Daily Archives: March 31, 2024

Captain Abdul Wali

Abdul Wali, the son of a gardener at Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan Tribal District, defied all expectations when he rose to the esteemed rank of an officer in the Pakistan Army. This transformation underscores the meritocratic ethos of the Armed Forces, which transcends all forms of discrimination.

Benefitting from this meritocracy, Abdul Wali, upon graduating from Wana Cadet College, earned a commission in the Army and was later promoted to the rank of Captain. Initially enrolled at Army Public School Kohat, Captain Abdul Wali was subsequently transferred to Cadet College Wana following its establishment.

After five years of dedicated service in the Army, Captain Abdul Wali courageously sacrificed his life in combat against terrorists in Boya Tehsil of North Waziristan Tribal District on September 5, 2022. His funeral, held on September 6th, coincided with Pakistan Defence Day.

At the youthful age of twenty-six, Captain Wali hailed from Karhi Kot village in South Waziristan and had recently entered into wedlock.

Rahimullah Yusufzai

Rahimullah Yusufzai was born on 10 September 1954, in Shamozai village of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He received his early education at his village primary school and then in public schools in Peshawar and Jhelum. Rahimullah also studied at the D.J. Sindh College and the University of Karachi.

As a war correspondent, Yusufzai played a pioneering role, being among the earliest journalists to cover the emergence of the Taliban. In 1995, he ventured into Kandahar, Afghanistan, laying the groundwork for his extensive reporting on the country. Rahimullah conducted the final interview with Osama bin Laden, a testament to his deep understanding of the region’s complex dynamics.  His expertise in Afghan affairs spanned decades, dating back to the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979. Notably, he held the position of editor at The News International, Peshawar Bureau, within the Jang Group, and contributed as an op-ed writer for the monthly publication Newsline. Additionally, served as a correspondent for BBC’s Pashto and Urdu services and for Time magazine.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, the government of Pakistan honored him with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) in 2005. Later, on March 23, 2010, he was bestowed with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award (Star of Excellence) by the President of Pakistan for his remarkable achievements in the field. Tragically, Rahimullah Yusufzai succumbed to cancer on September 9, 2021, after bravely battling the illness for fifteen months.

SP Muhammad Ijaz Khan, a.k.a Cadet Ijaz, hailed from the Talasha village near Sherpao of Tehsil Tangi, District Charsadda. He was not just a police officer; he was a symbol of bravery, righteousness, and unwavering dedication to duty.

Born into a modest middle-class family, SP Ijaz Khan exemplified the values of integrity and courage throughout his career. Despite humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks to become a Superintendent of Police, a testament to his merit and commitment.

SP Ijaz Khan’s valor knew no bounds. Defiant in the face of adversity, he stood firm against the malevolent intentions of terrorists, vowing to uphold the sanctity of law and order in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The final moments of SP Ijaz Khan’s life encapsulate the essence of his bravery. Leading an operation in Mardan’s Zada Mata area, he fearlessly pursued terrorists’ intent on wreaking havoc. In the ensuing confrontation, SP Ijaz Khan faced the ultimate sacrifice, succumbing to severe injuries sustained from a grenade thrown by a hidden terrorist.

The news of SP Ijaz Khan’s martyrdom sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and beyond. Tragically, SP Ijaz Khan left behind a grieving family, comprising his widow and five daughters. However, his legacy transcends the boundaries of familial sorrow; it is engraved in the hearts of all who knew him.

As we mourn the loss of a true hero, let us also celebrate the legacy of SP Muhammad Ijaz Khan—a man who epitomized courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on as a guiding light for all who strive for a safer, more just society.

Iqra Rehman – International Table Tennis Player

Iqra Rehman, hailed from Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), has garnered international acclaim for her remarkable prowess in table tennis, proudly representing the Pakistani army on numerous occasions.

Iqra Rehman won many accolades at the national and international levels, including two bronze medals at two events in the Junior South Asian Table Tennis Championships in 2015 and 2016 in a row.

She is now a core player of the Pakistan army’s table tennis team, under which she became the first woman from her province to win three gold medals in a championship in 2019.

The 24 years old champion started playing table tennis secretly at the school level because women in her family were not allowed to play sports, but when she got selected for the provincial team after two years, both domestic violence to stop her playing and acknowledgment to soar her higher came her way. However, her determination to defy societal norms and pursue her passion for table tennis remained steadfast.

Despite facing resistance, Iqra ventured onto the international stage, where she showcased her exceptional talent and skill. Her presence served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the globe.

Throughout her career, Iqra recognized the importance of having a strong support system. She actively advocated for creating safe environments for victims of violence through workshops and support initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to social justice and inclusion.

Iqra’s journey underscores the transformative power of sport in breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. Through her remarkable achievements and unwavering advocacy, she continues to inspire individuals worldwide to stand against violence and promote a culture of inclusion and acceptance.