Tahir Mehmood
“I am proud of my martyred son. He has shown us the way to love and serve
Pakistan.” These are the words of a proud father who lost his youngest son
Captain Bilal Zafar, on 17 May 2009 while fighting against the terrorists in
Peochar Valley, Swat. This proud father is Captain Zafar Abbasi, ex Pakistan
Army officer who still cherishes the memories of 1971 War; he fought like a hero
against the arch enemy. Captain Zafar and his family belong to village Karore,
tehsil KotliSattian. The village is located at a high plateau, dominating area
up to Attock and is mostly inhabited by old and traditional Abbasi tribe. This
lofty mountainous top has nurtured many Ghazis and Shaheeds. It is a town where
soldiery is taken as inheritance, where offering life in the line of duty is a
sacred custom. It is an eagle’s nest where only eagles are born, live and fly,
fight and die.
Bilal was born in 1983. He did his matriculation from St. Paul’s Cambridge
School, Rawalpindi. Just after completing his graduation from Government
College, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi, he chose to follow his family tradition and
joined the profession of arms. He joined 108 PMA Long Course and passed out with
a cross belt distinction of being a Battalion Junior Under Officer. Capt Bilal
descended from a genealogy where soldiery is the only profession for young lads.
His great grandfather,Subedar Lal Khan, participated in WW I and was conferred
with King George Cross for gallantry. Subedar Lal Khan’s son and Captain Bilal
Shaheed’s grandfather, Colonel Tajamal Hussain wrote new chapters of bravery and
commitment. He participated in WW II on the Singapore front. After creation of
Pakistan in 1947, Colonel Tajamal volunteered to fight for freedom of Kashmir
against the Indian aggression. He commanded a Mujahid Brigade on theBagh-Uri
front and haltedthe Indian advance, which was intended to reach Muzaffarabad.
For his meritorious services, he was later conferred with Fakhr-e-Kashmir award.
Not only from the paternal side, Capt Bilal’s veins had martial blood, butalso
from his maternal grandfather Major Majeed and uncle Major Haider. Captain Zafar,
father of Bilal Shaheed also followed the family tradition and joined Pakistan
Army in 1969. After getting relieved, he fully devoted himself for his two sons
and four daughters. Mrs. Zafar extended full support to her husband in grooming
his sons. Thelady is a living example of patriotism and fortitude. Both her sons
were ‘Black Belt’ much before joining the PMA. They were trained very hard to do
the deeds which only heroes can dare to do.
Family pride and soldierly spirit must be a strong reason.Once,Capt Bilal told
his best friend androommate, CaptRaheel, that Bilal would be a Shaheed and
Raheel a Ghazi. He said so on the night of 15 May 2009 while he was preparing
for his most exigent task in the high mountains of Peochar. CaptRaheel’s eyes
often get filled with tears, but still he maintains a soldierly composure and
pride while narrating the proceedings of that night. Capt Bilal, who just
returned from a successful operation in Buner, got a message from his CO that he
had been picked for a difficult mission in Peochar valley under Operation
Jahanbaz. It was important to open the Swat-Peocharroad for operational
purposes. For that, it was crucial to capture the GhuzanoSar Top (now called
Bilal Top) for the success of entire operation. Previous efforts to capture this
Top could not succeed. Capt Bilal happily received the order and got busy in
preparations alongwith his company commander MajSardar and fellow officer
CaptZafeel. While preparing for the mission, he kept talking with CaptRaheel. He
told him to personally go to his home and inform his mother in case he
embracedShahadat. He told him to lead his Janaza prayers. While tying up his
backpack, he askedRaheel that his body be wrapped in Pakistan Flag and buried
with full military honour. Surely,as if, Bilal knew about the golden tomorrow.
While on his way to the glory, he sent an SMS to CaptRaheel, which later went
viral on social media after his martyrdom. It reads:“In the roars of bullets, in
the thunder of bombs, there are few who just do not stop… knowing that they are
surrounded by death… knowing that they could leave their parents and family
alone… But they just keep on moving… because in their Hearts… And flowing
through their veins known as…, HONOUR, DEVOTION, LOVE WITH MOTHERLAND, DEATH
BEFORE DISGRACE, PAKISTAN ARMY ZINDABAD”. How true, pure, dedicated and
passionate was he in his love for Army and Nation. We all, too, are proud of
you, son!
On 16 May 2009, around 2 o’clock in the morning, Capt Bilal offeredTahajjud
prayers. He had just two hours sleep and then got ready for the mosque. He was
punctual in his prayers and often preferred praying in the mosque. After that he
went upstairs to say goodbye to his elder brother, Captain Zarar, Capt Zafar’s
elder son, also serving the Pakistan Army. His brother knew where he was going
and what was possibly coming ahead. He could feel his unusual behaviour. Tears
touched his eyelids. He wanted to see off his brother with a happy face. Only
soldiers share this unique pride. He accompanied him to the airstrip. What a
trying moment for a brother to say goodbye!
Bilal was on his way to martyrdom. His steps were guided. Quietly he moved in
the helicopter where his fearless comrades were already waiting. Day time was
consumed for necessary planning. The intended target was given a heavy doze by
PAF as the enemy was well dug in at a difficult and most dominating peak. The
creeping move forward to the target started late at night. By 0500 hours on
17May, the brave SSG men reached close to the target. The decisive moment came.
The time had come for which Bilal longed for. The battle began. Leading his men,
he rushed to the target. The enemy responded heavily. But soon CaptBilal andhis
men were able to clear the first objective. They overran the enemy, but the
remaining terrorists were still occupying another dominating feature. Bilal kept
on leading his men with courage, audacity and vigour. Major Sardar warned him of
accurate and intense fire from the top but Bilal didn’t stop. Even when he was
hit by a bullet on left arm, he kept moving forward. The terrorists could not
allow him anymore. They fixed a rocket launcher and fired. Capt Bilal received
the direct hit. Badly wounded, he looked his soldiers and ordered them to move
forward to the top. He wanted them to capture it at all costs. As the soldiers
were busy in fighting, heavens smiled affectionately on this proud young man and
gave him assurance of victory. Bilal breathed his last, and achieved an eternal
life. His dream got fulfilled. The mountain top was captured.
Bilal is no more but he will be living as a pride for the nation,family and
colleagues. The captured GhuzanoSar Top must be proud to be renamed as Bilal Top
and with a fluttering Pakistan Flag.Capt Naveed, a smart young company officer
remembers Bilal with fondness and love. “Soldiers adored Bilal, and remember him
with tears in eyes. He was like a brother, a commander, a comrade, who remained
greatly concerned about our training and welfare.With his personal example he
has shown us the new meanings of devotion, valour and heroism. He is no more
with us, but his memories are a great treasure for these sons of soil.”
As Capt BilalShaheed’s body arrived inthe village, people witnessed a rare
scene.His mother stopped everyonefrom weeping.“It wasmy son’s last wish, so
don’t weep.”Can mothers stop tears?Particularly when they lose such a young son?
Somebody asked about her son, and she replied: “My son was the chosen one. He
was a hero, and heroes die young”.
(Tahir is short story writer)