— In the early chapters of our national history, the foundations of the Pakistan Armed Forces were built on more than just equipment—they were built on the iron-clad discipline and vision of the Quaid-e-Azam.
The Commanding Officer 5 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Maj Sher Jang had an inspiration. He invited the Quaid-e-Azam to visit 5 and 6 Anti-Aircraft Regiments to celebrate their arrival in Pakistan. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.
As the Quaid-e-Azam stepped out of his car the parade presented arms.
The officers and men saw a tall skeletal figure, his straight back belying his age; his firm step belying his frailty; his impeccable dress indicating his honesty, his idealism; his monocle accentuating his victorian discipline, his classical values; his gaunt features, his hypnotic, smouldering eyes radiating power, etching the picture in their minds.
The parade froze in “Present Arms”.
The Quaid-e-Azam walked towards the ranks preceded by Lt S. M. Ahsan (Pakistan Navy). No one interrupted. The commanding officer did not break the spell with “Order Arms”. He was right. No one wanted the spell broken.
The Quaid-e-Azam reviewed the parade at “Present Arms”, and we acquired a unique honour.
In later years some of us tried that a visiting head of state review the Regiment of Artillery at “Present Arms”. The request was turned down. Fortuitously.
We have only one Quaid-e-Azam.
Source: Izzat-o-Iqbal by Maj Gen (Retd) Shaukat Riza, Published by School of Artillery, Nowshera.
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