My Pakistani hero has passed....

[Meengla]

RIP to this great soul!

But I am kind of ashamed to say that I grew tired of looking at him on Pakistan television during the 80's. There were these endless visits and meetings related to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and Mr. Yaqub Khan was always there. Maybe it was my perception of 'guilt by association': He was serving General Zia--a hated dictator then. And then there was also a widespread perception that Benazir Bhutto was made to swallow Yaqub Khan as her Foreign Minister as a price to be given the power after the 1988 elections.

In short, I didn't care of this noble soul out of my own ignorance. But even then I knew that no one had ever accused him of financial corruption and that, according to my father, Mr. Yaqub Khan wisely followed his conscience in the then E. Pakistan.

But now that he has passed away and eulogies, like this OP, are coming up I realize that Sahibzada was a great asset to Pakistan and to humanity itself. RIP sir!

 

[Solomon2]

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE > OPINION

My icon, mentor and friend
By Talat Masood
Published: February 2, 2016

The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board


Sahabzada Yaqub was a man of exceptional qualities who left an indelible impression on me from the first day I met him. His career spanned over a historic period, both pre- and post-Partition. As aide-de-camp to both Lord Mountbatten and later to Mohammed Ali Jinnah, he experienced firsthand the evolution of Pakistan as well as the global forces at work. Fortunately, his subsequent career was also an excellent mix of military and diplomatic experience at the highest level.

The first time I came in contact with him was when he was commanding 1 Armored Division in 1961 and I was posted to 19th Lancers as the Light Aid Detachment officer. I had just returned from abroad after doing a post-graduate course. Sahabzada Yaqub’s deep fascination for technology and interest in scientific developments provided me the opportunity to interact with him at a very early stage of my military career. He had a great grasp over strategy and was aware of the close relationship between technology and strategy and its impact on the nature of conflict.


If he found any episode or conversation intellectually stimulating, then rank was not a barrier and one such experience, in 1967, illustrates the point. I had recently returned from China after doing a course on T-Series tanks when our paths crossed after a considerable gap at an army reception. Having learnt that I had just returned from China, he invited me to prepare a paper on my impressions of the situation there as it was undergoing the convulsions of the Cultural Revolution. I was one of the few foreigners living in China who and had witnessed from the sidelines the momentous unfolding of the Revolution. In his capacity as Chief of General Staff, he sent my paper to then army chief General Yahya Khan and arranged for me to address GHQ officers on my impressions of our new strategic partner China, with special reference to the Cultural Revolution and the internal power struggle in the country. I was frank and honest, and must have got something right, for a mere major (as I was then) does not normally address the GHQ nor was a junior officer’s written report sent to the army chief as this was clearly an unusual practice. But for him, dissemination of knowledge took precedence over trivial considerations. He knew that once China stabilises internally, it would be a global power of great consequence.


Sahabzada Yaqub belonged to a different breed — honest to the core, an intellectual of a high order with an incisive mind. As a diplomat, he can be ranked among the best Pakistan has produced. His speeches at the UN and other world forums made a mark. His brilliance and grasp of world affairs was internationally recognised and President Nixon in his letter of September 27, 1985 had this to say: “General Al Haig has always told me that he considers you to be one of the world’s most outstanding strategic thinkers, and after our talks I can underline that in spades.” Henry Kissinger was a great admirer and valued his views. World leaders across the political divide sought his analyses and advice on global and regional affairs. After retirement, the King of Morocco asked Sahabzada Yaqub to deliver a series of lectures at the Centre for Strategic Studies in Rabat where he spoke on national strategy and various levels of military strategy. He was one of those rare thinkers who predicted the fall of the Shah of Iran as well as the collapse of the Soviet Union before its demise.


The bold and courageous principled stand that he took over the insurgency of East Pakistan is a true reflection of his stature. If only the government of the time had heeded his advice, the great tragedy of violent separation could have been averted.

His contribution in the establishment of the National Defense College, which later was granted university status, will always be remembered. Even after retirement, Sahabzada Yaqub continued to promote education and was appointed chairman of the board of trustees of the Aga Khan University.


Of course, Sahabzada Yaqub had his weaknesses. His elitism kept him somewhat detached and invited criticism and allegations of being snobbish and beholden to the West. He belonged to that class of military officers for whom politicians were an anathema and politics remained disdainful. He was more comfortable in the company of military rulers, foreign dignitaries, intellectuals, and less with politicians. However, at a personal level he remained correct to a fault and gave his best while serving as Benazir Bhutto’s foreign minister and as ambassador during the senior Bhutto’s tenure.


Sahabzada Yaqub’s gracious wife, Tuba Begum, was an invaluable companion and a huge support to him in every facet of his life.


His interest in life never faded. Even during the Second World War, when he was taken prisoner in northern Africa while his formation was fighting against German-Italian troops, he learnt several foreign languages that gave him insight into other worlds and access to their literature, poetry and culture. He believed that gaining proficiency in a foreign language gives the advantage of seeing the world through a different lens. Sahabzada Yaqub’s formal education was basic, but through self-education and a passion for learning, he had developed insights that many leaders would envy. Interestingly, despite his Western orientation, he remained erudite in Urdu and Persian poetry and an ardent admirer of Saadi, Ghalib and Faiz. He could recite hundreds of verses from memory while being equally at ease in quoting Clausewitz, Aristotle or Shakespeare. He set new standards of intellectual discourse and always introduced elements in his conversation and lectures that would challenge the best of minds.


The standards set by Sahabzada Yaqub for professional competence and how an officer should conduct himself remain the benchmark even today. He continues to be a role model for our diplomats and statesmen to follow. And for me, he was an icon, mentor and a friend whose memory will remain indelible.


Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2016.

 

[MadDog]

​

Pakistan’s prince soldier, diplomat, statesman
By Yaqoob Khan Bangash
Published: January 27, 2016

The Honourable Lieutenant General (retd) Sahibzada Yaqub Khan died on January 25, 2016 in Islamabad. Simply put, he was a great man. Born in Rampur to Sahibzada Sir Abdul Samad Khan Bahadur in December 1920, he lived a life which would make anyone envious. His father was the chief minister of Rampur State and hence he grew up in a highly cultured and refined environment. After initially studying at the Colonel Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun, he joined the Prince of Wales Indian Military Academy, and was commissioned in the 18th King Edward’s Own Cavalry in December 1940. Sahibzada Yaqub participated in the Second World War in the North Africa theatre and was even taken prisoner of war by the Axis powers, being freed after three years.

With the news of the creation of Pakistan, the now Major Yaqub opted for Pakistan and was initially appointed as ADC to the governor-general, the Quaid-e-Azam. Rising in his military career, he was appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command and also served as the governor of East Pakistan in early March and April 1971, at one of the most critical moments in the history of Pakistan. Here he showed his mettle and resigned his commission and governorship rather than opening fire on civilians. In his letter written to President Yahya Khan, Sahibzada Yaqub iterated that the only solution to the problem was a political one and so the president should call a session of the newly elected parliament and let it chart the course for the country. This advice was unheeded and the country was torn in two.

After the separation of East Pakistan and the ascendency of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he was sent as ambassador to France, and then the US. After the military takeover of General Ziaul Haq, Sahibzada Yaqub was one of the few people left in place, and he later also served as ambassador to the Soviet Union till 1982. Recognising in him diplomatic acumen, personal charm and integrity, Ziaul Haq appointed Sahibzada Yaqub as his foreign minister from 1982 till 1987. During the difficult time of the Afghan War, Sahibzada Yaqub carefully negotiated Pakistan’s position and maintained good relations with every side. His preeminent diplomatic skill was recognised and appreciated even by people who opposed him. Sahibzada Yaqub also had the honour of serving as the foreign minster in the first democratic transition after Ziaul Haq under Benazir Bhutto, helping her steer the murky grounds of great power politics. During the 1990s, he also served as the UN’s special representative to Western Sahara, and later served as chairman of the board of Aga Khan University.

If one were to cite all the accomplishments of Sahibzada Yaqub, then several pages could easily be filled, and so I shall refrain from adding to the very bare essentials noted above. I met him only a few times, but every time I would simply return in awe of all that he saw and achieved and the humility with which he would present it. When I used to ask him about writing a memoir, he would always retort “what would I write about?” — as if his stellar life was mundane! The last time I saw him — a few months ago — I even took a few students with me and he was ever so kind and helpful to them, patiently listening and answering all their questions. What I simply loved about him was his unending zeal for learning and reflecting. He would always ask me as many questions as I would ask him, and his insight into past events was singular and his grasp of events, personalities and their impact unmatched. Well into his nineties he was still a keen reader and when I presented him my book, he quickly browsed through a couple of pages and asked me a few questions! Sahibzada Yaqub often used to reflect and contemplate on the past when I visited and was worried about the country’s future. He would talk about Jinnah and his vision and lament the current state of the country, always emphasising that we have not learnt as much from the past as we should have.

Sahibzada Yaqub was an accomplished soldier, a great statesman, but above all he was a noble human being. Never before had anyone resigned a high rank on a matter of principle — he told me that other generals had warned and told him: “Yaqub, you will be finished” — but he was undeterred. Never before had someone, in Pakistan at least, worked with such impeccable integrity serving both elected representatives and even a dictator, with honour. And never before had I come across a person with such an illustrious career, being so humble, reflective and eager to learn from everyone. It was Pakistan’s great honour and privilege to have him for so long; Sahibzada Yaqub you will be sorely missed!

Indeed a great man, thanks for the post !!!

 

[Solomon2]

Indeed a great man, thanks for the post !!!

...I didn't care of this noble soul out of my own ignorance. But even then I knew that no one had ever accused him of financial corruption...I realize that Sahibzada was a great asset to Pakistan and to humanity itself. RIP sir!

He was a hero. Was his advice heeded East Pakistan would still be ours...no one gives up power once he has received it. Those who do are exemplary people...This is a hero of a person.

I wonder if Pakistan will ever bring forth another SYK. Are there many Pakistani kids today who see him as their role model?

 

[Taimoor Khan]

I wonder if Pakistan will ever bring forth another SYK. Are there many Pakistani kids today who see him as their role model?

Except for those who grew up in 70s and 80s, the younger lot are not even aware who he was let alone, role model.

What is your association being a Israeli with him, out of all people?? I am curious.

 

[Solomon2]

What is your association being a Israeli with him, out of all people?? I am curious.

I'm an American, not an Israeli.

In 1977 SYK helped save one of my friends from the "Hanafi" terrorists who took her hostage in D.C. As I recall, he and two other ambassadors worked their telephones round-the-clock for days, quoting Qu'ran and hadith until the terrorists surrendered.

I don't think SYK had much to do with Israel, though I do recall he convinced the Arab bloc to stop agitating to kick Israel out of the U.N. back in the 1980s.

Rich tributes paid to late Sahabzada Yaqub Khan in New York
Ambassador says she learned a lot from Yaqub Khan on foreign policy issues

• APP
• January 29, 2016, 12:29 pm

NEW YORK – A condolence meeting held at the Pakistan House paid homage to Sahabzada Yaqub Khan – a former foreign minister – who passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday.


Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi presided over the solemn meeting which was attended by officers and staff of the Pakistan Mission to the UN and the Consulate General of Pakistan.


Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Lodhi paid rich tributes to Yaqub-Khan. “He was a man of great courage, a great commander, leader and also a great human being,” she said, highlighting his outstanding services to Pakistan at critical periods in Pakistan’s history.


Lodhi said that as an editor she learned a lot from Sahabzada Yaqub Khan on the foreign policy issues. He was a scholar who had extensive knowledge of western philosophy as well as Islam, she added. She lauded his services to Pakistan as the foreign minister as well as a General. She said that his contributions on both the counts would be remembered for a long time.


Lodhi called him a “visionary man” and a “tough negotiator” who shaped Pakistan's foreign policy for a long time. A soldier-statesman – Yaqub-Khan was the longest serving foreign minister who also worked for the United Nations and served the cause of international peace.


He held top posts during his military service and retired as lieutenant-general. Yaqub-Khan served as the foreign minister thrice from 1982-1987, 1988-1991 and 1996-1997. The meeting was rounded off with “Fateha” and “prayers” for the departed soul. A Condolence Book has been opened at the Pakistan Mission.

 

[MadDog]

I wonder if Pakistan will ever bring forth another SYK. Are there many Pakistani kids today who see him as their role model?

Most of the Youth aren't aware that he exists, those who know or read about him definitely consider him a role model. As a candidate for civil services exam of Pakistan I think this dude lived the ideal life of being soldier, diplomat, statesman , very few people are this much lucky !!!

 

[Solomon2]

...As a candidate for civil services exam of Pakistan I think this dude lived the ideal life of being soldier, diplomat, statesman , very few people are this much lucky !!!

Pakistanis think the most remarkable deed of SYK is that he willingly gave up power.
His fellow diplomats thought SYK's most remarkable quality were his language skills.
His Pakistani superiors and foreign statesmen alike valued him for his keen observations and strategic insights.
Intellectuals recount SYK's wide knowledge of English and subcontinent literature.

But I think SYK's most remarkable quality is that despite being taken prisoner in Africa by the Axis, he maintained a positive attitude to life and used the experience as an opportunity to build his language and intercultural skills. I doubt many Pakistanis consider that experience part of an "ideal life", yes? Yet without it SYK could never have been such an effective and patient diplomat.

I suppose you'll just have to make do, MadDog!

 

[MadDog]

Pakistanis think the most remarkable deed of SYK is that he willingly gave up power.
His fellow diplomats thought SYK's most remarkable quality were his language skills.
His Pakistani superiors and foreign statesmen alike valued him for his keen observations and strategic insights.
Intellectuals recount SYK's wide knowledge of English and subcontinent literature.

But I think SYK's most remarkable quality is that despite being taken prisoner in Africa by the Axis, he maintained a positive attitude to life and used the experience as an opportunity to build his language and intercultural skills. I doubt many Pakistanis consider that experience part of an "ideal life", yes? Yet without it SYK could never have been such an effective and patient diplomat.

I suppose you'll just have to make do, MadDog!

Its indeed a valuable experience teaches one to remain resilient in adverse circumstances, there are a lot of people from his age group in Pak, who were captured by Italians/Nazis. Our guard (who died 10-12 years ago), had been captured in Africa where he was a sepoy fighting for British army, used to tell crazy stories during his time there when we were kids.
SYK is a unique personality , serving in corridors of power & being a POW at the beginning of his career.

 

[RISING SUN]

​

Pakistan’s prince soldier, diplomat, statesman
By Yaqoob Khan Bangash
Published: January 27, 2016

The Honourable Lieutenant General (retd) Sahibzada Yaqub Khan died on January 25, 2016 in Islamabad. Simply put, he was a great man. Born in Rampur to Sahibzada Sir Abdul Samad Khan Bahadur in December 1920, he lived a life which would make anyone envious. His father was the chief minister of Rampur State and hence he grew up in a highly cultured and refined environment. After initially studying at the Colonel Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun, he joined the Prince of Wales Indian Military Academy, and was commissioned in the 18th King Edward’s Own Cavalry in December 1940. Sahibzada Yaqub participated in the Second World War in the North Africa theatre and was even taken prisoner of war by the Axis powers, being freed after three years.

With the news of the creation of Pakistan, the now Major Yaqub opted for Pakistan and was initially appointed as ADC to the governor-general, the Quaid-e-Azam. Rising in his military career, he was appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command and also served as the governor of East Pakistan in early March and April 1971, at one of the most critical moments in the history of Pakistan. Here he showed his mettle and resigned his commission and governorship rather than opening fire on civilians. In his letter written to President Yahya Khan, Sahibzada Yaqub iterated that the only solution to the problem was a political one and so the president should call a session of the newly elected parliament and let it chart the course for the country. This advice was unheeded and the country was torn in two.

After the separation of East Pakistan and the ascendency of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he was sent as ambassador to France, and then the US. After the military takeover of General Ziaul Haq, Sahibzada Yaqub was one of the few people left in place, and he later also served as ambassador to the Soviet Union till 1982. Recognising in him diplomatic acumen, personal charm and integrity, Ziaul Haq appointed Sahibzada Yaqub as his foreign minister from 1982 till 1987. During the difficult time of the Afghan War, Sahibzada Yaqub carefully negotiated Pakistan’s position and maintained good relations with every side. His preeminent diplomatic skill was recognised and appreciated even by people who opposed him. Sahibzada Yaqub also had the honour of serving as the foreign minster in the first democratic transition after Ziaul Haq under Benazir Bhutto, helping her steer the murky grounds of great power politics. During the 1990s, he also served as the UN’s special representative to Western Sahara, and later served as chairman of the board of Aga Khan University.

If one were to cite all the accomplishments of Sahibzada Yaqub, then several pages could easily be filled, and so I shall refrain from adding to the very bare essentials noted above. I met him only a few times, but every time I would simply return in awe of all that he saw and achieved and the humility with which he would present it. When I used to ask him about writing a memoir, he would always retort “what would I write about?” — as if his stellar life was mundane! The last time I saw him — a few months ago — I even took a few students with me and he was ever so kind and helpful to them, patiently listening and answering all their questions. What I simply loved about him was his unending zeal for learning and reflecting. He would always ask me as many questions as I would ask him, and his insight into past events was singular and his grasp of events, personalities and their impact unmatched. Well into his nineties he was still a keen reader and when I presented him my book, he quickly browsed through a couple of pages and asked me a few questions! Sahibzada Yaqub often used to reflect and contemplate on the past when I visited and was worried about the country’s future. He would talk about Jinnah and his vision and lament the current state of the country, always emphasising that we have not learnt as much from the past as we should have.

Sahibzada Yaqub was an accomplished soldier, a great statesman, but above all he was a noble human being. Never before had anyone resigned a high rank on a matter of principle — he told me that other generals had warned and told him: “Yaqub, you will be finished” — but he was undeterred. Never before had someone, in Pakistan at least, worked with such impeccable integrity serving both elected representatives and even a dictator, with honour. And never before had I come across a person with such an illustrious career, being so humble, reflective and eager to learn from everyone. It was Pakistan’s great honour and privilege to have him for so long; Sahibzada Yaqub you will be sorely missed!

It's our(new generation from India at least) good luck to read about these kind of people due to which Pakistan was progressive so much when we read & compare the history facts in our books. Books don't have information on such kind of people or if they have at all it is biased. His words are though correct that Pakistan has lost the track of progress. Feels actully good to read from these history pages. Really a decent person. RIP sir.

RIP to this great soul!

But I am kind of ashamed to say that I grew tired of looking at him on Pakistan television during the 80's. There were these endless visits and meetings related to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and Mr. Yaqub Khan was always there. Maybe it was my perception of 'guilt by association': He was serving General Zia--a hated dictator then. And then there was also a widespread perception that Benazir Bhutto was made to swallow Yaqub Khan as her Foreign Minister as a price to be given the power after the 1988 elections.

In short, I didn't care of this noble soul out of my own ignorance. But even then I knew that no one had ever accused him of financial corruption and that, according to my father, Mr. Yaqub Khan wisely followed his conscience in the then E. Pakistan.

But now that he has passed away and eulogies, like this OP, are coming up I realize that Sahibzada was a great asset to Pakistan and to humanity itself. RIP sir!

That means you are an elder sir. Will you please share some of his kind of peoples lifes.? We don't get to read much as we don't know where to look for. I am really interested in those who were living either in 1800 to 2000.

Most of the Youth aren't aware that he exists, those who know or read about him definitely consider him a role model. As a candidate for civil services exam of Pakistan I think this dude lived the ideal life of being soldier, diplomat, statesman , very few people are this much lucky !!!

Exactly but error lies somewhere in the middle also. At least I have felt it being 27 myself. We don't know names or even sites where to look for unbiased writing's on great person and scholars. Our parents don't have time to teach us or guide in right way. Teachers put more pressure on completing the lesson modules than showing us right path. And we have our own share of faults as we our selves don't try to reach knowledge sources.