A Golden Bond in Sargodha: The 55th PMA Long Course Get-Together
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
50 Years of Brotherhood (May 1975 – April 2026), Seasoned by Age, Strengthened by Soul
Tassawar Ali Rana
On April 27, 2026, the 55th PMA Long Course proved once again that time only deepens the bond of comradeship. Fifty years after our journey began in May 1975, the "Fifty-Fivers" descended upon Sargodha for a day that was nothing short of superb.
The overwhelming enthusiasm was visible on every face. What started as a young association has matured into a towering affiliation. The energy was palpable, reaching its peak as course mates danced together - a unique, mesmerizing performance by Shahid Noor, Asif, Nauman, AD, Rauf Khan, Kiani, Kalyar, Saleem Sarwar, and Abid Qadri [some of that (including song by your truly) had started in the bus journey from Lahore].
A massive debt of gratitude is owed to Major and Mrs. Asghar Kalyar and their entire family. They hosted us with a "Grand Lunch” that was as abundant as it was delicious. The flawless arrangements in the Sargodha heat turned a simple meal into a heart-winning event. We also extend our deepest thanks to the management committee: Asif and Ikram Kayani (of the Central Committee) - the "lovely souls" who spent tireless energy managing the event and keeping the 55 spirit alive. Yours truly and Saleem Sarwar (the Regional Committee) - for their excellent execution of transport and logistics, ensuring everyone from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and beyond arrived safely.
While the majority gathered to celebrate, we felt the presence of those who could only join us in spirit. Despite the challenges of the current global climate - which sadly kept some of our overseas brothers from attending - the digital connection and shared photos ensured no one was truly absent. Very special thanks to those comrades (Zahir Khan, Javed Phalia, Ali Akbar, Najam Butt, Zahid Khan) who made it to Sargodha due to medical conditions.
It was a day that brought a "soothing effect" to the heart, reminding us that while we have seen decades of challenges and celebrations, our brotherhood stands the test of time.
Better late than never, the course is already discussing a collective gesture of appreciation for our hosts to match the protocol and grace they showed us.
Until we meet again (and so much in between) - InshaAllah, at PMA Kakul next April. Stay Blessed, Brothers.
With a note by Jamil Bravo
Labels: 55 PMA, Get Together, Men At Their Best
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Wednesday, April 29, 2026,
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Garam Chashma
Monday, 27 April 2026
Some places are so idyllic and unspoiled that it is almost unbelievable. One such place is picturesque, tranquil and pollution free town Garam Chashma (meaning hot spring) in at the edge district Chitral. The very sound of it is (sort of) strategic - the role Garam Chashma played during Russian occupation in Afghanistan not very long ago. The town is located on the bank of a turbulent torrent known as Luthko Gol that is full of trout; about two hours drive from Chitral City.
As the Fokker Friendship hovers over Chitral before committing to landing, one can see the beautiful sights through window of small aircraft: red roof houses dotted on the hill contours, alpine trees, and fruit orchards. Chitral airport is built in one of the serene gorges of the River Kunar. I stayed at the deepest place in district Chitral known as Mir Khanni - over seventy kilometers from Chitral. As per the plans that I had made to see different sights in Chitral valley during free brakes in the schedule of my assignment, I boarded a passenger Mazda that was ready to go to Garam Chashma right from the airport early one April morning.
Read more »
Labels: Chitral, Garam Chashma, Travel
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Monday, April 27, 2026,
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Alexander’s Garrison in the Salt Range
Monday, 20 April 2026
This article appeared in Daily The Nation
The Salt Range derives its name from extensive deposits of rock salt. The Range stands as remnant of forts with bastions and temples. Exceptionally, this region maintains an almost continuous record of history that can define the evolution of society. Forts and temples surviving along the range are a reminder of how untouched many of the ancient remnants are. Alexander from Macedon came to this Range twice; one from Taxila and later when his forces refused to go any further from the banks of the River Beas. From here he marched towards the Arabian Sea on his way to Babylon. And, now an NGO is constructing a monument of Alexander near Jalalpur town in the foot of the Salt Range in district Jhelum.
The Salt Range derives its name from extensive deposits of rock salt. The Range stands as remnant of forts with bastions and temples. Exceptionally, this region maintains an almost continuous record of history that can define the evolution of society. Forts and temples surviving along the range are a reminder of how untouched many of the ancient remnants are. Alexander from Macedon came to this Range twice; one from Taxila and later when his forces refused to go any further from the banks of the River Beas. From here he marched towards the Arabian Sea on his way to Babylon. And, now an NGO is constructing a monument of Alexander near Jalalpur town in the foot of the Salt Range in district Jhelum.
For those who take their first chance to the area, the landscape all along the Salt Range is rock-strewn, lacking in softness and loveliness. In many parts, it becomes barren and uninviting. But, in truth, the range is dotted with historical wonders, romantic legends, archaeological remains, and varying geological formations. The surroundings are very quiet. Urial is also found in the Range though facing extinction. A journey along the range is exciting as well as informative.
Read more »Labels: In Print, Nation, Travel
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Monday, April 20, 2026,
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Chaudhry Norbert Pintsch
Friday, 17 April 2026
Village Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka - a cluster of mud and brick houses - looks like any typical Pakistani village. The fact is that awareness, community work and use of appropriate technology has changed the village all together. Influence from Indus civilization from nearby Harappa and modern techniques brought by use of appropriate technology can be seen in the village together.
The toys and handicrafts made in the village are on display in international museums, prestigious galleries and showrooms in Pakistan and abroad. Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka (TGD) got an international fame when village project Thatta Kedona (meaning toy from Thatta) was selected as one of the 767 worldwide projects presented in the "Themepark" at global expo in Hannover (Germany) as an example of thinking of twenty first century. The toys and handicrafts from TGD show how culture goes beyond simple work of art and becomes collaboration among applied and natural sciences as well as other forces that affect our lives.
Thatta Kedona is a project, first of its kind, in rural area where handmade quality toys are crafted using all indigenous materials and traditional designs based on cultural and folklore themes. The workmanship of the dolls and toys has acclaimed international recognition through their participation in numerous international events, exhibitions, fairs and displays. These toys are the embodiment of dreams, hopes and most of all self-reliance of the hands, which breathe a part of their own soul into them.
Read more »Labels: Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch, Thatta Kedona
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Friday, April 17, 2026,
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Gogera, Dipalpur and Pakpattan
Friday, 10 April 2026
The first thought that came into my mind after visiting Okara can be described by four words: milk, butter, mammals and farms. Peers also told me the same. Besides Harappan ruins, I did not know the area. But one thing I did know, though, was that I should be happy to say goodbye to the place. Two years later, I felt drawn to the area and its people and it was very hard for me to part. There is so much to be seen, so much to be done. Above all, it has spirited, sincere and full-of-love people living in Gogera, Dipalpur and Pakpattan historic trilogy. The distances in the hinterland are short but the landscape is so enormous that it had to be studied in parts like a large mural seen by a child.
Labels: Travel
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Friday, April 10, 2026,
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