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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

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Wednesday, April 29, 2026, ,

Three Continents, One Table
Sunday, 8 February 2026

A Joyful 55 PMA Reunion in Lahore

It was a delightful and rare surprise: three dear course mates from distant corners of the world — Altaf visiting from the United States, Mushtaq from Turkey, and Tahir Khan from Canada — all converged in Lahore at the same time. What are the odds of friends scattered across three continents gathering under one roof after so many years?


This extraordinary coincidence deserved a proper celebration. Tassawar Ali Rana and Saleem Sarwar stepped up with characteristic enthusiasm to make it happen. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the Lahore Chapter of the 55 PMA Long Course came alive for a memorable brunch at DeSOM (the Defence Services Officers Mess), BBQ - a venue perfectly suited for camaraderie and good food.

The turnout was impressive — 23 members, including 13 gracious lady wives — creating a vibrant, heartfelt reunion filled with shared stories, laughter, and the unmistakable bond forged at PMA Kakul decades ago. Tassawar's dedication to keeping our course mates connected over the years is truly inspiring; his energy turns occasional meetups into cherished traditions.

The afternoon overflowed with warmth: sizzling barbecue, cups of chai, nostalgic anecdotes, and the simple joy of seeing familiar faces light up. Everything — the food, the conversations, the easy camaraderie—was spot on.

"Special thanks are due to Sir Saeed Akram, Kalyar and Zaka for travelling all the way from Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha and Sialkot alongwith their wives and a son respectively to join us for brunch." A couple of notes of regret: Tahir Khan, though expected, couldn't join at the last moment. We also missed our regular stalwarts like Khalid Javed, Ghulam Shabbir, and Ali Akbar, whose presence would have made the gathering even more complete.


Still, the day reminded us how enduring these friendships are, transcending time and geography. Here's to many more such reunions — may the 55 PMA spirit keep bringing us together, whether across the city or across the world.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Sunday, February 08, 2026, ,

Men at Their Best
Monday, 1 July 2024

Always eager to get together, during COVID conditions, meeting of the course mates was only possible on the arrival of Salim Nawaz from Karachi, on the visit of Jamil Bravo from Canada and Nadeem Gilani from USA. Whatever the reason, we do not like long gaps between course mates meeting.


Thanks to Sir Asif, the Central Course Secretary, Zahir Khan, Muhammad Athar and Abbas Malik from Lahore Chapter who are always busy finding ways and excuses for us to stay connected, an accompanied get to gather was announced for 27 July 2022 evening. Some 70 plus members and their spouses attended. (Who else could boast this attendance other than Lahore Chapter?)

Course get together is such an occasion where you need not prove anything to anyone. Everyone knows everyone and everything, more so in case of 55 PMA Long Course Lahore Chapter. In addition, when course mates get together, there is no change; same jokes, same PMA names, same tones, same level of nearness and relationship. Meeting friends with a long and continuous history of over 47 year is always a pleasure. There is so much to talk about, to update and to remind to each other.

The highlights of the evening were attendance of (late) Alizai’s wife and his handsome son Ammar. Mrs Mustafa Maan, Mrs Dr Aamir, Mrs Baloch and Mrs Ijaz were also contacted by Zahir Khan but they could not make to the Club for personal reasons. Lahore Chapter has a very living tradition to invite families of our deceased brothers on such occasions. They are part of us. They always will be.

GM along with his Mrs and son come from Sahiwal and Kalyar as usual came from Sargodha. Special mention of Iqbal and Munir Butt (who are unwell) was made and prayers were offered for their quick and complete recovery.

Thanks to Zahir Khan, Muhammad Athar and Malik Abbas - the soul of Lahore Chapter – who like always made the get together (accompanied) possible; nicely laid out venue (DHA J Block Club, Golf View Hall), good food and lot of talks. Unanimous impression is that the spirit of 55 PMA and that of Lahore Chapter is alive. There are simply no signs of any of them getting old. They, perhaps, never will.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Monday, July 01, 2024, ,

Spirit of 55 PMA lives on
Sunday, 12 May 2024

Course get together is such an occasion where you need not prove anything to anyone. Everyone knows everyone and everything, more so in case of 55 PMA Long Course who got together on May 12, 2012 in DHA to commemorate the anniversary of their togetherness. We all joined PMA on May 12 long time ago. Another thing you note in any informal course get together is that people don’t change; same jokes, same tones, same level of nearness and relationship. Yes, some are still sensitive and edgy on topics they used to be long time ago.


Thanks to Col Athar who had made the get together possible; nicely laid out venue, good food and a lot of talks. We are total 51 course mates living in Lahore. Out of all, 21 could make to the place. After excellent food and prayer for our comrade Samad Lala, Col Athar spoke his heart out on course administrative matters and some outstanding issues were sorted out. Unanimous decision was that we will keep the spirit of 55 PMA and that of Lahore Chapter alive.
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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Sunday, May 12, 2024, ,

Annual Get Together Mangla 2012
Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Jalal Hameed Bhatti


The Course Get Together for year 2012 was held on September 29-30, 2012 at Mangla Cantt.



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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Tuesday, March 19, 2024, ,


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