Pakistan's young heroes

Friday, May 29, 2009Many brave men of the Pakistan army are falling in the line of duty. Some will be recognised, others will go into history as unsung heroes. Let's not forget them and keep their spirit alive. This is the tale of a young officer, a lieutenant, with less than six months of service, who went beyond the call of duty. After receiving an SOS call from one of the patrols, which had come under ambush laid by the militants, the commanding officer ordered to immediately dispatch a party to beat back the militants and evacuate the casualties. The lieutenant volunteered himself for the task. He was not allowed as probably he was considered too young and inexperienced. The boy felt dejected but was overwhelmed with his commitment to the country.
When the party was leaving, he quietly sneaked into the vehicle, taking advantage of the darkness. When the party reached the ambush site and was dismounting, the captain leading the party noticed him. He asked him why he had come. The lieutenant replied: "Sir, I have attended anti-terrorist training and know how to tackle them. Now it's time to use those skills". Later the party successfully repulsed the militants. This officer got three bullet injuries and is now convalescing in a hospital -- and looking forward to go into action again.
Brig (r) Shahid Masud
Rawalpindi