Pakistan’s Significance
A group of around 50 decorated British military officers who had studied and served at Pakistan Army’s elite Command and Staff College over the past 50 years recently attended a luncheon in their honor hosted at the Army and Navy Club in London.
At the event, the officers paid glowing tributes to Pakistan’s allure, praising the professionalism and versatility of the Pakistan Army and calling it one of the best and most disciplined military organizations in the world.
The officers were accompanied by their wives, and notable attendees included Lieutenant General Sir Alistar Irwin, Lieutenant General Anthony Palmer, Brigadier Nick Thompson, Brigadier Tony Berry, and Major General Seumas Kerr, all of whom graduated from the college between 1970 and 1985. Colonel Taimur Rahat, Army and Air Adviser at Pakistan High Commission London spoke about the Staff College’s achievements, informing the audience of its value for training and grooming officers.
He stated that students who studied at the prestigious institution have gone on to become Viceroys, Governor Generals, Presidents, and Field Marshals, with some credited as founding fathers of various Arms/Services in their country’s armed forces. Many have also made the ultimate sacrifice in almost every theatre and battlefield.
The British Army Chief, General Patrick Sanders, who was the Chief Guest at the event, praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, stating that there was no comparison to their professional finesse and expertise. He fondly recalled his visits to Pakistan over the years and lamented about his forthcoming trip to Pakistan as his last in uniform. General Sanders spoke at length about the significance of Pakistan as an extremely vital country situated exactly at the center of the East and the West.
He referred to the enriched association and tapestry between the Pakistani and British militaries and highlighted the potential of collaborating in the Defence Industry. General Sanders praised the leadership of COAS Pakistan Army General Asim Munir and fondly narrated his personal connection and affinity with him. He also lauded the efforts of the Defence Wings of Pakistan and the British High Commission for their vigorous pursuit of military diplomacy in taking the long-standing ties to another level. General Sanders affirmed the role Pakistan’s Military plays in defense and nation-building.
He said that the Pakistan Army was battle-hardened and known for its ability to defend the country as well as providing vital help to partner countries. He also recognized the honesty and integrity of the Pakistani Armed Forces officers and recalled the unique generosity of the Pakistani nation. The event was conducted by Colonel Taimur Rahat, Army and Air Adviser at Pakistan High Commission London.
He spoke on the achievements of the Staff College and informed the audience of the value that Staff College holds for the training and grooming of officers from 1905 onwards. Col Taimur gave various examples of how command and staff echelons in all major battles fought by the British Army from the 1900s to 1950s were groomed at Quetta.
He stated that students who studied at this prestigious institution have gone on to become Viceroys, Governor Generals, Presidents, and Field Marshals. Some are even credited with being founding fathers of various Arms / Services in their country’s armed forces. Countless have laid the supreme sacrifices of their lives in almost every theatre and battlefield. The message of Commandant Command and Staff College Major General Nassem Anwer was also read out in the gathering to the applause of everyone. Souvenirs were presented on the occasion to the Chief Guest and other notables by the spouse of the High Commissioner, Pakistan High Commission.
