy again attacked but was made ineffective. On 7 July the enemy kept on firing with artillery throughout the day and launched a three pronged attack at night on his post. He along with his colleagues withstood this attack despite sustaining severe injuries and repulsed it. Finally he embraced 'Shahadat' while fighting on his post. In recognition of his exemplary gallantry and passion for 'Shahadat' he was awarded "Nishan-i-Haider" posthumously.


The personal belongings of Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed.


The Pakistan Army was established at the time of independence in 1947. Since then, many generals have had the honour of commanding this great force, one of the finest in the world. The museum displays portraits of these distinguished officers along with some professional details, thereby offering a brief overview of the army’s history as well.

The Wall of Honour.

General Sir Douglas David Gracey 
KCB, KCIE, CBE, MC & BAR

General Sir Cglas David Gracey was commissioned British Indian Army. He participated in the World Wars and served on various fronts. He was conferred with Military Cross in 1919.

He had received civil education at Blundell's School and got basic military training at The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He served as an instructor at the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Later he was appointed as General Staff Officer at the General Headquarters of the British Indian Army. From there he was transferred to Western Command of India.

Gradually rising higher ranks, he was finally appointed as the second Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army on 11 February 1948 and served in this position till his retirement on 16 January 1951.


General Sir Frank Walter Messervy
KCSI, KBE, CB, DSO & BAR

General Sir Frank Walter Messery became a member of the officers' corps of the British Indian Army in 1913. In 1914 he joined 9th Hudson's Horse later renamed Duke of Cambridge's Own Hudson's Horse. He participated in the First and Second orld Wars and saw action in France, Palestine and Syria from 1914 to 1918. Later he served in Kurdistan in 1919.

On promotion as Lieutenant Colonel, he remained a member of the faculty of Command and Staff College Quetta from 1932 to 1936. He commanded 1 Duke of Connaught's Own Lancers in British India during 1938 and 1939. He later commanded a Brigade and served on staff also.

Just before the Partition of India Messervy was promoted as Lieutenant General and appointed General Officer Commander-in-Chief, Northern Command of India from 15 October 1946 to June1 947. After independence, he became the first Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army in which capacity he served from 15gust 1947 to 10 February 1948 till his retirement when he was granted the honorary rank of General.


Field Marshall Muhammad Ayub Khan
N Pk, H Pk, HJ

Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan received his basic military training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK) and was the first non-British cadet to have become a cadet appointment holder. He was commissioned in 1 Royal Fusiliers Regiment on 2 February 1928. Later he served in 1/14 Battalion of Punjab Regiment (later re-designated 5th (Sherdil's) Battalion The Punjab Regiment) and also commanded it. He saw action in Burma during the Second World War. 

A graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta, he served on several command and staff appointments. 

While serving in British Indian Army he served as president of Services Selection Board (SSB) Dehra Dun (India). After Independence, he commanded Gardai Brigade in 1947 and 14 Infantry Division in Dhaka (East Pakistan) during 1948. He also served as Adjutant General and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Pakistan Army. He was the first Pakistani to be appointed as Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army in 1951 and the first to be elevated to the rank of Field Marshal in 1960. He relinquished his military career in 1964. He remained the President of Pakistan from 27 October 1958 to 22 March 1969.


General Muhammad Musa
H Pk. HJ, HQA, MBE

General Muhammad Musa was commissioned on 1 February 1935 in Norfolk Regiment. He later served in 6/13 Battalion of Frontier Force Regiment. He was a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta and Imperial Defence College, United Kingdom.

He served on varied command and staff appointments. He commanded 103 Infantry Brigade at Sialkot in 1948, 52 Infantry Brigade at Quetta in 1949, 14 Infantry Division at Dhaka (East Pakistan) in 1951 and 8 Infantry Division, Quetta in 1952.

He served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff at General Headquarters in 1957. In 1958 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief Pakistan Army till his retirement in 1966. He also served as Governor of West Pakistan and Baluchistan.


General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan
H Pk. HJ, 

General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan was commissioned in  Worcestershire Regiment of British Indian Army on 15 July 1939. He served 3/10 and 4/10 Battalions of the Baloch Regiment. He was a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta and later served in the faculty of the same institution. On the eve of Independence, he was the only Muslim officer of the college faculty and played an important role in saving the college property particularly its rich and valuable library, from loot and plunder.

He served on various command and staff appointments. He commanded 2/10 and 7/10 Battalions of the Baloch Regiment. Later he commanded 106 Infantry Brigade at Peshawar, 14 Infantry Division at Dhaka East Pakistan in 1962. 15 Infantry Division at Sialkot in 1964 and 7 Infantry Division at Peshawar in 1965. He remained as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, and got elevated as the Chief of General Staff. Later, he was appointed as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief and finally rose to be the third Pakistan Commander-in-Chief Pakistan Amy in 1966. He had also been the President of the Capital Commission which selected, planned and carried out the development of the Islamabad Capital Territory. He also remained the President of Pakistan from 23 March 1969 to 20 Dec 1971.


Lieutenant General Gul Hassan Khan
S Pk. S QA

Lieutenant General Gul Hassan Khan was commissioned in 9/13 Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment on 22 February 1942. He also served in 5 (Probyn's) Horse Regiment which he later commanded as Lieutenant Colonel. The General was a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta. He also remained on the faculty of the Command and Staff College Quetta.

Lieutenant General Gul Hassan Khan served on varied command and staff appointments, commanded 104 Infantry Brigade at Sialkot in 1959, 100 Independent Armoured Brigade Armoured Group at Nowshera in 1960 and 1 Armoured Division at Multan. He also served as Director Military Operations and Chief of General Staff at the General Headquarters. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Army in December 1971 and held the post till 2 March 1972.


General Tikka Khan
HJ, S Pk. HQA

General Tikka Khan was commissioned on 22 December 1940 in the British Indian Army's 2nd Field Regiment Artillery. He saw action at Rann of Kutch and later participated in 1965 Indo-Pakistan War as General Officer Commanding 15 Infantry Division at Sialkot. During 1971 Indo-Pakistan War he was Commander Eastern Command (East Pakistan). He was a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta.

The General served on varied command, instructional and staff appointments. He remained on the faculty of Indian Military Academy and Pakistan Military Academy, commanded Artillery 8 Division at Quetta in 1955, 25 Infantry Brigade at Peshawar in 1961, 8Infantry Division at Quetta in 1954 and 15 Infantry Division at Sialkot in 1965. He also served as Quartermaster General at General Headquarters in 1966. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1969 and commanded 1 Corps, 2 Corps and 4 Corps. 

During 1971 he was sent as Commander Eastern Command (East Pakistan). After the re-organization of Pakistan Army's command structure, he was appointed as the first of Chief of Army Staff on 3 March 1972 and served in that capacity till his retirement in 1976. He served as Federal Defence Minister and Governor of Punjab Province after his retirement.


General Muhammad Zia ul Haq
NI (M)

General Muhammad Zia ul Haq was commissioned in 25 Cavalry Regiment of the British Indian Army from Officer Training School Mhow (India) in 1945. He participated in World War II in Malaya and Java. He was a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta and Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, USA.

The General served on varied command and staff appointments. He served on the faculty of Command and Staff College, Quetta. He commanded two armoured regiments. He was appointed advisor to the Royal Jordanian Army from 1969 to 1972. He commanded 9 Armoured Brigade, 1 Armoured Division and 2 Corps. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff in March 1976 till his death in an air crash in August 1988. He remained the President of Pakistan from 5 July 1977 till 17 August 1988.


General Mirza Aslam Beg
NI (M)

General Mirza Aslam Beg was the first Pakistan trained officer to be the head of the Pakistan Army. He was commissioned in 16th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment from Pakistan Military Academy in 1952. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta and National Defence College, Rawalpindi. The General served on several command, instructional and staff appointments. He remained on the faculty of National Defence College, Rawalpindi. He commanded 101 Infantry Brigade at Sialkot in 1973, 60 Infantry Brigade at Quetta in 1974 and 14 Infantry Division at Okara in 1978. He later served as Chief of General Staff. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1984 and appointed Commander 11 Corps, Peshawar.

He was promoted to the rank of General and appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff in 1987. Later, after the death of General Zia ul Haq in an air crash, General Mirza Aslam Beg was appointed as Chief of Army Staff in August 1988. He remained in that capacity till his retirement in August 1991.


General Asif Nawaz
NI (M), S Bt

General Asif Nawaz was commissioned in 5th Battalion (Shirdil's) The Punjab Regiment from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, United Kingdom in 1957. Later he commanded this battalion also. He was a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta and National Defence College, Rawalpindi.

The General served on a number of command and staff appointments. He commanded 105 Infantry Brigade at Okara in 1978. He was promoted as Major General in 1982 and commanded 7 Infantry Division at Peshawar. He was appointed as Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul in 1985. As Lieutenant General, he was appointed Commander 5 Corps, Karachi in 1988. Later he also served as Chief of General Staff at General Headquarters. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on 16 August 1991 till his sudden death on 8 January 1993.


General Abdul Wahid
NI (M), S Bt

General Abdul Waheed was commissioned in 5th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment from Pakistan Military Academy in 1957. He is a graduate of Canadian Forces College, Canada and National Defence College, Rawalpindi.

The General served on various command, staff and instructional appointments. He remained on the faculty of Command and Staff College, Quetta. He commanded 117 Infantry Brigade, Kohat in 1978. As a Major General, he served as General Officer Commanding 16 Division, 13 Division Quetta and Adjutant General at the General Headquarters. He was promoted Lieutenant General in 1989 and assumed command of 12 Corps at Quetta. He was elevated to the rank of General and appointed the Chief of Army Staff in January 1993 and served in that capacity till his retirement on 12 January 1996.


General Jehangir Karamat
NI (M), T Bt

General Jehangir Karamat was commissioned in 13 Lancers from Pakistan Military Academy in 1961. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta, US Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth USA and National Defence College Rawalpindi.

The General served on different command, staff and instructional appointments. He remained on the faculty of Command and Staff College Quetta and National Defence College Rawalpindi. He also served as Commander 3 Independent Armoured Brigade Group at Lahore in 1983, General Officer Commanding 10 Division Lahore in 1991 and Commander 2 Corps Multan in 1992. He also served in the coveted appointments of Director General Military Operations and Chief of General Staff. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on 12 January 1996 and served in this office till October 1998.


General Pervez Musharraf
NI (M), T Bt

General Pervez Musharraf was commissioned  from Pakistan Military Academy in 44 (Self Propelled) Medium Artillery in 1964. He served in Special Services Group and saw action in East Pakistan. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta, National Defence College Islamabad and of Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom. 

He served on a number of command, staff and instructional appointments. He has been on the faculty of Command and Staff College, National Defence College and also served as Deputy Military Secretary in Military Secretary Branch, General Headquarters. He was promoted Major General in 1990 and commanded 40 Infantry Division and later served as Director General Military Operations at General Headquarters, Hemmanded 1 Corps from 1995 to 1998. He was appointed as Chief of Army Staff in October 1998 and relinquished the command on 28 November 2007. He remained President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for 9 years.


General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani
NI (M), HI

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was commissioned from Pakistan Military Academy in 5th Battalion The Baloch Regiment in 1971. Later he commanded 30th Battalion The Baloch Regiment. He is a graduate of Fort Bening (USA), Command and Staff College Quetta, Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth (USA), Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies Hawaii (USA), and National Defence University Islamabad.

The General has served on a number of command, staff and instructional appointments. He has been on the faculty of School of Infantry and Tactics Quetta, Officers Training School Mangla, Command and Staff College Quetta and National Defence University Islamabad. He has commanded an infantry battalion, infantry brigade, infantry division and a corps.

Besides being Chief of Staff of 10 Corps, the General has also held the coveted appointment of Director General Military Operations. He has also served as Director General Inter Services Intelligence. He was appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff on 8 October 2007 and later appointed as Chief of Army Staff on
28 November 2007.


General Raheel Sharif
NI (M)

General Raheel Sharif, Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) belongs to a family with martial history. His father and two elder brothers have all served in Pakistan Army. General Raheel Sharif is an alumnus of Government College Lahore and graduate of Pakistan Military Academy.

The General was commissioned in 6th Battalion of Frontier Force Regiment on 19 October 1976. Besides attending Armed Forces War Course at National Defence University Islamabad in 1999, the General has attended a number of foreign courses including German Company Commander Course in 1985, Canadian Command and Staff Course in 1990 and Royal College of Defence Studies Course (UK) in 2004. He was promoted Brigadier in 2000, Major General in 2006, Lieutenant General in 2010 and assumed command of Pakistan Army in the rank of General on 29 November 2013. His command assignments include command of two Infantry Battalions, an Infantry Brigade, Independent Infantry Brigade Group, Infantry Division and a Corps. He has been Directing Staff at Command & Staff College Quetta. His key operational staff assignments include Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade and Chief of Staff in two different Corps. He has also served as Commandant Pakistan Military Academy and Inspector General Training & Evaluation at General Headquarters. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on 29 November 2013.

Launching and successful execution of operation Zarb- e-Azb to eliminate terrorists, their supporters, facilitators and financiers is the hallmark of Gen Raheel Sharif's tenure as COAS. He rendered services to nation and relinquished the appointment on 29 Nov 2016.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa
NI (M)

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) was born in Karachi on 11th November 1960. He was commissioned in 16th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment on 24th October 1980. He is a graduate of Canadian Force Command and Staff College Toronto.

He holds Masters Degree in War Studies from National Defence University Islamabad and Senior Officers Defense Management Course from Naval Post Graduate University, Monterey (California) USA. He commanded 16th Baloch Regiment, an Infantry Brigade, Force Command Northem Areas, School of Infantry & Tactics Quetta, 10 Corps and had distinction to Command Pakistan's UN Peacekeeping Contingent in Democratic Republic of Congo.



As we have seen above, the Army Museum has done a remarkable job of showcasing the history and achievements of the Pakistan Army, including a wide range of weapons that have been used over the years. Some of these, such as tanks, are too large to be displayed indoors and are therefore exhibited in the open. A few of these tanks were captured from India during the wars, adding historical significance to the collection.


Some artillery pieces & a missile system. 

Obaid ur Rehman, manning a 19th-century gun. 

PLATINUM JUBILEE
1ST PMA LONG COURSE - 4 FEB 2020

In memory of and honour those who endured the beginning and laid the foundation of the greatest institution of Pakistan. 

1ST PMA LONG COURSE


Centurion Mark - 2

Centurion Tank development began in the UK during 1943 and the tank entered service with the Royal Tank Corpsin the British Army in 1945. It was purchased by India in early sixties and issued to 3rd Cavalry 4th Hodson's Horse of the Indian Armoured Corps. This tank took active part in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. The tank on display belonged to 17th Poona Horseand was captured by 25 Cavalry of Pakistan Armoured Corps on 18 September 1965 during the battle of Chawinda. Remained in service with Indian Army up to 1985.

M4A5 - Sherman (75 MM)

This was an improved version of M4 Sherman, modified by the Indians just before the 1965 war. It was fitted with an AMX-13 75 mm gun and issued to the Indian Armoured Corps 2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse) 14th Scinde Horse and 18th Cavalry. During the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War this tank performed poorly and a number of them were destroyed or captured by Pakistan Army. The tank on display belonged to 14th (Scinde) Horse and was destroyed about 200 yards from the Batapur Bridge by 3rd Battalion the Baloch Regiment on the morning of 6 September 1965. Declared obsolete till replaced by T-54s in 1967.

AMX-13 Light Tank

AMX-13 was manufactured in France by 'Atelier de Construction Roanne'. It has a unique design having an oscillating turret and an automatic revolver loading system. The Indian Armoured Corps was equipped with these tanks in early 1960s. It saw action in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War during which large numbers were captured intact by the Pakistan Army. This tank on display belonging to Indian Armoured Corps 20th Lancers was captured on the outskirts of Chhamb during the afternoon of 1st September 1965 by 11 Cavalry (PAVO) Frontier Force. Remained in service with Indian Army up to 1971.

M4A2 Sherman (76 MM-W)

This was an improved version of the M4A1 Sherman. It saw active service with the UN Forces during the Korean War and was later supplied to the Pakistan Army under the Mutual Defence Assistance Program (MDAP) in 1954. This version of Sherman tanks took active part in both 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan Wars and remained in service with almost all tank regiments of Pakistan Armoured Corps up to 1980. This tank on display belonged to 31 Tank Delivery Unit (now 31 Cavalry).

Different Tanks on display. 

M-24 Chaffee Light Tank

Produced in USA by both Cadillac and Massey-Harris. Inducted in November 1944. Served during the Second World War. Later on, it saw extensive action in the Korean War. Pakistan Army acquired M24 tanks for its reconnaissance Regiments under Mutual Defence Assistance Program (MDAP) in 1954. Saw active service with 12 Cavalry, 15 Lancers and 20 Lancers during the 1965 India-Pakistan War and with 29 Cavalry in the 1971 War. This tank on display belonging to 12 Cavalry, destroyed the Centurion Mk-2 tanks of Indian 3 Cavalry during an engagement on 20 September 1965 in the Khem Karan Sector. Remained in service up to 1977.

M-47 General George S. Patton Medium Tank

M-47 was inducted into the US Army's inventory in between 1951-1952. Pakistan Armoured Corps received these tanks under the Mutual Defence Assistance Program in 1954 and were issued to 4 Cavalry, 6 Lancers, 23 Cavalry and 25 Cavalry. This M-47 on display saw service with 'A' Squadron 25 Cavalry during the 1965 India-Pakistan War and knocked out four Centurion M-2 tanks of the Indian 16 Cavalry on the morning of 8 September at Gadgor (Sialkot Sector). A number of these were retrofitted with diesel engine in Iran during 1970s. Remained in service up to 1987.

M-48 General George S. Patton Medium Tank

M-48 tanks came off the assembly line in July 1952. It remained in service throughout the sixties and seventies, and saw active service during the Vietnam War with US Army. Inducted into the Pakistan Armoured Corps in the early sixties and saw service with 5 (Probyn's Horse), 10 Cavalry (Guides) FF, 11 Cavalry (PAVO) FF, 13 Lancers, 19 Lancers, and 24 Cavalry. It saw active action during both 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan Wars. This tank on display was in service with 19 Lancers and has the honour of destroying one M4A5 of Indian 62 Cavalry and two Centurions MK-2s of 4 Hudson's Horse during the battle of Chawinda on 17 September 1965.

7.2 Inch Howitzer
MK6 on US Carriage M1

To solve the problem of carriage, after a number of modifications it was found that 7.2" barrels were well carried by the US M1 Carriage and this became ultimately the 7.2" howitzer M6. Only two of these howitzers , one 7.2" MK-1 Howitzer with pneumatic balloon - tyred wheels and one 7.2" Howitzer M6 on US Carriage M1 fell to Pakistan Army's share on independence. Both 7.2" Howtizer MK-1 and M6 saw action with the Regiment of Pakistan Artillery during the Kashmir war 1947-48, Indo-Pakistan War, in 1965 and 1971 in Chhamb Sector. 

M 19 Gun Motor Carriage

Designed in February 1943. Cadillace Division of General Motors, Detroit, Michigan started manugactue in August 1944. It consisted of a modified M-24 chassis having a front located engine and transmission. M 19 was supplied to Pakistan's Light Antiaircraft Artillery Regiment through Mutual Defence Assistance Program by the US after 1954. Pakistan Artillery was equipped with these guns for providing anti-aircraft protection for armoured formations. This gun on display is credited with shooting down two Indian Air Force Hunter aircrafts during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War over Khem Karan Sector.

Feeling proud in front of the Indian Centurion Mark-2Tank. 

A. Broome Gun Foundry
No.29. 1847
The intial design of 24 pounders Iron guns were introduced in the united Kingdom by Thomas Blomefield in the late 1780s. These guns were designed for both 'Sea Service' and 'Land Service. In India these guns were extensively used in all the campaigns of the the British East India company's armies from 1782, first Maratha war to the Indian Mutiny 1857. Examples of 24 pounders are found displayed at parks (Company Baghs) and Military Headquarters gates in almost all the British colonial period cantonments in Pakistan and India. These gun remained in service upto 1880.
The A. Broome Gun Foundry, referring to the Cossipore Gun and Shell Factory, was established in 1801 at Cossipore near Kolkata. Captain A. Broome was in charge of the foundry from 1846 to 1864. The famous Dulmial gun was manufactured at the same foundry.

To discuss a few points with the curator and re-take some photos, I visited the museum again a few weeks later, on 26th June. This time, my son accompanied me and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our visit to the museum. He was particularly interested in the small firearms. 

Ibrahim Tariq Ansari (26.05.2025.)


Ibrahim with the Indian Centurion. 


Statue of: Sepoy (Later Subedar) Khudada Khan, VC
129 Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis
The First South Asian Muslim Soldier of British Indian Army who was awarded the highest gallantry award 'Victoria Cross' on performing the marvelous action of bravery at Hiollebeke (Belgium) during World War I, on 31 October 1914. 

Sepoy (Later Subedar) Khudad Khan was born on 20 October 1888 in village Dabb, district Chakwal, and died on 8 March 1977.
This short visit—just a little over two hours—to this marvellous museum proved to be a valuable and enriching experience. It greatly enhanced my knowledge of the Pakistan Army, its remarkable history, and its outstanding achievements. I also had the opportunity to observe and understand the functions of various weapon systems and their importance in military operations. I strongly encourage everyone to visit this remarkable museum to learn more and feel a sense of pride in our armed forces.

This post would be incomplete without mentioning the hospitality and cooperation of Lieutenant Colonel Agha Javed, the Deputy Director of the Museum, and Mr. Muhammad Jamil, the Curator. Both of them kindly took the time to explain in detail the administration, functions, and purpose of the museum. During my second visit, I had a detailed meeting with them and gained valuable new insights and information about the museum. I am sincerely grateful to them for their time, guidance, and warm hospitality.


Tariq Amir
27 June, 2025. 
Islamabad

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)