AIR MARSHAL (R) NAJEEB AKHTAR RAJA - HI (M), SI (M), TI (M), SITARA-E-BASALAT

                                               Photo Credit: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority


Air Marshal (Retd) Najeeb Akhtar Raja has been appointed as Member Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Board on 1st January, 2014. he was also appointed as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Brazil.

He belongs to Dhanyal Tribe, hailing from Karore Valley (Kiyah), in tehsil Kotli Sattian.

He joined Pakistan Air Force in the flying branch in 1964 and was commissioned in 1966 as a pilot. He flew all major combat aircrafts (F-86, F-6, Mirage and F-16) over a flying career of over 34 years.

He participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak war as a Mirage Pilot from Sargodha. During his flying career he held the appointments of a fighter Squadron Commander, Command of a Fighter Base, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operation, Air officer Commanding of Central air command and Air officer Commanding of Air Defence Command during Kargil operation. He was retired in the rank of Air Marshal in 2000 after 34 years of service. He conceived and oversaw the setting up of a major defence production facility at the Air Weapon Complex. 

He was decorated with Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Basalat and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) for meritorious contribution to the Pakistan Air Force. He was deputed abroad as a flying instructor to Libya for 2 years. He participated in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war from a forward air base in Egypt as a operation advisor and coordinator. He was deputed a second time to Saudi Air force as an operations and plans advisor for 3 years from 1985-88. He was appointed as the ambassador to Brazil, after his retirement from the service.

CAPTAIN BILAL ZAFAR SHAHEED

Captain Bilal Zafar (1982-2009) (Urdu: بلال ظفر‎) was a Pakistan Army officer who received Sitara-e-Basalat on 62nd Independence Day of Pakistan. He was a Captain in 42 Baloch Regiment(MIB).

He was born at Rawalpindi on 2 February 1982. Bilal Zafar got his early education at St Paul’s Cambridge School, Rawalpindi and Government College university Lahore , Rawalpindi.

He belonged to a prominent family of Karore, Kotli Sattian with military background. 

His father, Zafar Tajamul, is a retired captain. His grandfather, Colonel Tajammal Hussain was a commissioned officer in British Indian Army. He fought Second World War and remained a PoW. Later on, he joined INA. After Independence he opted for Pakistan Army. He volunteered for war of independence of Kashmir. He raised and commanded first Bagh Brigade and fought on Poonch front. For his valour and bravery, he was awarded with medal of FAKHR-E-KASHMIR. He remained Defence Secretary for Azad Kashmir govt. Later on, he raised civil Defence department.

The great-grandfather of Captain Bilal Subedar Lal Khan fought First World War. He gave his life during action. For his death in combat, he was awarded INDIAN ORDER OF MERIT - the second highest military award.

His brother Captain Zarrar is also a commando officer, participated in many operations.

He joined Pakistan Army in 2001 and was commissioned into 42 Baloch Regiment(Al-Havi) on 12 October 2003. Later, he joined SSG.

Operation Rah-e-Rast began in May 2009 and involved the Pakistan Army and Taliban militants in a fight for control of the Swat district of Pakistan. SSG started an operation 'Janbaz' to clear Swat valley from militants. His company was given task to clear Swat-Peochar Road. During this operation, Captain Bilal Zafar embraced shahadat on 17 May 2009. He was hit by a rocket launcher on his chest. One day after his death, he was buried in his native village Karore Kotli Sattian on 18 May 2009. Government of Pakistan announced Sitara-e-Basalat for him on 62nd Independence of Pakistan.

                                         

KARORE VALLEY, KOTLI SATTIAN, RAWALPINDI

On the southwest side of the Kotli Sattian lies the well known village KAROR which is quite adjacent to the Islamabad. It is the settlement of the great warriors of the first and Second World Wars.

The village is situated about 22 km from Kotli Sattian and is easily approachable by metal roads from all sides. The village area is 3,001 acres. The soil is suitable for cultivating local crops but the inhabitants prefer to get employment in cities and towns. Forty percent of the population of the village has temporarily shifted to the big cities to avail themselves to the modern facilities and to have their children educated in the better schools.

The average household size in 5.8% and rate of literacy is 78.5%
Karor is a Patwar Circle and headquarters of the union council. There are two high schools, one for boys and one for girls. There is also a middle school for boys and two primary schools for both sexes in every settlement.

 Karor also has a police post that was established in the beginning of the British rule. A forest range with a rest house also exists. Moreover, a B.H.U., agricultural extension service, sub post office. A small bazar and a bank are also available as an amenity.

How to get there from Islamabad

Take Lehtrar road from Islamabad and turn left from Chirah chowk towards Simli Dam and Patriata. In about fifteen minutes, you would bypass Simli Dam and see the spill way on your left, drive another 10-15 minutes through hills and it will lead you to Karore.

                                       

 

                                                    Photo by Rocking Jungly

Photo by Khizer Bajwa

                                   Reference : "A handbook of Kotli Sattian"

LT. COLONEL (R) ZAFAR ABBASI

It was 2nd death anniversary of Lt. Colonel (R) Zafar Abbasi. He passed away on 11th November, 2015.

Lt Col Zafar Abbasi Ghazi was immortalized on screen by the iconic character of Captain Kashif in drama serial Alpha Bravo Charlie, story of Captain Kashif was based on real story of Lt. Colonel  Zafar Abbasi.

Zafar Abbas Ghazi had been stationed on the highest battlefront in the world, Siachen and had become a victim of frostbite in 1987. Owing to that, he lost both his hands and feet. Even after losing both hands and feet, he did not give up and continued to serve in the army, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was from Karor, Kotli Sattian