Biography of Lt Col Haroon ul Islam Shaheed
Haroon was born into a military family. His father himself was a SSGN officer who had also participated in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. His younger brother is an Assistant Director in the FIA while another brother, Major Ehtisham-ul-Islam, is a retired Army Officer. Haroon Islam possessed many God-gifted qualities; like, he was an extremely witty and lively person with an inspiring and chrismatic personality. Any body meeting him once would never forget him ever in his life. He was a thorough professional and knew the art and science of Anti terrorist operations. Apart from professional virtues, he also encompassed the eliments of hospitality, generosity and magnanimity in his personality. He joined and gained commission in the 3rd Battalion of the Sindh Regiment of Pakistan Army in 1988. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta in 1993 and joined Pakistan Army's elite special forces branch SSG (Special Service Group) in 1993. He had a successful military career and according to some military sources a soldier of his calibre was bound to be a General. In 1998, his unit was deployed in Kargil, and had participated in Kargil War where he had led successful military operations.
In recognition of his services, he was awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal. During his career with the SSG, he commanded the elite Zarrar Company (The anti-terrorist unit of the SSG).
Lt Col Haroon Islam was an incredible soldier, a loyal friend, a loving father, brother...and the list is endless. Most importantly, he was a gifted human being. He blessed any and every single person that ever crossed his path, he blessed them with courage, love, and with an honest appreciation. In the mere fourty years of his life he honored the true meaning of strength, integrity, loyalty and most importantly, love.
As every soldier, his love for the army, his love for being titled SHAHEED, originated at a very young age. "Ghazi ya shaheed" he would say. That love, took his life on 8th July 2007, while he was commanding the Laal Masjid Operation in Islamabad. Words may never be enough to honor the journey of his life, and thus i will stop here.
May your soul rest in peace,