Thanks, some more history and about bag pipes..and our rich heritage..someone who thinks that 'they can put a gun on us' has little knowledge or regard of our tradition, culture, loyalty and scrifice..
We are not that bad after all, if you attempt to know us, we made huge sacrifices in all major wars of Europe.. our blood has flown like water, it is for this we are a martial race..born to serve with honor and distinction as British put it.
The achievements of the Martial Races of today Pakistan in the British Indian Army in World War II are considerable. Awards and decorations are not always an accurate gauge of their supreme sacrifices. These units, as also Muslims of other arms and services took part in all campaigns in the various theatres in World War II from 1939-1945, and even after the surrender of Japan, in Java, Sumatra and Indo China. Almost 70 per cent of the 2nd world war wartime recruitment was from what became Pakistan had been from the undivided Punjab, 19.5 per cent from NWFP, 2.2 per cent from Sindh, and 0.06 per cent from Baluchistan.10 The three semi-arid districts of Punjab-Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock (Campbellpur) and two districts of NWFP-Kohat and Mardan pre-dominated in supplying recruit volunteers in World War II.
What motivated these young men to volunteer, give their lives and suffer captivity and privation, in distant lands? The answer is military traditions, a sense of adventure, a livelihood for as long as they lived, loyalty to their oath and flag, fighting aggression and oppression. The Pakistan Army inherited a military culture at its independence in 1947, that had stood the test of two world wars. It has gradually and imperceptibly been changing without undue rhetoric. Changes have accommodated domestic requirements and changed conditions in the region and beyond. The new environment has brought greater responsibilities on the leadership of the Army particularly its officer corps. Their leadership and professional competence are as a consequence under greater stress than hitherto. But the tradition of the officer and gentleman as the maker and moulder of the culture and its ultimate sustainer has been maintained. The results are tragically evident in the fighting at the Siachin Glacier area where in a major encounter with the Indians a few years back 1 AK Battalion lost seven officers (including two gunners) and 34 men. Higher the officer casualties in an Army, the greater is the valour of its troops and the superiority of its military culture.
Since the 1960s they have also been serving under the UNO flag in 16 different countries at different times in Asia, Europe, Africa and Central America in peacekeeping, peace-making and peace enforcing roles, keeping alive their glorious traditions of professionalism.The Baluch Regiment in World War II
Second world war..
The Baluch Regiment fielded some 16 battalions and 5 Garrison companies. Their awards and decorations collated from names, including one Victoria Cross. Exact figures of their casualties are not available.
The Frontier Force Regiment in World War II
The Frontier Force Regiment fielded some 12 battalions, 1 Garrison battalion, and 3 Garrison companies. Their awards and decorations, except those of Mention in Dispatches and Jangi Inams which were collated on 10% of officers and 50% for JCOs and ORs on class composition basis totalled: 458 approximately. Casualties - killed in action, wounded or died from wounds sustained totalled: 244,312 approximately. These were calculated from total on basis of 10% for officers, 50% for JCOs and ORs on class composition basis.
The Frontier Force Rifles in World War II
The Frontier Force Rifles fielded 15 battalions and 3 Garrison companies.
Awards and decorations, one Victoria Cross.
Figures of Mention in Despatches and Jangi Inams were collated on basis of 10% for officers, 50% for JCOs and ORs respectively on class composition basis. Casualties - killed in action, wounded or died from wounds sustained totalled, 312,613 approximately. These were also collated on 10% for officers, 50% for JCOs and ORs on basis of class composition.
On bag pipes..
Hunza is known to be one of Paistan's most beutiful valleys, sourrounded by 14 highest peaks of the world. It is situated in the extreme north of Pakistan bordering with People's Republic of China, Tajiskistan and Afghanistan.
Accoiding to BBC, Hunza is the only place in the region where the literacy rate is 100%. It is a great attraction for tourists all over the world.
The Ismaili Hunza Pipe Band was extablished in 1951 by some of the social and actice members belonging to Hunza who were residing in Karachi. Initially, it started working by the name of "Ismaili Badakhshani Platinum Jubilee Hunza Band". The mail objective behind it, was to serve the community and unite the people of Hunza on one platform. Despite non-availability of recources and many other hardships, it's founding members worked very hard and finally were able to make their dream come true. Darvesh Ali, Shayo, Tahir Shah, Ali Yaman, Ibadat Shah and Akbar Khan are known to be the founders of the Band.
Later the band was registered with his Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Garden, Karachi and the Ismaili Association for Scouts, Guides, Bands and Orchestras. Under the rules and regulations set by the Ismaili Council, marriages and other civiv finctions are attended within, and outside, the community and display band on reasonable charges. It's accountes are audited annually by leading auditig firms and reports are submitted to the aforesaid Council. All it's income goes toward community development in the shape of donations. The Managing committee strictly on merit approves donations. Besides this, events on National days and other occasions e.g. receiving international dignitaries are attended free of charge, on written request of the government body. The Hunza Pipe Band was the only Band to be selected by the local government for recieving Queen Elizabeth II at Mazar-e-Quaid Azam in Karachi on October 9th, 1997. Similarly, the band has had the houner of recieving a number of international distinguished guests in Pakistan. The Band also participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Ismaili Centre in London in 1979.
geocities.com
And if you are not bored this is one story of gallantry..
SEPOY ALI HAIDER.. Victoria Cross..highest award of gallantry..
6th Royal Bn 13th Frontier Force Rifles
ÒIn Italy, during the crossing of the River Senio, near Fusignano, in daylight on 9th April, 1945, a Company of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles were ordered to assault the enemy positions strongly dug in on the far bank. These positions had been prepared and improved over many months, and were mainly on the steep flood banks, some 25 feet high.
ÒSepoy Ali Haider was a member of the left-hand Section of the left-hand Platoon. As soon as the Platoon started to cross, it came under heavy and accurate machine-gun like from two enemy posts strongly dug in about 60 yards away. Sepoy Ali HaiderÕs Section suffered casualties and only 3 men, including himself, managed to get across. The remainder of the Company was temporarily held up. Without orders, and on his own initiative, Sepoy Ali Haider, leaving the other two to cover him, charged the nearest post which was about 30 yards away. He threw a grenade and almost at the same time the enemy threw one at him, wounding him severely in the back. In spite of this he kept on and the enemy post was destroyed and four of the enemy surrendered. With utter disregard of his own wounds he continued and charged the next post in which the enemy had one Spandau and three automatics, which were still very active and preventing movement on both banks. He was again wounded, this time in the right leg and the right arm. Although weakened by loss of blood, with great determination Sepoy Ali Haider crawled closer and in a final effort raised himself from the ground, threw a grenade and charged into the second enemy post. Two of the enemy were wounded and the remaining two surrendered.
ÒTaking advantage of the outstanding success of Sepoy Ali HaiderÕs dauntless attacks, the rest of the Company charged across the river and carried out their task of making a bridgehead.
ÒSepoy Ali Haider was picked up and brought back from the second position seriously wounded.
ÒThe conspicuous gallantry, initiative and determination combined with a complete disregard for his own life shown by this very brave Sepoy in the face of heavy odds were an example to the whole Company. His heroism had saved an ugly situation which would - but for his personal bravery - have caused the Battalion a large number of casualties at a critical time and seriously delayed the crossing of the river and the building of a bridge. With the rapid advance which it was possible to make the Battalion captured 3 officers and 217 other ranks and gained their objectives.Ó
- London Gazette, 3rd July, 1945 |
