The recently removed IG Sindh (Mr Iqbal Mahmood) was known to me as a very dashing young `Flight Cadet’ in the PAF College, Sargodha, and he was later my `Flight Commander’ in one of the fighter squadrons of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the mid-eighties when the `Afghan War’ was just starting. Generally, a senior `Squadron Pilot’ is assigned such appointment (Flight Commander) but he was relatively young when he was assigned this job and he very scrupulously carried out his responsibility and was a source of inspiration to all of us.
He was a very brave individual, very helpful, an honest serviceman and a reliable friend. He had an old car which was used by almost every officer whenever anyone required it and he had a big heart and never refused anyone. At the same time, he was a very thorough professional and never compromised on the level of professionalism and wanted a hundred percent from his officers and ground staff of his squadron. I felt very sad to learn that an upright officer like him will not be the Sindh IG (Inspector General) anymore.
M. ASIF,
Karachi, July 19.