A new book by Major (Retd) Aamir Mushtaq Cheema recounts a remarkable incident from the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, featuring Lieutenant Colonel Naseerullah Babar's audacious military maneuver.
During the September 1965 conflict, Lt. Col. Babar landed a helicopter at an Indian check post in the Chamb sector. The post, manned by Sikh soldiers, was equipped with a light machine gun. Babar employed a clever strategy, convincing the Indian troops they were surrounded and prompting their surrender without a fight.
The Pakistan Army aviator then transported the captured soldiers to a Pakistani military mess in Padhar. For this act of bravery, Lt. Col. Babar was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat, one of Pakistan's highest military honors.
The book traces Babar's subsequent career progression to the rank of Major General. Following his military service, he held significant civilian positions, serving as the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 1975 to 1977 and as Federal Interior Minister from 1993 to 1996.
This account is presented as one of many examples of valor in the Pakistan Army's history, highlighting the multifaceted careers of its officers in both military and civilian spheres.
