Written By Lt. Cdr. (Retd)Azam, father of martyr

The faces of our lion-hearted, daring and valiant heroes who sacrificed their lives, defending the honour of service and motherland during the shooting down of Pakistan Navy's Atlantic aircraft, may look like individuals, but they are not. These faces are just the symbols of all those, who never come back, who sacrificed or even in future scarify their lives for the nation.

Among them one was Lieutenant Azhar Hussain, born on 12 December, 1972 in a Naval family, belonged to District Bhimber, Tehsil Samahni, Azad Kashmir. The day he was born, I, his father dreamed that my son will become an officer in Pakistan Armed Forces. He was a well-mannered, cute and loveable child. He was different from other children of his age, intelligent and shining. As I took him to school for admission, he qualified the written exam but admission was refused due to he being under age. However, on my insistence, he was admitted. Despite this age factor, he always performed exceptionally well.

He went to best schools of the town. Another thing worth mentioning is that he was always very neatly dressed, his dress was never dirty like his other agemates. During his school days, he always remained in the top slot of his class. Major portion of his schooling, he covered in PN Model School now Bahria College, Karachi. He was good in extra curricular activities and remained class monitor throughout his school days. He was given the appointment of "Prefect" in 9th Class and became House Leader in 10th class. His teachers were always satisfied with his behaviour and academic performance. He passed the matriculation examination with A grade from the same school.

As it is said that a man is known by the company he keeps. Azhar always kept very polished persons as friends. He himself was very good person, kind to his friends and family. He was always ready to accept his fault, and never hesitated to apologize for a mistake. After his matriculation examination, he appeared before the "Inter Services Selection Board" and after getting selected joined JCC (Junior Cadet College) in 28th JCC course in August 1998.

Azhar excelled in all training activities, and was among the leading cadets of the course. His instructors always praised him, he is remembered even today in the same way, though he is no more with us. After completing his training at JCC, he joined Pakistan Naval Academy in Q/Deck Division. He had a distinct academy stay. In his first term due to his good drill and smart turnout he was selected in Table Party. We saw him on 14 August 1992 during flag hoisting ceremony with the Governor Sindh. He also got the appointment of Division Cadet Captain Quarter Deck Division at the Academy.

He went with Albun Cruise to Muscat and had the experience of, " my boat so small and the sea so big but I still making my way with strong determination". He spent his midshipman period at PNS Aslat and went on good will cruise to Far East. It broadened his mental perspective and added to his experience.

After getting commissioned on the first day of year 1993 i.e., 01 January, 1993, he joined PNS Jauhar and Bahadur. In Bahadur, he stood first in his course. He got his Bridge Watch keeping Certificate from PNS Badr. He was appointed EXO PNS Rajshahi. He also took part in historical drama "Escape of Rajshahi", telecasted at Pakistan Television.

Azhar volunteered for Pilot course in Rotary wing, went for aptitude test and stood first. That year, course for rotary wing was cancelled and he was given the choice to join "Fix Wing" course in Risalpur. Lieutenant Zarar, another martyr of Atlantic plane, was his colleague during the flying course at Risalpur. Azhar worked hard during the flying course. He remained first in academics and was second in flying.

His special interests were going to Gymnasium and playing squash. But after his flying course, flying became his passion, hobby and the only interest. He desired to be a very good pilot, and his comrades tell me that he was the one. At home, he used to prepare well for his missions, and never missed a training mission.

In March 1999 during 5 PNA convocation ceremony, he got Chief of Naval Staff silver medal for his overall performance. He was very happy on this occasion, and made us proud of him. After the prize distribution ceremony, Governor Sindh Moin ud Din Haider personally congratulated my wife and me for Azhar's achievement. It was particularly an occasion of great satisfaction and pride to us.

Azhar was engaged in April 1999. His fiancée was completing her education so the marriage was decided in first week of September.

Where ever he went and who ever met him in and outside the service, people used to appreciate, admire and idealize him. People around him used to see a very promising future for him. Some forecasted that he would go very high in service due to his interest, hard work, and professionalism. He proved all that to be true. He lived with dignity and died with honour.

Apart from service, he was a good human being. Being the eldest son, he set an example of achievements for the family. I, as the father never had to worry for the other children. He used to guide the younger brother and sisters to work hard and make best use of their abilities and time. He was a loving, caring and sharing son and brother. His photographs are so full of life that we could not believe that he is no more with us. We are proud of him for his courage and valour in defending our home land and leaving indelible imprints in the annal of Pakistan Navy history.

Azhar was quite a religious minded soul. After his martyrdom, we found that on his personal copy of Quran he had highlighted all the AYAHA related to martyrdom with a fluorescent pen. This was his love to meet such an end, which was ultimately bestowed on him.