Factual error
Madam,
This letter concerns Major General Syed Ali Hamid’s article in your paper Life and Times of Brig Sardar Ahmed Jan, MBE (1903 – 1978). I wish to point out some factual errors which should never have been committed by a seasoned military historian.
I will list out these errors point by point: Sir HD was never inducted in 3rd Regiment of Punjab Cavalry as the author claims. He was inducted on September 16, 1900 as per British records, which I can produce. Sir HD did not become Risaldar Major of 3rd Regiment of Punjab Cavalry at the age of 15 in 1895. It was actually in 1913 at the age of 32.There was no Husamuddin in the regiment in 1895.
Sir HD was never made the Risaldar Major directly. As per British records, he joined as a Jemadar on September 6, 1900, became Resaidar on November 25 1901, became Risaldar on October 1, 1908 and Risaldar Major, which General Ali Hamid claims as 1895, only 18 years later on July 1, 1913.
The remotest chance that HD joined 3rd Punjab Cavalry in 1895 or 1896 does not exist and that too as Risaldar Major. HD joined service on precisely September 16, 1900.
On October 7, 1919 Sir HD was commissioned in 23rd Punjab Cavalry which had been renumbered as such in 1903.
An important fact that General Ali Hamid has missed is not mentioning that Sir HD was appointed honorary ADC to British Indian Army C in C in 1920 or so.
Lastly, the most important thing which all Pakistanis must know is the reason why Brigadier Ahmad Jan was most unfairly retired.
I am from old PAVO Cavalry and in one meeting Ahmad Jan’s son Colonel Iqbal Jan disclosed to this scribe that Brig Ahmad Jan had discovered financial irregularities committed by one general Adam Khan in some inquiry. Ayub Khan asked him not to report the violation and in Brigadier Ahmad Jan’s refusal as an upright man, he was summarily retired.
Major Agha H Amin (Retired),
Via email.
Student March
Madam,
It was heartening to see young students on the streets demanding restoration of student unions across the country recently. I believe this demand by the students is just, as these measures will revive campus life in public universities. I am happy that students are demanding the right to have free discussions in their campuses and want to elect their own representatives. The prime minister’s tweet in this regard is also welcome, but it remains to be seen when the government will announce the code of conduct to regulate student unions in campuses.
Maria Ahmed,
Lahore.