NOT since my childhood which was spent at different air force bases with my family have I come across such vigour and enthusiasm on Sept 6th and 7th for our valiant armed forces.
My father, Dr Group Captain M.S.B.Chaghtai, was one of the three founder members of the PAF Aeronautical College established at PAF Base Korangi Creek.
He was a signals man and spent both wars (1965 and 1971) close to the radars and other microwave installations. He served the air force for more than 26 years.
As a child of eight years I vividly remember the preparations of an impending war in 1970 at PAF Base Sargodha where my father was posted at that time.
Heavy anti aircraft guns were installed right in front of our house about 10 metres away. Bunkers were dug in each garden, all window panes darkened and newspapers plastered over.
I remember watching dogfights between planes from the open doorways of the bunkers. Sometimes one could see an aircraft plummeting down in a ball of flames. Fighting over Sargodha was the heaviest and unrelenting for 17 days and nights. So many brave officers and soldiers were martyred.
The toll was heavy. People we knew very well were gone in seconds leaving young families behind .Many children grew up without the love of their fathers. Even my father was once reported missing in action but thank god,he returned.
The armed forces` families have given the country all they have ever held dear. Let`s hope and pray this sacrifice on their part never goes wasted and our country prospers.
