Activities

Getting 71st together was quite a feat and I am proud to have done. Everybody who came made a great effort to reach, specially Tariq Jamil from USA and Zafar Mahmood from Saudi Arabia, Hasnain and Aliuddin from Karachi, Aslam Masood, Aamir Habib and Nasir Qadir from Lahore, Irfan Illahi from DI Khan, Attaullah from Peshawar, Kamran Masood from Abbottabad, Azhar Ali from Sialkot and the rest from all over. Aslam had a car breakdown in Jhelum and Irfan got stuck in a traffic jam near Mianwali so they were late in reaching. Khalid Asharaf and Nasir Kamal were a surprise as no one was expecting them. Nasir has gray hair and is still a bachelor. Every body behaved very maturely and there was no leg pulling -surprising! Rauf was very decent with Aslam Masood. Few of us had brought some old photos so it was quite nostalgic.
Many faces have not changed since but few were pretty different like Zafar Mahmod has put on weight, Hasnain has lost his hair and put on weight. Rizwan has prominent tummy and gray hair, Lodhi is the same with some gray hair. Azam is the same in all respects. Maqbool has specs and little better on his complexion. Kamran Masood has a beard and has improved a bit. Rauf, hair gone but still very agile, Zafarullah little weight and same late understanding problem. Attaullah looks older; imagine, he is Professor of Physics. Azhar Ali is exactly the same no change. Nadeem Malik terribly over weight and less hair. Tariq Jamil smarter than before with little more weight. Aqil is almost the same. Irfan Illahi same (with dyed hair). Dogar still trying to improve his English. Gohar Saeed still gliding. Israr has lost the glamour. Shaheen has lost his precious hair and may be something else too. Aliuddin is fit and smart but that shine has diminished. Aamir Habib little weight and that innocence is gone. Akram TT is same, hyper and active with dyed hair. I think that should be enough for the description of the characters.
To add colour to occasion we had the PAF band in play. After the sumptuous dinner arranged by Rauf, we all sat and prayed for Shaheen Nawaz and Sajjad Paracha. Than I gave a brief account of everybody (pak no wise).
We decided to have our next get-together in 2001 with our families. We all signed a resolution to keep in touch with each other, help each other in whatever capacity we can. I had made a remarks book in which we all wrote our feelings for the day. Later we cut a reunion cake, in short we all enjoyed the evening and had a great time.

Mohyuddin

Click here to see the photographs.

A lunch with Mr. Mehboob, New Jersey, November 2000

Mr. Mehboob Alam, house Master Munir house, was visiting USA. Taking the opportunity of his visit, Sargodhinas held a small get-together and lunch at Shezan Restaurant, Edison, New Jersey on November 11, 2000.

The following Sargodhians attended the gathering with their families:

Mr. Mehboob Alam, Mr. Aslam Javaid (Math teacher and 2nd house master Munir house), Amir Saleem (62nd GD), Zaheer Sherazi (68th GD), Zaheer Babar (69th GD), Najibullah Khan (70th GD), Muazzam Khan (71st GD), Mehmud Haq (72nd GD) and Rehan Mahmood (72nd GD).

We had a real nice time. Like always, old friends exchanged views and stories and enjoyed being with Mr. Mehboob.

Click here to see the photographs.

Sargodhian Farewell to Air Chief Marshal Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi, Islamabad, November 2000

Islamabad was not hot, it wasn’t freezing, it wasn’t blowing it wasn’t wet and it never snows; it was simply beautiful. November is the best month in Islamabad. It was quiet, it was uneventful, even boring and rather lazy. There was need for action, for getting together, for being with friends, for reviving old memories, for having some fun and some hallabaloo. The first Saturday of November was a holiday and I had planned to run up to hills and disappear for my last weekend this year. Anas Bhai got wind of that called me a day before my departure and forbade me from going up there. Everything had to be cancelled, all had to be recalled, there was to be a Sargodhian get together and nothing was more important than that. I had to comply. Rumour had it that the Patron-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi, NI (M), S Bt, was retiring after completing his term and the Sargodhians had to raise their hats to him. However, since his retirement had not been announced officially, we could not advertise the real reason for the get together. As luck would have it the announcement was made a day before the function. This announcement also added a storm of speculation to the function and several bets were placed upon prospective likely to be promoted Sargodhians. There were no Sargodhians in the run for the top slot, however.

The farewell was arranged in the Air Headquarters, Officers Mess at Islamabad. The highest Mess (above ground level) in Pakistan, it was the most appropriate venue for the function. Anas Bhai was as usual the moving spirit (at that age!) of the function and the master of ceremonies. You couldn’t do anything without him; he reigns supreme and why ever not? We were there as old boys and only as old boys. Ranks and appointments are to be left behind on such occasions; lets just be old boys. It was a stag gathering, which made space for more boys, but these boys did not turn up; sadly. Happily there was a sprinkling from other chapters. Those who came were in good spirits and reminisced through the evening. There was though little mixing between the old and the younger lot. One can understand the desire of being with ones entry-mates but for the community to grow and unite there is need to get to know more of others. A time sharing formula may be a solution or some activity to promote this mixing needs to be designed for future get togethers.

The timings of the Dinner was cleverly adjusted to ensure that there would not be a second prep that evening. However, the "Tuesday Jam Tart" was remembered by many when the essert was served. Some things can never be replaced.

After dinner, Anas Bhai and Maj General Ihsan ul Haq took the rostrum (while we thought about the Jam Tart) and thanked the Patron in Chief for his patronage and for his relentless support to the Sargodhians and his personal involvement and interest in the affairs of the College. He presented a brief report of the efforts being made by him to promote IT. This was followed by a series of jokes he had selected for the entertainment of the audience. The Patron in Chief spoke about the contributions of the Sargodhians to the Pakistan Air Force in particular and Pakistan in general. He recalled the first ever Sargodhian that he ever met and the many Sargodhians he had made during his stay in the PAF. Many of his Sargodhian coursemates (from 38 GD course) were present at the function.

I concluded the days event by informing everyone of the Sargodhian website for which we all are grateful to Muazzam who has done great service to the Sargodhians by creating and maintaining the site. It is an excellent medium through which we can all stay informed and in touch. A mystery incident was then narrated which has still to be solved. We need such interesting incidents on the website to make it more interesting. I encourage everyone to contribute incidents, photographs, experiences and opinions to the site. The Sargodhians has done well on an individual level but not so well on a collective level. Why is that so? Or is it just me who feels that way. Lets discuss it frankly. We will know only then.

The function was closed with a group photograph with the Patron in Chief. I have put all the pictures on the net. Click on the following link to see them. Feel free to copy them and put your comments.

Click here to see the photographs.

Best Regards to you all

Hamid Khawaja (603 Sabre)

Sargodhians get-together, New Jersey, September 2000

As some of you know, Gen. G.M.Malik (57 A) and A.Basit Haqqani (110 S) were visiting New Jersey in September 2000. Taking the opportunity of their visit, we held a small get-together at Mahmud-ul-Haq's residence at 10 Beekman Road, Franklin Park, New Jersey 08823 on September 20, 2000.

The following people attended the gathering:

Gen. G. M. Malik, Basit Haqqani, Mazhar Amin, Sadullah, Mir Saiful-Islam, K. B. Mehboob, Amir Saleem, Aizaz Ahmed, Zaheer Sherazi, Muazzam Khan, Mahmud Haq, Rehan and Mr. Aslam Javaid (Math Teacher).

It was a fun gathering. Old friends exchanged views and stories. After the introductions, we also exchanged some ideas on the future of the Sargodhians Association. Everyone stressed on the fact that we should have these gathering at least once a year and make them more productive. We need more active participation from all Sargodhians. And we need your suggestion and idea to keep this going.

More than any thing else, we need volunteers from different geographical regions who can help us spread the word around and get a response back about the number of attendees.

At the end of the meeting Gen. Malik discussed his Project Al Mustafa, which he has started with the help of some good friends. Al Mustafa is a small hospital in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, which is treating poor people in the area, free of cost. Al Mustafa needs the support and attention by all good-hearted people, specially, Sargodhians. If you would like to support, please send us an e-mail and we will get you in touch with Gen. Malik.

All Sargodhians are requested to send their suggestion for the next get-together.

For further info, please contact Muazzam Khan at webmaster@sargodhians.com

Click here to see the photographs.

Reunion in Pindi, June 2000

(Photos will open up in a separate window so you may keep reading while they download to your computer).

Click here to see the photographs.

Attendees

Mr. Zafar Alam, S M Anas, ACM Farooq Feroze Khan, Khawaja Javed Akbar, Tasneem Noorani, Salahuddin Chaudhry, Mr. Samin Jan Babar, Wg Cdr Aziz Ahmed, Wg Cdr Nazar Malik, Wg Cdr Mujahid Jaffri, Sqn Ldr Tariq, Brig Shakeel Ahmed, AVM Imtiaz Haider, Nauman Tirmizi, M Siddique Akbar, Aftab Rasheed, Javed Hussaini, Mian Babur Qayyum, Gp Capt Hashmi, Air Cdre Ejaz Azam, Air Cdre Shezad Aslam, Maj Gen Syed Saeedul Hasan Zaidi, Gp Capt Saeed Akhter, Tanveer Sultan Hajwairy, Col Riazuddun, Ehsan Iqbal, Wasif Hussain, Brig M Akram Khan, Imtiaz Rastgar, Air Cdre Shahid Naveed, Air Cdre Abdul Razzaq, Gp Capt S M Hali, Brig Jamshed Niazi, AVM Sarfaraz A Toor, AVM Hamid A Khawaja, Air Cdre Mahmood Gul, Gp Capt Pervez, Sqn Ldr Waris, Lt Col Hamid Afzal, Capt Dr. Afzal, Musharraf Khan, M Zafarullah Khan, Air Cdre Tasawar Elahi Paracha, Col Qayyum, Wg Cdr Tariq Nazir Syed, Mazhar Hussain, Col Khalid Anwar, Maj Javed Saeed, Maj Gen Ehsan ul Haq and Air Cdre Shabbir Ahmad

It was bit quiet and rather hot in Pindi when suddenly we got news of a reunion to be held in the Signals Mess located on the Mall. Apart from the mention of a dinner, there we were not informed of any other activity that was planned. So word got around and we got together. There were about 50 Sargodhians, some accompanied by their wives. Not a very large turnout considering the number of Sargodhians living in Pindi and Islamabad. Perhaps greater publicity and a cooler time of the year would have resulted in a bigger crowd. The Mess was large enough to accommodate the attendees and soon it started to look like a social evening in the Mess. We read in school that, "Boys will be Boys" but it seemed to have been left behind. In general the crowd included boys from the first fifteen entries. There were a few from the later entries. A rather quiet and formal evening progressed till Anas Bhai, took to the rostrum to make some announcements. He told us that Brig. Shakeel Ahmed had been elected as the vice president for the Pindi-Islamabad Chapter. There were some protests from the floor about the opacity of this election. However, when Anas Bhai invited nominations, the cries were muted instantly. Anas Bhai went on to announce that the responsibility of the Sargodhians Spirit had been bestowed upon ACM Farooq Feroze Khan and the Old Boys Association would be run separately. Maj Gen Ehsan took over the podium to remind all those who had not paid their dues and offered amnesty to those who were willing to pay their for the current year. Mr. Ehsan Iqbal was also invited to address the audience and enlighten them about his vision for Pakistan. He informed us of a university that he was trying to open. A very noble idea indeed. We wish him good luck and success in his project. All speakers apologized for delaying the dinner. The audience held its patience till requests were hurled for a song. These requests were ignored till, under the patronage of ACM Farooq Feroze, the request was acceded to reciprocally. The floor was challenged to put up a show. Mahmood Gul picked up the gauntlet and sang "Gham diayee mustaqil" in memory of Mr. Haq Nawaz, who often obliged his not so studious students with this song when they rose against his desire to introduce Shakespeare to them. May Allah Bless Mr. Haq Nawaz; we learnt a lot from him and he was an excellent teacher. The spark ignited by this event lead to further merry making, Thank Allah, and the evening started to take some shape of an Old Boys Reunion. Mr. Tasneem Noorani was encouraged through popular demand (read hooting) to render a song. He obliged happily and had the audience honour bound listening to "Baat niklege to phir door tilak jayee gee". We have since then kept a lid on the "Baat".

Dinner was served immediately after the song. The dinner was a quiet affair. Some photographs taken by me are posted for viewing. I have pasted names on the people so that you can recognize them (in case you have not seen them for decades and have difficulty recognizing them).

Click here to see the photographs.

(Photos will open up in a separate windows so you may keep reading while they download to your computer).

The one single thing that I found missing from this gathering and all previous ones that I have attended was the absence of reminiscing of incidents that took place at school. Perhaps this was done in small groups but it would be far more interesting to do it collectively. The earlier entries may not know what it was like for the middle entries and vice versa. There is need for open discussion about the way we grew up there. I think the whole thing was designed (while I was there) for individual performance and success. Everyone had to make it to the top of the pyramid. There was little or no encouragement for collective achievement. Some or many would disagree, so lets talk about it. Are we a good group or are we good individuals? Let the debate begin. We need to do that on the email and in our gatherings. And let us reminisce; that’s why we get together. I hope you like the photographs. It’s a beginning. I was not the official photographer for the occasion. Similarly, I am writing this report, freelance so that others may read and reply.

Hamid Khawaja

603S

Reunion in Sargodha, March 25, 2000

The Sargodhian Old Boys Reunion was held on 25 March at Sargodha. These Reunions have started to come so rapidly that I almost get the feel as if I have joined back into the school. So the old nostalgia and euphoria level has somewhat reduced. The College went out of its way to make it a great event. The food was excellent, there were the usual games, kite flying, Aero Modeling show, music from Wet Metals and so on. Old Boys won the cricket match and without any handicap.

Now there are two kinds of Old Boys. There are the 19 years old fresh graduates who are beginning their careers. And then there are, as Raja Aftab put it, ancient boys, in their forties, fifties, sixties, who are either at the fag end of their career or are cozy retirees, grand fathers and searching for a cause to live.

Maybe it is the ancient Sargodhians, who have more resources, time and energy, that can rekindle this NGO and come out with some concrete achievement. Anas has so far managed to keep the candle burning single-handedly. Oldies are now spoiling for some action and seem to be eager to get away from home and wife. They are welcome to prove themselves. They can certainly make a difference.

So this Reunion was different and serious tone of the event was set right at the beginning when on Arrival, a Convention of the Chapters was held Chaired by G. M. Malik (57-A; ex-Army).

The two point Agenda was Organization and Sargodhian Spirit Trust Project.

A very open, honest and frank discussion took place. Speakers from the floor pointed out that the Sargodha Spirit Trust project, set up by Islamabad, was not well conceived and executed. It lacked the required checks and balances which had resulted in squandering away of considerable funds. The Trust Report had itself stated, that if no further infusion of funds was done, it would go bankrupt within next two years.

Some speakers pointed out that such projects should be managed by professional staff with requisite expertise. A jobless Sargodhian should not be sufficient criteria for employment.

Anas, who managed the Trust, explained that the Trust was initiated with good intentions and its present state should be accepted as consequence of inexperience and an honest mistake. He said that from now a new Board of Trustees had been inducted with Farooq Feroze (69-F) as Chairman with GM Malik (57-A), Ehsan ul Haque (589-F), Tasswar Piracha (98-T) and Amanullah Khan (145-F) as other members of the Central Body. He assured that now all decisions will be taken with consensus and in accordance with laid down procedures.

The House approved that an Audit be carried out of the previous accounts. And past mismanagement, if any, should be condoned.

The House also unanimously approved that the Organization's Secretariat should be located at the College.

The issue of restructuring the Organization and formulation of its Rules of Business was left unresolved because it needed more work and consensus. It was better to be slow but do a good job of it.

In principle, the Chapters agreed to support the Sargodhian Spirit Trust, an affiliate of the Association.

Karachi Chapter offered 35 acres of land at Tando Allayar along with $50,000 to the Spirit Trust to take up a project for school in the rural Sind.

It was agreed that Amanullah khan (145-F) would study both the Proposals and then put forward his views to the Chapters. For me, Amanullah, a professor, an academic and owner of a successful computer company, was a discovery. He is an extraordinary speaker and it was his moving speech, that mellowed down the rigidity of different points of views. He said that all his life, he had been taking and now that he had everything that he had ever wished for, and was in his twilight years, he wanted to give something back to the school and to the society in general.

Another discovery of the Reunion was a young Sargodhian, Adnanul Arabi, who was running three colleges in Karachi and was now setting up a University, Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology, at Korangi Creek in collaboration with Air Force. It appeared that old boys seem to be doing exceptionally well in a wide variety of fields such as Business, Engineering, Administration, Computers etc. And it this variety of fields that enriches the organization. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, a Sargodhian, was present at the Reunion. He has recently published a book. Similarly, Salahuddin Chaudhry, presently DG Foreign Office, tipped to be the next High commissioner in UK, was present. He is a soft spoken person and a thorough gentleman.

Sargodha was also unusually warm for March which did not help much. February is a better time for Reunions. Clinton was visiting the same day. He said things which every right thinking person in Subcontinent feels. But historically we are not in the habit of taking good timely advice. We keep living in our own little worlds and big egos. And keep flowing against the tide until we really mess it up right and proper.

on that somber note, good bye.

nazar.hayat@attglobal.net

http://www.geocities.com/nazarhayatkhan/

Reunion held at Coffee Time in Toronto, Canada

On March 4, 2000

The meeting of Alumni Sargodhians was held on March 4, 2000, at Coffee Time, 4900 Sheppard Ave, Toronto, Canada. This meeting was arranged by Bakhtiar Bhai in honour to WELCOME the new Sargodhians. MASHALLAH, there are around 30 Sargodhians now in Toronto, Canada.

Beside being handicapped and waiting for a Major surgery of his knee, Bakhtiar Bhai drove all the way from Montreal to Toronto and back. (That is a 6 Hours drive one way.)

11 Sargodhians attended the Meeting, as others were on the job and they had requested to be excused for not being able to attend, however, their support was behind our decisions.

Meeting started with the 6 albums, being the center of attraction for all the Sargodhians. These albums were made and maintained by Bakhtiar Bhai, with old and new memories ever since the School/College/Academy was formed.

Then Bakhtiar Bhai showed copies of all the News Sheets, magazines that were published. An updated list which is being prepared by Bakhtiar Bhai from 1st Entry till the latest was shown and an updated overseas list was given to everyone. The Participants expressed their appreciation for the amount of work being put up by Bakhtiar Bhai in this mission of creating a network of Sargodhians.

The issue of payment of annual contributions was also discussed and every one agreed to pay the annual subscription of $50.

Col. Nazar as he being the senior most, was requested by Bakhtiar Bhai to please give/advise to the young.

Col. Nazar gave a very comprehensive and encouraging speech on the importance of networking and offered his full support to all the Sargodhians, especially who are new in Canada. Mr. Nasim Hussain and Arshad Zaidi also showed great concern for the new arrivals and offered their help.

It was also planned and agreed to help any new senior or Junior Sargodhians who are planning to Migrate to Canada, will be given full co-operation, so that they have minimum possible problems to face in settling down in their new places.

A EID MILAN party of all the Sargodhians and their families will be held. Time date and place will be announced after EID. Everyone is expected to attend with their families.

The meeting adjourned after 3 hours. Arshad Zaidi, requested Bakhtiar Bhai to kindly stay at his house, where Masood Alam, Fida Muhammad, Abid Mustafa and his Daughter Sehar, son Azeem joined Bakhtiar Bhai for Diner at Arshad Zaidi’s Residence.

The Next Day Bakhtiar Bhai was requested By Sehar (daughter of Abid Mustafa), to kindly attend her birthday, before leaving for Montreal, Which Bakhtiar Bhai did attend.

Photographs were taken by Bakhtiar Bhai, a copy of which has been Mailed to all who were present at the meeting.

Participants:

Mr. Nazar Hussain, (41T)

Mr. Shahid Munir, (159T)

Mr. Bakhtiar Beig Mirza, (161A)

Mr. Mizan ur Rehman, (341A)

Mr. Syed Nasim Hussain, (402S)

Mr. Mushtaque Ahmad, (616S)

Mr. Shahid uz Zaman, (726A)

Mr. Fida Mohammad, (74th Gd)

Mr. Arshad zaidi, (69th Gd)

Mr. Hafeez Sheikh, (72nd Gd)

Mr. Masood Alam, (74th Gd)

Mr. Abid Mustafa, (76th Gd)

March 14, 2000

Dinner, Karachi, January 2000

Last night, January 29, 2000, it was a cool pleasant night and we had the Sargodhians Dinner at the lush green sunken gardens of the Faisal Base Mess with tall palm trees and leaves lightly rustling. There were over 100 people and children running around noisily. Anas Bhai had flown over from Pindi. It goes to his credit that he does make it to every function.

The Agenda for the night was:

* To discuss the proposal put forward by the 'Constitution Review Committee', of which I was a member.

*To hold elections of the office bearers for next term of Karachi Chapter.

Re-elected President Mazhar Karim will soon announce the results through a letter. One good aspect of the election was that the monopoly of senior entries over the office bearers' posts is gradually reducing. Two Vice Presidents elected for the Karachi Chapter are from relatively junior entries and it is hoped that they would bring in and re-connect more boys from the junior entries into the Sargodhians fold.

We all love rostrum and the mike: and thus it was difficult to keep people away. People gave their points of view, there were disagreements and heated discussions. Until, everyone really wanted to go for food. The food provided the right amount of intoxication to calm us down. And everyone was back to laughers and Gup Shup. The wives were somewhat perplexed to see us making so much fuss over just the Sargodhian Constitution. (If countries can do without them...?)

The gist of review committee proposal is as follows:

1. The Old Constitution was too binding and had outlived its utility. The ground realities had changed and the Organization had now developed and expanded to a worldwide level.

2. Thus it needed an injection of openness, flexibility, autonomy and freedom to its Chapters.

3. Consequently, it was proposed that wherever there was a group of over 10 old boys in a geographical location, they could declare themselves a Chapter and simply inform the Central office.

4. Every Chapter would be of Equal Status and would be administratively, functionally and financially fully autonomous. No mandatory contribution will be made by any Chapter to the Central Office.

5. Every Chapter would be free to decide on its own office bearers and other Rules of business. But would be bound to elect a President for a term of two years.

6. Chapters in Pakistan, with a mutual consent, would nominate one of their Chapters to act as a Central Office.

7. Every Chapter will be bound to provide a list of its members to the Central office. 8. The Central Office will publish every year an uptodate Directory and provide a copy to every Chapter free of cost.

9. The Chapters will interact with each other to the extent that they like. They may even combine and nominate one Chapter to act as a Regional Office.

10. Central office will coordinate and resolve issues that deal with more than one Chapter.

The question as to which Chapter in Pakistan will act as the Central Office will be resolved during the Sargodhian REUNION planned to be held at Sargodha on 11 March, 2000.

So that was the last night.

Now on a lighter note, these are really good times. A Christmas went by, a new year has begun - a new Millennium has begun. The Bug did not bother us. Eid came with its joys. There are those winter joys like snow fall, morning fogs and chills. The Geese are getting fatter. Days are short and crisp. The air has a nip. Long dreamy nights. My deep gratitude to scores of friends who wished me well on my son's marriage.

Our email community is expanding with everyday. Has finally begun to re-connect and is gradually getting to know each others locations and families; and share others' sorrows and happiness. This augurs well.

best wishes

nazar hayat (449-A)

Secretary PR (Karachi Chapter)

mailto:nazar.hayat@ibm.net

mailto:nazar.hayat@usa.net

http://www.geocities.com/soho/lofts/8723

Reunion/Picnic, New Jersey, 1999

Like the last two years, this year again we had the Sargodhian annual reunion/picnic in New Jersey. After the responses from the Sargodhians regarding the date and place the reunion took place as follows:

Date: Saturday, August 21, 1999

Time: 12:00 Noon

Place: Mahmud Haq's House, Central New Jersey area

Like the last two years, Mahmud Haq generously proposed his house in New Jersey to be venue this time also. All chapters were invited. We had a heavy turnout. More than 100 people attended the function.

We are really grateful to all the Sargodhians for giving us the honour to have their company. For the next reunion we encourage all Sargodhians to actively participate in this event. Please let us know about your plans ahead of time so that we can make proper arrangements.

Those of you who have Internet access, please visit this homepage at http://www.sargodhians.com for the updates.

Please send your e-mail and suggestions to Sohail Shafi shafi7117@yahoo.com or Bakhtiar B. Mirza bakhtiar161@hotmail.com

Here is the report by Bakhtiar B. Mirza (161A)

International ALUMNI SARGODHIANS Reunion

Sponsored and organized by

N.A. ALUMNI SARGODHIANS

On 21st August 1999, in New Jersey, U.S.A.

A short note from the President N.A. Alumni Association.

My sincere apologies for not being able to attend Sargodhians reunion this year due to a previous engagement. It is, however heartening to know that so many of you were able to attend this gathering in N.J. I am deeply grateful to Bakhtiar Beig Mirza (161A), who in spite of his serious health problems has devoted unselfishly his energy, time, money to this International Sargodhian Reunion. My sincere thanks to all who helped in making this auspicious gathering a great success.

Bakhtiar has acknowledged these individuals in his report. We shall INSHALLAH see you at our next gathering in Niagara falls, New York/ Canada.

With warmest

regards,

Aslam Khan(113F)

Report of the events at the reunion

The meeting was started by Bakhtiar (secretary Overseas),by offering Fateha for our Sargodhian brothers who have departed and are with Khaliq-E-Haqqiqui. The Sudden death of our brother Meghany101F was announced and Fateha offered.

Bakhtiar read out Messages from Warsi(390A), thanking every Sargodhian for the help they gave him by donating whatever they could. He read out message of S.M Anas (life Secretary), as he was refused visa, without any reason despite submitting all documents required by American embassy.

Messages of Maj/Gen Ahsanullah DGMI (president of Sargodhians Alumni), M.Sarwar Haq (14T), Mr. Alvi and Mr. A.B.Chughtai(Teacher) were read.

An invitation was extended by the N.A. Alumni Sargodhians to the rest of the brotherhood in order for them to come with their families to be part of this momentous gathering on August 21, 99. Families were reunited after 30-40 years of separation and not knowing where they were and what they were doing.

Sohail Shafi's comments

Bakhtiar then requested Sohail Shafi to take over the meeting. Sohail Shafi presented the budget from last year, which everyone refused to see, as it was acknowledged by everyone present, that, they had full confidence in Bakhtiar's handling N.A. Alumni account. It is because of this that our gatherings are growing every time and we are being connected to each other.

Sohail Shafi requested everyone to pay their dues which is $50.per year, which everyone present at the meeting paid. He emphasized that we should try to reach our coursemates and help Bakhtiar Bhai, fulfil his mission. He also requested everyone to mail in their biodatas to Bakhtiar Bhai as soon as possible. He then requested the Sargodhians from every chapter to update what is happening in their respective chapters.

Air/cmdr Shabbir A. Khan was requested to update the attendees on his project, which was very much appreciated and promised he would get full help and cooperation from the North American chapter.

Furthermore, Bakhtiar personally acknowledge the following individuals for making this reunion a great success.

Sohail Shafi 70th GD, who has been so kind and helpful to the association by driving all the way from Chicago to attend the meetings. Muazzam Khan 71st GD (he has fully devoted himself to tirelessly taking care of the Sargodhians WEB site). He even has created Sargodhians home page, the address of which is:

http://www.sargodhians.com

A special thanks to Mahmud Haq 72nd GD, for offering his house to host the reunions.

Mohammad Asif 73rd GD, for supplying the best food for these events and made sure no Sargodhian went hungry.

A.K.A. Saadullh (250A), who tirelessly travels to M.E, U.K. Bangladesh, to attend Sargodhians meetings. He coordinates on telephone and helps arrange all that is needed to keep this family together, without asking for any compensation.

This time the following were present at the reunion:

Teachers: Mr. S..Muzafar Hussain Naqvi, DR Mehboob A. Khan, wg/cmdr (R) M. Aslam Javaid.

Muquit 346T, (He came from Singapore),

Saif ur Rehman Tariq 479S, Col. (R) Zaka Ullah 68T (From Pakistan), A.Qadeer Mansoor 381F, (U.A.E), Anees Abbas 173A (Saudi Arabia), Humayun Mirza 189S, (Kuwait), Azad Ayub 380F (sec. U.K Chapter) and Ashfaque Ahmad 517T, represented U.K chapter, Emran Ali Beg 139A, represented Bangladesh chapter, Shahid Munir 159T, Arshad Zaidi(69th GD) Shahid Hussain (71st GD), represented Canada. Anis Akram Baig 72S, Mazhar Amin 114T, Saleem Gauhar 128S, Farooq Maroof 193A, A.K.A,Saadullah 250A, Saiful Islam 406S, K.B.Mehboob 478S, S.M.Asghar 537F, Musharaf Hussain 549A, Mukhlesur Rehman 766F, S.Tariq Hussain 824A, Baber Suleman 1075 (Rafiqi), Aizaz Ahmad 21st, Amer Salim (62nd GD), Zaheer Baber (69th GD), Sohail Shafi(70th GD) NajibullahKhan(70th GD) M. Muazzam Khan (71st GD), Mahmud Haq (72nd GD), Shaukat H. Khan (72nd GD), Baqar Naqvi(72nd GD), Muhammad Asif (73rd GD). Represented U.S.A.

Ch. Ilyas 355T, Tahir Minhas 541T, Warris Mujtaba 66F, Missed their flights.

Kamal Alvi (21st) and his father Mr. Alvi (former Teacher), could not attend as their son had a serious accident and they had to leave for Pakistan.

Mickey Mirza 53T, could not attend as Mrs. Mirza is sick due to a car accident. M. Sarwar Haq 15T, was unable to attend as he is sick.

Col.(R) Nazar Hussain, Prof Aslam Khan, could not make it due to previous engagements. Roohul Amin 972M, could not make as his brother had a Neuro Cirkoid attack and he had to be rushed to hospital in N.Y.

A few others apologized for being unable to attend for different reasons.

Lunch was served, photo session was held and everyone departed around 6 P.M. with a resolution to bring others along and hold next meeting at NIAGRA Falls and requested everyone to send in their comments on this meeting so that they be added in the report. Report prepared by:

Bakhtiar Beig Mirza

Secretary overseas Alumni Sargodhians

Comments by Aizaz Ahmad (68th GD, and 21th Entry)

The reunion on August 21 was a pleasant experience; it could also be termed as a reasonably successful public relationing exercise. I could also sense sufficient interest in the participants to keep this tradition alive at least in the near future. Under the circumstances and given the pace of life in this country, it was a job well done. The credit for all this goes to you, Mahmud Haq, Muazzam and Sohail Shafi. Thank you one and thank you all.

However, to kindle and then sustain a real, lasting and abiding interest of all Sargodhians in the Association's activities, we would have to make such annual gatherings as well as our activities more purposeful, well-defined and constructive. This can best be done by strengthening our linkages with the Association's chapters operating in various cities of Pakistan. Many of them are constructively engaged in welfare activities, promotion of basic education in Pakistan and some philanthropic programmes.

As for the annual gatherings, each occasion could have a theme of its own and then organized through a team work. Each participant should be prepared to offer his comments, ideas and proposals on the given theme, and then prepared to discuss them in a quasi-formal way. The occasion should be more solemn and less casual to get the maximum out of the time and money spent by each participant in attending the event. We may also consider not to make such gatherings an occasions for picnicing and feasting; the families and children may not necessarily come. There could be other social occasions for this purpose; but this is only a suggestion and I do not feel so strongly about it.

All in all, the trouble taken by you to organize the event was worth the effort. I'm sure we all benefited from it in some way. Thanks once again.

Truly yours,

Aizaz

Reunion, Sargodha, February 1999

So like every year, we had the Sargodha Re-Union at Sargodha on the third Saturday of February - 20th February. C-130 took us from Karachi to Sargodha. Boys from Lahore, Pindi and Peshawer came under their own arrangement. Same faces - only older - more flab - more gray hair and a few more wrinkles. Every one had a laughter or at least a smile. After the aircraft started up, it again switched off. Some technical fault. Some more jokes. Not all were funny. But C-130 guys did not give us a cup of tea. Too bad. But thanks Air Force. After two hours we were at Sargodha. Same kirana hills. But they looked quite washed after recent rains. The school gate has improved. The trees are the same. But a little older just like us. The undergrowth was all cleaned up. Everything that did not move was white washed -in the typical military style.

Registration. Souvenirs. Filling up forms. I hate filling up forms and writing my contact info. Some payment also for the function. There is no such thing as free lunch. Then the lunch. The boys of school looked very small but sharp - and I think more intelligent than us. Then to our beds in the Dorms. White bed sheets, one pillow each and two black blankets. Roads, houses, dorms, even the beds, looked smaller than what they used to be. So the Samsonite under the bed and our life again - living out of the suite case. Bending down was never so harder. Then began the ceremonies. Basketball ball match in No 1 - Old Vs New. Sargodha Drums (Dhols) provided the ear shattering background music. They sounded original and novel initially but little did we realize that these Dhols would get on our nerves by the time we left the next day. Canteen went on with boys sitting on the small terrace and sipping.

Back for the evening program. Bathrooms. Had to do some research on the plumbing of the bathroom. Clockwise. Anti-Clockwise. But finally settled for cold shower. That loud 123 and under the water. Tie and Suite; and on to the Lawn infront of dining room. Tents. Stage. Mikes. And then began the marathon of speeches. No one wants to leave the mike. Some spoke well. Some had stale jokes. Some sounded as if they were still boys and not old. Overall it went well. Aren't we the Mutual Admiration Society. Cameras. Videos. Bhakhtiar with his flowing white beard too energetic for his sickness. He is too young to have a white beard. Ali Uddin, the President, the Air Marshall, certainly not dernourished, spoke well. So did Commandant Aftab Zia. Tasneem Siddique was also one of the few good speakers. The standard of speeches convinced that the school must start one minute extempore speech sessions as class curriculum.

Then dinner. Not as lavish as last time. Then began the Music by the Wet ...some name I forget. They were good. Hit songs of the subcontinent from Daler Mehdi, Sukhbir and the like. Old boys jumping on the stage to dance. But some school boys were really good in Choreography. Old boys mostly dangled their limbs around like the Sharabis of Indian movies. It went on with tea and paans. Finally to bed. Tiring and a long day. Age shows. Next morning breakfast of Halwa poori, Channa, Halwa. Now quite used to the environment. Photograph sessions infront of houses. Kite Flying in football 1. And Dhols again. Small parties. Small sessions. Walkarounds. Music club was well equipped. Museum was OK. They have painted the swimming pool white. I do not know why we Pakistanis love to white wash over that sober looking brick finish. Dairy farm - about 20 buffaloes. But the boys did not look too healthy. So where does that milk go? Education block was really spotless. Flowers. Trees. Lawns. It was good. A coach for the city center for those who wanted the real flaovour of the place - broken roads, dust, flies, samosa corners, population - that is the real Pakistan. Lunch. Simple Lunch. Mouve (believe me!) coloured rice, vegetable bhujia and raita. Too simple a Lunch after we have traveled from 500 miles away. Next time, our dear Alma Mater, give us lavish meals and on the house. What is life without good food. Time to pack up and wrap up. Bus leaves for Air Port at 2 PM. And that is the story of our Sargodhian's reunion. bye.

nazar hayat (449-A)

Secretary PR (Karachi Chapter)

mailto:nazar.hayat@ibm.net

mailto:nazar.hayat@usa.net

http://www.geocities.com/soho/lofts/8723

Reunion/picnic, New Jersey, 98

Sargodhians Picnic was held on Saturday, August 8, 1998. About 50 guests attended the picnic. Since it was a family affair, the Sargodhians wives and kids were also a big part of this picnic. Dr. Mahboob Alam, Ex. Principal of PAF College, Sargodha, was among the special guests. (Dr. Mehboob was also the House Master of Munir/Attacker house, before he became the Principal of PAF College in the 90's. He is visiting the United States now and would be going back to Pakistan shortly.) Mr. Aslam Javed, (Maths teacher in the late 70's and 80's, and the 2nd House Master of Munir/Attacker) also attended the picnic with his family. Mr. Emran Ali Baig (who came from Bangladesh) also joined us. Mr. Bakhtiar came from Canada, Mr. Mukhles Rehman came from Ohio and Mr. Sohail Shafi came from Chicago to attend the picnic.

The picnic was hosted at Mahmud Haq's (72nd) house in New Jersey and was organizes by Mr. Bakhtiar Baig and some young Sargodhians. We are thankful to all the attendees who made a special effort to join us.

Here is the detail of the picnic as sent by Mr. Bakhtiar Baig:

(pictures will be posted later on)

Minutes of Sargodhians Reunion and Picnic held on August 8, 1998.

To relive the happy past remains a hope, a love, and a longing in the human breast, there are myriad of associations which bring happy memories to life for a fleeting moments. These associations are like a priceless treasure because they provide us islands of tranquility in the rushing ocean of time. These memories take a special place if they belong to the golden period, the youth of one’s life. To share all these memories, first ever Sargodhian’s Family Picnic was held on August 8, 1998 in New Jersey. There could have been no better place than any Sargodhian’s house for such an event and Mahmud Haq (72nd GDP) and his family was kind enough to offer their house for the event.

Introduction of the attendees and their wives

We had an attendance of about 100 (including all the family members). Among many old Sargodhians, Dr. Mahboob Alam Khan (ex-teacher and principal) and Wg/Cdr. M. Aslam Javaid (teacher) also graced the occasion by their presence. Bakhtiar (161 A) started the meeting by thanking Mahmud and his family for hosting the picnic. Then Saif (406 S) talked about Warsi, who was the best athlete in Pakistan for 3 years and who is suffering from a tragedy in Bangladesh.

Bakhtiar bhai said that his main aim right now is to bring all the Sargodhians under one umbrella. He requested, Sohail Shafi, Mahmud Haq, Saadullah, Muazzam and Shaukat Khan to form a committee with the co-operation of the other Sargodhians, while he is busy contacting Sargodhians all over the world. Right now he is in contact with Sargodhians in Pakistan, Canada, USA, The Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Bakhtiar informed about Mr. Warsi. Mr. Warsi lives in Bangladesh. In an accident he lost his legs and he is paralyzed from both legs now. He has no children. So far $1400 have been collected and people are still sending money for him. A committee consisting of G/Capt. Qamr-ul-Hassan and Mamun-ur-Rasheed has been formed in Bangladesh, which will be fully responsible to Sargodhians Associations regarding funds.

Bakhtiar bhai informed about the dues, how much was paid up until now and that many had not sent in their dues are requested to mail. Bakhtiar bhai said, "I am saving the money for the rainy day". Sohail Shafi, Maj. (R) Saif-Ul-Islam, Saadullah and all Sargodhians said that is was unfair that Bakhtiar bhai bear all the expanses. As they had full faith in him, as the results of his efforts are in front of them. We will create a new fund, which will be utilized in an hour of need for any Sargodhian.

Bakhtiar bhai thanked Sohail for coming from Chicago despite his domestic engagements. He also thanked Mukhles Rehman who came from Ohio thanked Asif and Muazzam for arranging the delicious food for the picnic. The menu for the picnic was Tandoori chicken, chicken biryani, lamb curri, oakra, sheekh kabab, nan and salad. Kheer was the sweet dish. There was also pizza for the children. Bakhtiar bhai also thanked Najibullah, Sohail, Shaukat, Asif, Mahmud and Muazzam for bearing all the expanses of the picnic. He also thanked the wives of the all the Sargodhians, who by taking interest in this picnic showed that we are one family and not just friends.

Bakhtiar bhai showed the master directory, which he is compiling for all Sargodhians. Video copies of reunions are also available.

It was proposed that there should be an official web site of Sargodhians and Muazzam will be looking after this matter.

Sargodhians T-shirts (with collage monograms) are available for $25 each ($5 will be donated to the Sargodhians fund).

Dr. Mahboob Alam Khan and Wg/Cdr. M. Aslam Javaid also shared some good thoughts. Cricket was played, while teens enjoyed table tennis, children had their own games. While ladies had their own mahfil. They also got to know each other well. They also went through the three albums brought by Bakhtiar bhai, which contained memories from 1952 till 1998 including all the reunions held in Sargodha, 1990, 1997 and 1998.

All thanked Bakhtiar for doing a great job.

The photographs of this picnic are sent to College, headquarter in Islamabad, branches in Pakistan Europe, Australia, Singapore and Bangladesh and interested individual can get them on payment.

On his way back home to Montreal, Bakhtiar also visited Azam Saeed (75th GDP) and his family in Hartford CT., who has been transferred to Italy.

Ch. Saadiq (213 S) despite coming all the way from Qatar could not make it to the picnic as his wife fell sick. Emran Ali Beg (139 A) came from Bangladesh to be with us. We appreciate and thank them all for giving us the honor to be with us.

Sample of Who’s Who Directory

Bakhtiar is preparing this directory and all Sargodhians are requested to send their bio-data and photographs so that this goal could be achieved.

Reunion, New Jersey, 98

On February 27, 1998, we had a Sargodhians get-together in New Jersey where 27 Sargodhians from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, Baltimore, Connecticut, California, Canada, UK and Bangladesh attended a lunch / meeting followed by an informal gathering at a Sargodhian's (Mahmud-Ul-Haq, 72^nd) house near by. There were Sargodhians from time periods from 1950's to 1980's. Mr. Bakhtiar Beig Mirza (161A) was the main force behind the arrangements for this successful lunch and meeting.

In the meeting we all introduced ourselves to each other, shared some old memories and talked about our lives after Sargodha. We also talked about what we do now and our life achievements in the respective professions. Let me tell you sir, we have a lot of proud Sargodhians. I am also planing to add a page to the Sargodhians homepage with some of the information from the meeting and the e-mails I have received from different Sargodhians.

I would highly appreciate if you could send a few lines about yourself for the homepage. This would allow me to use that information and to use it in a correct format.

Here are the minutes of the meeting (Sent by Mr. Bakhtiar Beig Mirza)

First ever meeting of Sargodhians living in North America was held on February 7^th, 1998 in New Jersey. The meeting was organized and arranged by Mr. Bakhtiar Beig Mirza (161A) and A.K. SaadUllah (250A) with the help of Sohail Shafi (70^th), Muazzam Khan (71^st) and Shaukat Khan (72^nd). Without their help it would have been impossible to organize the get-together. It was attended by 27 Sargodhians and their wives. The lunch was held at Sheezan restaurant in Edison, New Jersey; and then on the request of Mahmud Haq (72^nd) the venue was moved to his house where everyone was served with coffee and doughnuts.

We are grateful to Mr. A.B. Chugtai (ex-maths teacher and Assistant housemaster of Attacker house) and Azad Ayub (380F) who on a special request flew in from UK to attend the meeting and guide us through the meeting. An amount of $35 was collected from every individual who attended. Of which $13.50 went towards the food and the remaining $21.50 was given to Mr. Bakhtiar for the cost incurred, e.g., photocopies, faxes, photographs, phone calls, postage etc to make this lunch possible. Other Sargodhians are requested to send their checks to Mr. Bakhtiar Mirza.

Mr. Bakhtiar paid a tribute to the honesty of Mr. S. M. Anas who won 25 lakhs prize bond and informed everyone that the money belongs to the Sargodhians. (He was unemployed at that time.) Mr. Bakhtiar thanked all the ladies for their attendance and wishes to thank all the daring ones who unleashed their husbands to spend the day with old friends and reminisce about long lost times.

Mr. Bakhtiar informed every one that there would be a big family picnic in six months. All family members are encouraged to attend. Mr. Bakhtiar also needs every ones photographs in order to compile a Who is Who directory of Sargodhians. He also asked attendees to decide on a membership fee and asked Azad Ayub to make a suggestion for how much the membership fee should be.

It was decided that the website should be for all Sargodhians worldwide. We should have a master register and hold at least two meeting every year. The master register will help us collect the dues.

Sohail Shafi (70^th) suggested that the Sargodhians should have their own Internet domain name for the homepage, such as www.Sargodhians.com

Tariq Azmat (72^nd) suggested that we should establish a small foundation, a small business. A business like the Shaheen Foundation has.

Sohail Shafi (70^th) suggested that the association name should be changed from Old Boys Association to Sargodhians Alumni Association.

Mr. Asghar (537F) suggested that out organization should be more structured and it should raise funds like Alumni in large universities. He would also like to establish a rehabilitation center for Sargodhians. (The foundation could be profit or non-profit).

Asif (73^rd) who also owns the Bombay Theatre suggested that he runs a free dispensary in Lahore and for that he raises funds in the US by arranging appearance by superstars. He can call a famous singer and we can do fund raising show/dinner. In this way Asif can help raising funds for social causes.

Mazhar Amin (114T) suggested that we should advertise through a TV channel. He also suggested that Sargodhians should start to portray an image for the good of everyone.

Mahmud (72^nd) asked, what is our mission? Let's define a cause…

Mr. Bakhtiar replied, we should create some thing to help others and raise funds.

Shaukat (72^nd) suggested, "we should put our money where our mouths are".

Mr. Mazhar Amin said, image is very important and if we have the money we can build a good image.

Mr. Musharraf (549A) suggested that we should first try to get-together in a large number. For that we should network and increase the number. He also said, use the Internet to increase the networking.

Dr. Shahid Aziz (239A) suggested that we should not be too grandiose. Let's have a simple, clear and concise mission. It will take time to define the mission.

Mr. Bakhtiar said, we should elect a President, Vice President and other officers for our group. He also talked about sending telegrams to other Sargodhians for weddings and deaths on the behalf of all Sargodhians and the bill should be equally distributed.

Mr. Musharraf suggested that we should have a formal structure set up so that all expenses can be reimbursed.

Mr. SaadUllah suggested that some Sargodhians (from Bangladesh) still have a bitter feeling towards Pakistan. However, we should rise above that. He further explained that Mr. Yousaf Kamal refused to be apart of Sargodhians. This is mainly because people have begun to associate PAF College with Pakistan.

Dr. Shahid Aziz suggested that ex-Sargodhians who do not want to be a part of "Sargodhians", should not be pursued. It should be up to the individual whether to join or not.

Mr. Azad Ayub suggested that today we should decide on how much the contribution should be and the other particulars about the organization. He also suggested that the minimum fee should be $15 to $20 and each event should be extra.

Mr. Asghar suggested that Mr. Bakhtiar should not do all the work. He should have three to four people (in different regions) to help him. Mr. SaadUllah, Sohail Shafi, Shaukat, Mahmud Haq and Muazzam Khan (responsible for the Sargodhians webpage) were nominated to help Mr. Bakhtiar.

Mr. Chughtai suggested FS "Foundation of Sargodhians" as a good organization name.

Others suggested using e-mail to get more suggestion for the organization name.

Mr. Bakhtiar suggested putting an advertisement in a newspaper to get more Sargodhians informed. Asif was asked to make proper arrangements for that.

About collecting the dues and opening a separate account for Sargodhians, Mr. Ashraf suggested that for now we should keep it simple and send the money to one person and that would be Mr. Bakhtiar. Mr. Bakhtiar already has an account for Sargodhians. All personal checks should be sent to him and made out in his name.

Mr. Musharraf should find out the requirements to set up a non-profit organization, while Mr. Musharraf suggested that Asif should raise funds through his work.

Mr. Azad Ayub informed all members that he could provide free accommodation to all Sargodhians who will visit London in July and August.

Mahmud offered to be the host for the next meeting in New Jersey and requested that all members bring their families. The next meeting will be in six months.

We missed all Sargodhians who could not attend and we hope that next time all Sargodhians will be able to make it.

Meeting adjourned: 1900 hours (for some of us it is 7:00 PM)

Additional comments:

PAF College Sargodha has a history of 50 years. Some Sargodhians have immigrated to Bangladesh after 1971. There was a large representation by the Sargodhians from Bangladesh in the meeting. We should not forget that the Sargodhians have to rise above all that and work together as Sargodhians for a good cause. Let's become united and strong first and then we will plan to do social and charitable work. The work could be anywhere. Anywhere in the world. It could be Pakistan, Bangladesh, USA or Canada. Mr. SaadUllah, Mr. SaifUlIslam and Mr. Musharraf had very important in put on this subject. Let's keep that in mind.

Tariq Azmat made a very good point of making ourselves strong first. He recited Iqbal's verse "Pahle apne paikar-e-khaki main jaan paida kar". I would reemphasize that we must get united and strong first before we can do something worth while.