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A resolute soldier Tahir Mehmood Earnest Hemingway, the famous English writer, defined Courage as, “grace under pressure” in his masterpiece ‘Farewell to Arms’. Here we have an example, Captain Junaid Khan Shaheed, who has given new meanings to bravery, courage, grace and perseverance. This daring son of his parents and SSG, found himself under great test of nerves which he successfully met without complaining or bowing his head against a barbaric adversary. Captain Junaid Khan, who was the only son of his parents and loving brother of four sisters, joined SSG due to sheer motivation and fondness for adventure, challenge and daring ventures, met a test of his life once he was taken into captivity on 19th April, 2009 by ever deceitful, devious and double-faced Taliban in Swat. It was a time once our naïve nation believed that peace has prevailed in Swat and now Taliban’s yearning for implementing Islamic Shariah will usher new dawn of harmony and Islamic brotherhood. Alas! There was no such motive with these power hungry, savage and cunning thugs. The moment Captain Junaid Shaheed, Captain Najam Shaheed and two soldiers were ensnared in utter violation of the Peace Agreement, they realised the moment of trial has come. But this was not a new thing for Captain Junaid Khan, whose grand parents had already paid a heavy price for their newly found motherland by migrating from India in 1947 and taking up residence in Quetta. Professor Ayaz Khan, a veteran civil servant and a teacher, grew up his family in ambience of a true patriotism and nationalism. Pakistan was the most adored darling, nurtured and fostered in tiny heart and souls of all his siblings. Entering the joyous era of youth and adolescence, Junaid not opted for pleasure and delight, rather worked day and night to join Pakistan Army. Just after clearing his Intermediate exams in 2002, he joined PMA Kakul and passed out in 2004. He joined a very good battalion of Baloch Regiment at Parachinar. Looking for true meaning of soldiery and commitment, Junaid’s destiny was somewhere else. So he joined the family of the most audacious eagles of Special Services Group (SSG) of Pakistan Army in 2007. The days went on in demanding schedule of SSG and then he was sent for the mission of his life in Swat in February 2009. A new story unfolds here. Junaid, who was born on 9yh May 1983, after birth of his three elder sisters, was sent on many difficult missions which he completed successfully. But this all was very trying for his family. They always prayed for his success and safety. His younger sister still remembers his love and care. He never gave them an iota of realisation that under which circumstances he was performing his duties. Still his father, mother and sisters remember his pretentious casual and carefree talk. Even, during his entire captivity period, he never once mentioned that he was surviving and bearing what all. He knew the meanings of grace, composure and self-control. The world saw all this in a TV interview taken by a journalist during his captivity. Junaid’s voice, his demeanor, his spot face, his contempt for his captors, his pride in profession, his pride being an invincible SSG soldier, his love for Pak Army; all were too obvious. This brave Young Son of ours taught us how to keep Grace under Pressure. Junaid’s last message found on his Laptop before proceeding on any one such difficult mission is a classic example striking balance between personal feelings and obligations of national duty. The message reads, “Asslam-u-Alaikum Ami and Abu. I hope when you will receive this message I would not be alive. What so ever, do not shed tears for me. The done is done. Yes this was written in my fate. This is not because I was serving in Army that is why I died, but yes because of Army I am not dead. I have embraced Shahadat. Shahadat which every soldier wants. Tell every one that my last words were, ‘there will be very few parents in this whole world who sacrifice there only son in the name of God, for their nation, and You are among them. I will not say don’t worry, sure it is the tough time you have ever seen in your life but be patient and admit what is done. The achievement of your life is that you had got a brave son who may be dead for the world but he has achieved a good reputation in his field and his name would be taken as a brave and meticulous soldier. I had spent less time with you. I am away since last seven years. I am happy that this thing will help you further to forget me, if not so, just think that I am on my job. I have got no further soothing words for you people. Ami I am really sorry that I could not get a girl for you (my wife), so that you could become a Mother-in-Law and fight with her....Oh just kidding. Oh! So sorry in these days you were in search for a beautiful girl for me. I think all the girls were lucky; why? Because they are safe now. You have got a very nice son as he had done no bad deeds in his complete life”. Junaid was martyred by the cursed Taliban on the night of 10/ 11th May 2009. He died next day to his birthday. Who would not weep? Who would not be proud of this priceless jewel, loving son and brave soldier? Junaid’s mother could not sleep for complete 23 nights during his captivity under Taliban but accolades to this brave soul who never brought a moment of weakness for any family member. They were fighting a battle of values and principles. They could never think of bowing before ugly demands of Taliban. These characters are heroes but they are still made of flesh and bones. Tears roll down their eyes and silent sighs live in their empty bosoms. They are our national heroes but they are human too. They counted each moment and prayed for release of all captives. They never once thought that these so-called torch-bearers of Islam, these odious and abhorrent Taliban, would one day kill their son in such a heinous and atrocious way. This all is too much for the imagination of any civilized person more so a Muslim; whose very religion stands for peace and respect for others. Patriotism and love for the country overpowers every feeling, but in some moments of isolation, Junaid’s mother asks these barbarians why they have done so to her beloved son who had yet to marry and to gift her grand children. Who will fulfill her dreams? It is a human tragedy; we all too weep with her though we are proud of her son’s accomplishments. We know Professor Ayaz is a brave man, he does not weep, but even if he does so, we all are his sons, we weep too, but pledge him that his son’s sacrifices will not go waste. Junaid’s blood will bring back true colours to our Motherland. Extremism and terrorists have to go away from this land of love and peace. True, sometime great personal tragedies pave way for Grand National achievements. We are with you sir; in all these moments pathos and pride. Long Live our Heroes and Long Live Pakistan. The Frontier Post : Friday , June 12, 2009, |