I was born into a military family. A legacy steeped in centuries of valor, we are the sons of those who once turned the tide of battle against the British Empire. Our bloodline has produced some of the finest generals — warriors whose names are etched in the annals of history. Yet, despite this proud heritage, none of my own sons could find their place within the ranks of the Pakistan Army. It is a regret I carry quietly in my heart for myself being the last in the family to have selflessly served his motherland.
But life, in its mysterious ways, offers solace in unexpected forms. In this picture stands my adopted son, Saad, bloodied and bruised, yet triumphant in spirit — not because he won a boxing bout during his training at the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, but because of the way he carried that victory. After an intense and grueling match, where fists spoke louder than words and pride stood toe-to-toe with pain, Saad did something that humbled all who watched.
He walked over to his opponent, lifted him in a firm embrace, and declared him the true winner. Not with hollow words, but with a gesture that echoed louder than any applause — he helped his opponent leave the ring, a privilege usually reserved for the victor.
Later, when celebration filled the air and his company mates rejoiced, Saad noticed his opponent suffering from dehydration and fatigue. Without a second thought, he left behind the clamor of congratulatory cheers and joined him in the medical bay, holding his hand, ensuring his care, showing the world what real strength looks like.
It is forged not just in shared uniforms, but in pain, sacrifice, and unspoken loyalty. It begins in the muddy fields of PMA Kakul — where dreams are broken and reborn, where young men from different provinces, languages, and walks of life become brothers. In that place, cadets don’t just learn how to march or fire a weapon; they learn the art of standing by one another, of giving more than they take, of bleeding for someone who, just months ago, was a stranger.
No other profession in the world breeds this bond. No corporation, no civil service, no boardroom rivalry will ever teach a man to take a bullet for his teammate or to carry him on his shoulders under enemy fire. But the Army does. The Army demands it. And in return, it offers a brotherhood that neither time nor death can break.
The bout between Saad and his fellow cadet was more than a test of strength — it was a metaphor. In that ring, they fought like lions, pushed to their limits by duty and determination. But on the battlefield of life, they would stand side by side, ready to die for each other.
As a father, I could not have been prouder. As a man who once mourned the absence of a soldier in his lineage, I now see that fate chose a different way to honor that legacy.
May Allah protect the sons of the Pakistan Army — those in uniform and those in spirit. May they always fight with courage, live with honor, and carry their comrades not just on their shoulders, but in their hearts.Ameen. Long Live Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰
