ISLAMABAD: Ex-army officers of 38th PMA long course who got inducted in to PMA in April 1966, celebrated59th anniversary oftheircourse.

The event brought together former Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Lt-Gen Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai, President Ex-Servicemen Society and former Senator Lt-Gen Abdul Qayyum, former ambassador of Pakistan to Morocco, Maj Gen Shujaat Ali khan, brigadiers, colonels, majors of the course and their families.

Intake of this course was about 150 including all volunteers who opted for the army immediately after 1965 Indo-Pak war.

The process of their induction was completed in early 1966. However, approximately 130 could mange to get commission in April 1968.

The course strength gotfurtherreduced to lessthan 100 when East Pakistani officers were repatriated to Bangladesh in 1971-72. Since army`s promotions are paramedical, out of the entire course only four could rise to the rank of Lt General including Lt Gen Imtiaz Shaheen, late Lt Gen Jamshed Gulzar Kiani , Lt Gen Ali Jan Aurakzai and senator Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum.

Officers from different PMA courses keep meeting afterregularintervals.

When asked about the objectives of such get together President Pakistan Ex servicemen Society Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum said: `These meetings are always totally apolitical with the purpose to revive old memories, inquire about each other`s well-being specifically the families of the martyrs, pension issues of the widows, medical issues and requirements of any financial help for some colleagues if needed.

`Comradeship is undoubtedly the strongest bond in the Armed Forces,` he remarked. Staff Reporter