Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

Well he might be a great man for some, and a villain for some...thats life!

As far as the taleban are concerned the nemesis was already there, the so called mujahedeen were in the region since 1979...and I dont think Afghan policy was ever run by civilians...

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What other option did he have? As the party against which the operation was carried out was not willing to let go of their weapon of terror...that operation was similar to the operation being carried out in fata...its ironic that most of the people who are against karachi operation are in favour of fata operation...

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

he has gone but his ghost will haunt altaf bhai jan till the end

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

He was few of the leaders PPP would miss, He Created Taliban is wrong sentence, he did organize these people under the label of Taliban who ever chopping each others head since the withdrawal of Russian forces.. i don't know if anyone remember the 6 bloody years in Afghanistan..where the one with more guns had control over the one with less guns... Taliban was need of the time then.. somebody had to control the country... it was one of the greatest thing he did... but couldn't capitalize on it...

2ndly, he took Karachi out of the jaws of Altaf bhai and his Gang.. yes the operation was controversial and there were civilians killing but the civilians were dying day and night before the operation as well... the operation ended with MQM realizing that guns cannot win them...

Rest assured, he is one of the most respectable persons in political arena, if i am right, i think he resigned from PPP after the NRO or during that period...

May his soul rest in peace..

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

Inna lillahe wa-inna ilayhe rajeon

i agree with what hanibal said

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yes he did resign as active member because of NRO..

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

Inna lillahe wa-inna ilayhe rajeon

He served his country in two wars, received sitara jurat in 1965 and was wounded in 1971.

He was chosen by Benazir for cleaning up terror cells in Karachi and he succeeded in it atleast temporarily.

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I was just wondering , how MQM reacted on his death? Ofcourse he was there #1 enemy. Did they pass on the condolence or any word?

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Taken from the DAWN ..a few articles about Babars death

In memoriam: The legend named Naseerullah Babar
By Shakil Durrani | InpaperMagzine
Yesterday

He was Bob to close friends, Haji Sahib to the tribesmen, Governor Sahib to most and plain Naseerullah to his relatives. He was also a terror to his adversaries.

Major General Naseerullah Babar, Sitara-i-Jurat (Bar) first achieved national acclaim during the war with India in September, 1965. On an operational mission in Kashmir, he landed his helicopter in a fortified position which turned out to be an Indian camp seventy soldiers strong. Rather than being intimidated his steel nerves turned the tables on the adversary. Told that they were surrounded the contingent meekly raised their arms, handed over their weapons and surrendered. Facts indeed are stranger than fiction. How many times has this happened in war! He won his second Sitara-i-Jurat during the 1971 war again for courage bordering on the suicidal.

It was in the Tribal Areas that Gen Babar was most in his elements. Appointed Inspector General Frontier Corps, he along with Mr. Nasruminallah, the Chief Secretary, NWFP, shaped the new Forward Policy to open and develop the area. The Prime Minister Mr. Bhutto fervently wanted the tribesmen brought into the main stream of the society and spared no expense to construct roads, expand the network of schools and hospitals, build small dams and industries. Such development in the area was unmatched before or since.

The actual groundwork was the responsibility of the two Frontier Paladins — the Chief Secretary Mr. Nasruminallah and the IGFC General Naseerullah Babar. The former provided the intellectual underpinning to the forward thrust while the latter was responsible for its daring implementation. They understood the tribesmen and more important had affection for them unlike most others who followed them. This chemistry produced amazing results in a relatively short period of three years and has left their names etched in the minds of the people.

The Mohmand and Bajaur Agencies got their attention early. The road from Yusafkhel was extended to the Safi Plains and beyond to Nawaghai and Khar in Bajaur. Side valleys such as Chamarkund, Mamund and Salarzai were opened. In the Orakzai Agency the area up to Daburi was linked by roads while in Kurram Agency the Frontier Regions of Mussazai and Ali Sherzai saw major developments take place. In Waziristan Razmak was reactivated, a cadet college established and developmental thrust for bettering the lives of the common people initiated. This was the period when there were more schools available than were takers for them.

Gen Babar was always on the move and it was usual for him to visit one Tribal Agency or other two or three times a week. As the Political Agent Mohmand once learnt to his amazement Gen. Babar, then the Governor NWFP, had arrived alone with a driver at the Agency Headquarters Ghallanai unannounced, unheralded and unescorted. On being requested not to visit the Tribal Areas without escort, he pointing to the assembled tribesmen and said they were his escort.

There are very few people — one in a million may be — who do not carry the fear gene. If so Gen Naseerullah Babar was one of them. Informed one day that the huge high-explosive gas tank in an industry at Nowshera was about to explode as the gauge has crossed the red mark, he hurried there by car taking Shamsher Ali Khan, the Deputy Commissioner with him. By then the people in the surrounding areas were cleared by the Administration with thousands fleeing from the fear of the impending blast that was to flatten the whole town. The Governor nonchalantly drove to the gas tank and to the horror of the few onlookers, ascended the steps, fidgeted with the gauge, got it back to normal and berated the industry engineer for needlessly harassing the people. The gauge had malfunctioned!

As the IGFC in the mid seventies, a serious security situation occurred in Wana in South Waziristan. A local cleric due to his differences with the Administration, blockaded the roads to Wana for months and refused to reason or compromise. A short and firm riposte from the Scouts re-aligned him correctly and in the years that followed, he and his group became the most friendly and dedicated citizens of the land.

Nothing depicts the honour and character of Gen. Babar more than his decision to join the People’s Party a day after Martial Law was imposed in 1977. He said then that this was the only way he could express his solidarity with Mr. Bhutto who he said had forever shown him kindness. Gen. Babar will be remembered for his courage and boldness for long, whether it was in two wars that he fought, the numerous skirmishes in Waziristan, Khyber and Mohmand and his daring exploits in other parts of Pakistan. He always led from the front; that alone defines leadership.

A week before his death someone complimented him for his courage and boldness; the old general robust of mind in a weakened body replied that he was rash rather than bold. To achieve your objective, you need “nobility of purpose coupled with rashness in execution”.

There was a softer side to him as well. In the last three decades of his life when except for a brief stint he remained a private citizen, his home would swarm with people, mostly tribesmen, asking for his intercession. How many dozens of requests in his immaculate hand would he forwarded to the officialdom to alleviate some pain or provide little comfort. He also was an avid reader and had perhaps the finest Gandhara Stone collection in private hands some of which he had willed to the State. He was a keen golfer too and was given handicap strokes by his flight. Once when the opponents contested his demand for strokes, he matter-of-factly told them that to be evenly placed on the course he would have to shoot the opponents three times each in the shoulder because that was the number of bullets he was carrying from the war. May the Almighty bless his soul and may he provide the inspiration our dear land dearly requires.

The writer is Chairman Wapda

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

Why is there so much uproar about drone strikes on this forum if "we" can agree that taking out MQM was worth the collateral damage?

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

^ when and where was MQM 'taken out'? MQM is still alive and unfortunately kicking.

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May his soul Rest In Peace.

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So is Taliban and TTP but why do people cry then?

Reread my post and you will find collateral damage in there.

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inna lilahe wa inna ilahe rajaoon. allah marhoom ki maghfarat kare aur ghar walon ko sabar de...ameen

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Re: Naseerullah Babar dies (1928-2011)

Drone attacks kill militants and civilians (collateral) and so did Gen Babar (late)'s operation cleanup of Karachi, is that what you are saying? As you can see neither is successful, hence the cry.

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A brave, brave man! Sadly, he was one of the leaders who was sidelined by the new pathetic zardari run ppp...

One incident I just remembered. When he broke the back of the MQM militancy, one of their terrorists called on a new FM radio station and said 'General Babur sey kahain us ki boori tyar kar li hai (get ready to die babur your bodybag is ready)'. He was brave, went out to the press the next day and said 'ajayo merey size ki boori nahee milley gi tum logoon ko' (you wont find a bodybag my size).

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Another article

Old soldiers never die’
Lt Col Muhammad Shahbaz (Retd)

Gen MacArthur while addressing a joint session of the US Houses, made a historical remark that, “Old Soldiers never die they just fade away.” Major General Naseerullah Khan Babar (SJ and Bar) breathed his last in early hours of 10th Jan at Peshawar. He was a great leader of men, who infused confidence in his subordinates by his personal example.

Late Gen N K Babar a war hero of both 65’& 71’wars who was denied a befitting honour burial by GHQ. The reason put forwarded by GHQ was that the officer had joined politics. What an Irony of fate the same party is in government because of NRO signed by another Army chief. Gen NK BABAR had joined PPP after resigning as Governor NWFP in 1977 after the ouster of ZAB. What a tragedy that the Army, where he had given blood and served for over 30 years, ignored him as no serving General was at his funeral. I first met him in 1970 as a Captain, while Gen Babar a Lt Col was posted at Army Aviation Base Dhamial. Everyone knew Col Bob was running the show and would be in the forefront during a crisis situation. He always preferred Human angle over his personal safety. Once due to bad weather, he himself flew to evacuate a seriously injured soldier from NA’s in time to CMH Rawalpindi.

Gen Babar went to East Pakistan during the 1970 cyclones/elections, to organize the aviation effort. His mere presence there brought a very good name for the Army Aviation flying dangerous missions. During 1971 war Gen Babar was posted as commander artillery 23 Division in Chamb sector. Just a few days before the war, Army Aviation Flight was attached with HQ 23 division, and was placed directly under command Brig Babar. This gave us an opportunity to observe him more closely. He went out of the way to expose himself to danger. Late Major General Iftikhar Janjua and Brig NK Babar formed an excellent team. Brig Babar would himself fly the Chopper along with Gen Janjua, to personally monitor the Operation. Both of them flew in the peak caps so that the Red Band of the peak caps is visible both to own troops as well as the enemy.

When the Infantry Brigade Commander of the leading brigade was committed in some peace time activity at Rawalpindi, Brig Babar, the Commander Artillery was given the command of the Brigade to lead. Gen Babar himself led the brigade being with the leading elements to push the brigade, which had wasted two previous days at the same point. He was unfortunately hit by a direct tank shell and seriously wounded. He refused to be evacuated till he fell unconscious. This was Bob to everyone under his command and superior officers.

He returned after couple of months to rejoin his command. I belong to Jhelum; as such he would always ask me to accompany him whenever he was going to Jhelum from the Operational area. On our way from Padhar, he would give lift to any walking soldier/civilian, whom we met en route. Once an old lady insisted that she would also carry the firewood in the car. Gen Babar asked the old lady’s fire wood be carried in the following jeep and her clothing in the trunk of the staff car, all this delayed us by half an hour but Gen Babar sat quietly in the car all this time. This is how Gen Babar was, a caring senior officer and an individual. Few months later Gen Babar was posted as IGFC, NWFP. This was a critical time, he was asked to reoccupy the western border in view of Daud’s take over in Afghanistan. He very ably, personally led the operation to reoccupy Razmak and other frontier posts with scouts. He was soon promoted Major General and posted to newly raised infantry division. Mr. ZAB seeing his potential wanted him back in NWFP was asked to resign to be appointed Governor to contain the aggressive designs of the new Government in Afghanistan. He stayed as Governor 1975 to July 1977.While as Governor NWFP, he got an ASI of Police in Kohat, who committed a murder on Eid day arrested, tried and punished within three months of the Murder. When he resigned and in a press conference joined the Peoples Party, having refused to stay on as Governor on the desire of Zia Ul Haq. His old Friend Gen Fazal Haq now DMLA Peshawar let loose a reign of terror on him arrested and tried him for treason in a military court. But to the good luck of Gen Babar, the President of the Summary Military Court, a Lt Col was an old Aviator, who did justice and released him. Gen Babar instead of feeling happy remarked, “Col, Don’t release me evidence or no evidence; Fazal Haq would not leave you” But good soldier said, “Sir, they have failed to provide evidence to prove you guilty”. Unfortunately Gen Fazal Haq instead of taking Police to task for failing to provide evidence made the life of the Col hell, who was immediately removed from command, even his family was not spared.

Gen N K Babar always remained a man of honour and remained loyal to PPP. He was the only force in NWFP opposing Zia Ul Haq. In 1988, he acted as senior advisor to Mohtrma Benazir Bhutto. He was a simple man. It was a common sight to see Mohtrma Benazir Bhutto along with Gen Babar, a security guard and the maid taking a walk with young Bilawal in the pram in the Rawalpindi Golf Club. In the same Golf Club Gen Aslam Beg would be playing Golf with about thirty soldiers as security.

Gen N K Babar was probably the only leader who spoke the truth in public. He was steadfast in his struggle against Zia Ul Haq. He was brave and took bold actions both while in the Army and after his retirement/Politics. He was one political leader who was trusted by all. He was the one who exposed the Mehran Bank scandal in the National Assembly. In the same case Air Marshal Asghar filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, which is still pending for almost twenty years now. Gen NK Babar was fearless and took action in the best national interest, without ethnic or religious prejudice; whether it was operation in Karachi, Malakand, or Khyber agency. His daring action to get the hostage children in bus at Islamabad released without fear for his personal safety was highly acknowledged by the whole nation. It is unfortunate that no national leader from the PPP was at his funeral, though he had been Governor and Interior Minister. It is equally unfortunate that he was not given a burial he deserved; Army Aviation Command also failed to give him the honour he deserved. He was one of the pioneers of Air OP/Aviation, he got them SJ in 65 war and his role as a senior Aviator in East Pakistan is well known ;those who have forgotten may read Brig Saadulla ‘s book ‘East Pakistan to Bangladesh’ or other war accounts of 65’and 71’. May Allah Bless his soul

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A 'brave' man does not kill his own citizens. A coward does.

May his soul rest in peace though.

True.

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Is this the best you could come up to justify killings of civilians? :smack:

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I think no one mention the Peshawar Model School Bus Hijacking incident....he went him self to the hijacker inside the bus to exchange him self for the kids...Zakk if you could dig out that one aswil