We have heard the different accounts of those who knew him intimately and shared the experience of working with him in different period of his life. They coverthe entire span of his life, from his childhood,to his early life at PMA, his career as a gunner, his days with the Army Aviation and in particular his pivotal role in building this key arm to its full potential as it stands to-day. From this background we saw his career blossom into a versatile soldier embracing many challenging assignments both in peace and war. Equally interesting and unique is his abrupt retirement from the Army and given a unique role in charting the future of Federally Administrated Tribal Area (FATA) andthrough it,his close links with the events in the adjoining Afghanistan. They in
particular bring out his distinct vision, his knowledge of history and ground realities and above all the dynamics of his life which was imbued with acute sense of patriotism and working for the future of this region. Equally interesting is his entry into the body politics of this country,though against his grain and will, but embodying an example of self-less, devoted and committed leadership; which held and maintained the lofty principles for which he lived allhis life.His life covered a very wide canvas of diversified activities. And he excelled them in all. I do not wish to repeat any of the details already too well known about him; but will endeavor to throw light on some of thoseaspects of his life which are not known commonly or else which have been misunderstood. I may start with brief reference to his early army life in which I was closely associated with him asacadet, gunner and the days of Air O.P and later as Army Aviation. His hallmark was implicit faith in himself. His greatness was that mostly he was right.
On the lighter side I may mention a few jokes about him which brings out his character. While doing the Artillery course at Nowshera and doing the Gun Drill, remembering the positions of thedifferent numbers of the gun detachment was not his strong point. While Subedar Ajaib Khan would shout take post, he and Jehandad would rush at top speed to the gun but would keep circling around the gun, and when all others had taken their respective positions at the gun, he would leap with all the enthusiasm and jump on to the vacant place. Obviously it had to be his position. The instructor would smile and say,”Babar Sahib aurJehandad Sahib, Josh to buhaat hai magir apko abhi tak apni apni gun positionnain atey.” This would not deter him and he kept working hard and got “A”” Grade at the completion of the Artillery Course. Another aspect of our early life at Nowshera was that one of Nasirullah’s uncles, Lt Col Ihsanullah Babar was Commanding 13 Lancersas part of Armored Brigade located at Risalpur. Sometimes in the evening we would cycle to Risalpur to meet him. On our first visit as we entered the officer’smess, we saw some of the officers gathered at the bar and engaged in a frank, light vein and uninhibited friendly discussion. Lt Col Ihsanullah Babar received us very enthusiastically and introduced us to the others in the group. It is here that we also first met Lt Col Gul Hassan, who was at that time Commanding 5 Horse. Nasirullah knew him from RIMC days and immediately became intimate with him. What really impressed us was the most congenial atmosphere that prevailed in the officer’s mess. It was our first exposure to a lively and enjoyable unit mess life. A total departure from our mess life at PMA, Infantry School and theArtillery School Mess,that we had so far seen inour early army life.These were mostly rigidly formal.These visitswere so inspiring and enjoyable that we looked forward toall possible opportunities to meet with such caliber of officers.Nasirullah certainly embodied many of their traits
and surely cultivated and nurtured many additional characteristics of his own, that distinguished him from others. Later when we joined our units,we saw another face of some of our senior Army Officers. They were not confident of their own professional knowledge and capabilities, hardly had any battlefield and command experience and had been catapulted to these higher ranks through the accident of the Partitioning of the Indian Army. They had narrow vision, were shallow in their outlook and purpose and had learnt the art of command through creating fear in the minds of their subordinates.It presented a glaring contrast.
Whenever, we the fresh graduates from PMA met, we all reflected and discussed this diabolic distinction / comparison between these two classes of officers. Obviously our young and impressionable minds were agitating to follow the former rather than the later class. Babar was foremost and clearly in the lead in embodying all these true soldierly qualities. Above everything else he had learnt to lead from the front. This became his style and the distinguishing trait throughout his army career and the rest of his life.We joined N0 1 Air O.P. Flight R.P.A.F in our early Career. Living at the Pakistan Air Force Officers Mess, Chaklalaand inter mixing with the senior Air Force officerswas indeed a unique experience. The Officers Mess had excellent atmosphere.
The senior officers on their frequent visits from Air Headquarters, Peshawar would stay in the mess and mix freely and intimately with all. Informal, animated, lively and absorbing discussions would ensue. The vibrant spirit of the newly emerging Pakistan Air Force was clearly discernible.The vision, the dedication, commitment and a totally absorbing professional approach would create their indelible mark on all the young impressionable minds of all of us. We truly salute those memories and we are highly grateful that the pioneer of that group is amidst us to-day to presideon this function. We will be failing in our duties if we were not to pay our sincere tribute to their contribution and service in the cause of this Air Force and thecountry. Nasirullah Babar undoubtedly drew many an inspirations from them and some other notable senior Army Officers, but he added his own flavor and spirit which could be described as only his hallmark.
His dash and spirit of adventurism would be singled out the most proverbial of them all. We would at time describe this verging on recklessness.But he always proved us wrong. I here quote a small incident but it speaks alot. I was riding behind him in his newly acquired motor cycle for the games in the domestic compound of PAF Base, Chaklala. As we approached the ground,I saw a big hump in front of us. I thought that Bob will either bypass it or else slow down the speed. He did neither.
The motor cycle took a big leap in the air and I was catapulted out of the seat and fell flat on the ground. Babar was firmly on the seat and merrily
riding along. Seeing my plight, he turned around to inquire if I was alright. When I abused him as to why he did not slow down, he coolly told me that I should have braced myself for the jump.This described it all. He would face everything in itsownstride. Ofcourse I personally vowed not to sit behind him on his motor cycleever again.One can go on and on. The occasion to-day does not permit to relate all the details. For that we all who knew him closely have decided to write a book on him. This he should have done himself as he was truly a history in the example of his personal life, his patriotism, his dedication and commitment to the cause and the destiny of this Nation and Country.I would only try to highlight some of the most outstanding achievements and accomplishments of his life.
Many of the earlier speakers have thrown enough light on his many escapades, adventures and acts of bravery. When we heard the account of the capture of 78 Indian Soldiers by him, we were kidding him for this otherwise anact of stupidity on his part, but turned later into an act ofunique personal bravery. But this is the way he was! Unmindful of all dangers and the hazards, he would impulsively jump into any crisis or peril that he would face.If a job had to be done he would not think twice but would take the plunge. This personal example set the pattern for the Army Aviators in the actual battlefield.Maj Gen Abrar in his book “Men of Steel”, describes this as,” The invaluableclose air support provided in crucial moments by our gallant fighter pilots of the Air Force and the daring pilots of Army Aviation.” The daring of Army Aviation pilots was a direct emulation of his example.No better compliment could be paidto him. It earned Army Aviation five awards of SJ.Brig Babar was posted to Peshawar to Command the entire Frontier Corpse,stretching from Chitral to Baluchistan. His assignment as I.G.F.C. just suitedhis style and demeanor. He seemed to have immediately adopted himself to this most challenging job. He showed an acute vision, foresight, knowledge of ground realities, an innate desire to act and absolute commitment to achieve some tangible and lasting results.
He got Lt Col Shams-ur-Rehman Kallue, who had earlier served with him in East Pakistan when he Commanded 4 Field Regiment, as his GSO-1 operations. Thefirst thing that he did was to gain intimate knowledge of the area and establish direct contacts with the notables, Maliks and even the common people;to ascertain their aspirations, needs, their priorities, hopes and desires. Having done that,he wasted no time in briefing the Army Chief and through him the Prime Minister;that these sensitive
areas needed closer contacts, a fresh new approach and enlightened policies to start the process of integrating them with the settled districts. Mr Bhutto saw the wisdom and readily supported this approach. Brig Imtiaz,the MS to the PM being also an old aviator proved an ideal bridge and link. Brig Nasirullah Khan Babar immediately arranged a tour for the visit of the Prime Minister for a detailed visit to all the agencies of F.A.T.A, starting from Chitral to South Waziristan. Since a lot of Aviation support was required, he got me also directly involved in the whole programme of the visit. We started with Baroghal Pass and went to many far flung and remote areas. The Prime Minister was most enthusiastically met everywhere. It was the first ever visit of the Chief Executive to all these god forsaken and inaccessible places. The most salient part of this visit was thestay at Miranshah. It became memorable and historic for some of the most far reaching decisions taken.
In a small group of some 8-10 people, which besides the prime Minister, included Mr Aslam Khattak, the Governor N.W.F.P, Khan Abdul Qayum Khan, the Interior Minster, Mr Ejaz Naek, the Chief Secretary, Dr Humayun Khan, Secretary Interior N.W.F.P, myself and a person from Foreign Office, Brig Babar asked Mr Bhutto a direct and blunt question. Is the areaof FATA part of Pakistan or notanddo we see the Durand Line as the InternationalBoundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan? This raised many an eyebrows. Mr Bhutto reacted immediately and asked a counter question to Babar as to what doubt does he have.His response was simple and straightforward.
He said,” If Durand Line is the international border, then why aren’t we sitting there?” This provoked an immediate commotion. Mr Aslam Khattak very emphatically suggested to Mr Bhutto, not to listen to this advice. The others too offered supportive views. The concerns were shown not to change the existingand current policies. These had the acceptability of the people and any change may bring in adverse reaction.Mr Bhutto quietly listened to all the views and at the end told Babar,” You have my permission.”This encouraged him and he started to give his own analysis and views about the Pakhtunistan movement currently de-stabilizing Pakistan. He went on to comment that this was entirely the brainchild of the rulers of Afghanistan and that the common man is desirousof promoting friendly and brotherly relationship with Pakistan.He clearly stated that many a people from Afghanistan are in contact with him. They need our support and approval. If we could do that they would be keen to react against their own government.
They wanted to get rid of the despotic Daud Regime and promote better and lasting ties with Pakistan. His final advicewas that in order to stop this hoax of Pakhtunistan and the subversive activities being conducted In Pakistan, we must have the abilityto do the same to them. It came as bombshell. There were loud outbursts of NO. The Governor was most emphatic. He categorically told Mr Bhutto,” Do not listen to him. He is a mad man and will provoke an International crisis.” All present were categorically shooting down these suggestions. Mr Bhutto kept
quiet. He offered no remarks and his visit of the Tribal Areas continued as planned. On his return from the visit and back in his office,Mr Bhutto summoned Brig N.K.Babar to have a meeting with him. It wasa close knit meeting of The PM, COAS and the IGFC. The plan as laid down by Brig Babar was approved and he was given a fairly free hand. It ideally suited the genius of Babar.It was outside the umbrella of ISI.
He made contact with nearly 2,000 of thesededicated and motivated people of Afghanistan, arranged for them to come to Pakistan, got them trained at Cherat with SSG and some at other locations. I too had some partial hand and knowledge of these. Bob would call me to Peshawarwithout disclosing any details, would get into the helicopter on my arrival and then would give me plan for that specific mission.We went to numerous remote,unknown and uncharted areas with no escorts and may be at times not much prior notice to them. But every where,we were received enthusiastically and the Maliks of the area would embrace us and would show their pleasure at seeing the first semblance of the Government of Pakistan since the days of the Independence.
Full support for the plan of move of Frontier Corpse unitsto all these sensitive and far flung areas was readily forthcoming. It equally provided some opportunities to meet with some of elements from across Afghanistan who were in touch with Babar. As the task of extending the writ of the Government of Pakistan to the Durand Line and bringing in these contacts from Afghanistan was being completed, Babar got posted to Sialkot to command an Infantry Brigade to resume his bright military career. He was promoted as Maj Gen to take over the Command of 14 Division at Okara. Since the task that Babar had initiated as IGFC was not taking roots, was not finding the same support and enthusiasm in different quarters as envisaged and as planned, Mr Bhutto took the decision to retire Babar from the Army and appoint him as the Governor of N.W.F.P.
The appointment of General Zia as COAS and Maj Gen N.K.Babar (Retd) was announced the same day. Gen eral Zia was very keen to appoint him as his Chief of the General Staff, but in view of themore important task and assignment that he was being entrusted with, the Army Chief had to agree to his retirement. General Babar too was not keen to leave his Army career but he too was persuaded to accept this in the larger interest of the country.
It was the beginning of a new role which was both challenging and Bob was rightly suited and cut for it. While his arrival as Governor gave big boost to the integration and development of Tribal Areaand equally the plan of operations assigned to these groups who had come from Afghanistan and had been trained for that cause, his relationship with Mr Bhutto received a severe set back. In a one to one meeting with Mr Bhutto, Babar gave a frank assessment of the overall situation obtaining both in the Tribal Areas, the settled districts of Frontier Province in special reference to the performance of the Chief
the place. This had worked as no one had the prior information and knowledge. His instructions were clear. Arrest those who so opt, but if they offer resistance and take you on then you can use force. As his nature, he would personally lead and remain in charge till the mission was completed. In such operations there is always the possibility of some innocent people being killed. But he had given strict orders to be discreet and use minimum necessary force required. He was there to see to it that it was so done. This earned him the respect of all the peace loving and law abiding people of Karachi, regardless of their ethnic background and partyaffiliations. Some misunderstood his motives but they were wrong. He was so confident of his moral uprightness that he stood for elections from a constituency in Karachi. It is a testimony to his faith in him that he received large votes in his favor regardless of the ethnicand political divide. In fact he was so exuberant with confidence that he would state with all the confidence that he would have won if the elections had not been rigged. But that was his typical optimistic self!One hears a lot of comments,talk and opinions expressed, that Babar is the mentor,the author and the guiding spirit of rise to power of the Taliban’s in Afghanistan. This is not true. General Niazi, Brig Aslam Bodla and Lt Col Shams Kallue have already shed enough light on that. I will only briefly highlight two aspects of his association and influence with Mulla Omar and his associate Talibans. They all respected him. It may date back to his earlier contacts with Prof Rabbani, Gul Baden Hikmayat Yar, Ahmad Shah Masud and allothers from his days as IGFC and Governor. They admired and had implicit faith in him. When Taliban’s gained control of Kabul, he clearly advised them not to go beyond. They respected and abided with this. The next thing that he told them was that arapprochement with the Northern Alliance is in their own interest and for the future of Afghanistan. They fully accepted and supported this idea. They encouraged and facilitated him in this plan and idea. General Babar made several trips to Kabul. The Taliban’swould provide their own MI-8 Helicopter and the crew to undertake several visits for the meetings with Ahmad Shah Masud, Dostum and all the other notable leaders of Northern Alliance. In his own way he would describe the experience of all these visits. The starting point would be the crews dressed in their Shalwar Kameez and flowing beards and holding some ancient maps trying to navigate to the destinations desired. He said he could not trust them with their navigation skills and would sit in the cockpit to oversee the flight. We would joke with him that, his navigation was also not his forte. He would silence us by saying that regardless,he managed to invariably reach his destination. On one of the visits he had a representative from America also accompanied him. He had mentioned the name but I have since forgotten. He also told me that during the discussions with Ahmad Shah
Masud, he was being negative and would not encourage further such contacts. Regardless, he had a draft agreement prepared for loose Confederationof Afghanistan with probably King Zahir Shah as the figure head. At a meeting held in the Presidency on 3rdNovember, 1996, which was presided over by Farouk Leghariand attended by PM Benazir Bhutto, General Babar, General Jehangir Karamat, Lt Gen NaimRana, DG ISI and Najam-ud-din Sheikh, the Foreign Secretary, the draft agreement so prepared was approved. General Babar was instructed to fly to Kabul on 5thNovember, 1996 and get this agreement signed by all the parties. It was on 4thNovember, 1996 that President Leghari dismissed the Benazir Government. Why he did not go ahead and got the agreement signed is another sordid chapter. Obviously it was on someone’s call and instructions. The link is clear. Some powers were interested in not allowing stability in this region for their own greater game plan and design. Another,related incident is that in May 2001, General Babar got a call from an Under Secretary of State from America who expressed his desire to meet with him during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan. Nasirullah got the sense and called the Foreign Monister of Taliban Government, Mr Muttwakkal, to come to Peshawar for a meeting with him. During that meeting General Babar explained to him that obviously American Government is upsetwith the Taliban’s harboringof Osama Bin Laden and advised that they may like to look into this matter.
The Foreign Minister called Mullah Omar on his phone and brieflyexplained to him the purportof this meeting and gave him the brief discussions held with General Babar.He then handed over the phone to General Babar. He briefly gave him his concerns and advised him that Osama may not be provided shelter in Afghanistan. His reply was very clear and candid. He said,” I am prepared to hand him to a third neutral Country. I have only two conditions. The first is that he should be given a fair trial and second one is that one of the Judges on the court should be from Afghanistan.”He also told him that Osama cameto Afghanistan as the guest of Professor Rabbani and that he never invited him there. He also raised the question as to who provided him the C-130 Aircraft. When the Under Secretary arrived to meet with General Babar,he was apprised of this. His reply astonished General Babar. He said, “Who will guarantee that he will be punished.” General Babar was taken aback at this arrogance and self righteous comments. He replied, “You have framed no charges against him so far and it is strange that you want guarantees for his punishment.” The meeting ended at this unfruitful note.
Again a third attempt was lost to achieve stability in the region.In conclusion, I may reflect on his disturbed association with Benazir, during her exile and the course of her back door diplomacy with General Musharraf. Of particular
concern to him was this proposed NRO? So, Babar had deliberately not been in contact with her and avoided all links. It was only a day before her assassination that he met her at Peshawar. She confided in him that she wanted no part in any discussions with General Musharraf. But if she hadn’t done that the elections would have rigged and Democracy would remain thwarted. She clearly told General Babar,” I am totally disillusioned with General Musharraf and I will have no part with himand have no desire to work with him.” This satisfied Babar and his parting advice to her was not to goto this meeting. I fear for your life! That is the last political figure and a close associate that she met before her Assassination.We have reflected on all his unquestionable qualities of head and heart. No one can deny or contradict or deny these. I may sum it up with an incident which may explain it all. I had known the country head of CIA from the times that I handed over all the prominent Afghan Mujhadeento himfrom my residence, when the Russians moved into Afghanistan. I was planning to go on a visit to America and John Reagan came to see me. He would meet me on and off to seek my views on the situation as developing in the region as he knew I had General Babar’s input, for which he had respect and admiration. He told me that while during my stay, someone will contact me and requested that I should meet him. When the call cameand the meeting was soarranged,I was confronted with a strange question. I was bluntly told that they were keeping a file on all high file prominent figures of Pakistan. They included all the senior officers of the Armed Forces and other related important citizens. I was told that they had a file on one of my close friends,General N. K. Babar, and while reviewing this file they noted that it had all his strong points and showed no weaknesses in his character and personality. I was asked to show some light on his shortcomings. This immediately upset me. In a sharp reaction I strongly told them it is rather strange that on one hand they describe him as my close friend and at the same time have the audacity of asking me to reflect on his weaknesses. I bluntly told them,” That since you have raise this most inappropriate question. My forthright andblunt answer is that he has none.” The meeting abruptly ended and I walked away in some disgust. They lost this channel for some expert advice and assessment,but it speaks volumes for the character of the person that we meet here to-day to remember and honor.Surely,General Nasirullah Babar was a person who had immense qualities of head and heart. Above all he had a vision; which was pragmatic rather any utopian or product of any fanciful mind. He had a deep insight of the history of this area, its culture, the customs and the mindset of the people. His intimate and close contacts with all the tribesmade him an invaluable asset and he could suitably guide or direct their
destination. It was the stability in the region, which was his foremost objective andaim. Paul Kennedy described this region as the fulcrum, to which Pakistan is the pivot. Nasirullah perfectly understood this and he gave this concept a practical and down to earth extension. It is for us to now understand and implement his thoughts, approach and the implied direction that he gave and acted on.We equally need his dedicated will and action. Foremost, he always showed the courage to speak the truth. This is w
