Remembering Gen Ehtesham Zamir

ISLAMABAD: In 1985, a smart young Major came to my office in Tabuk in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where I was commanding a unit and informed me that he has been directed by our Commander, Brigadier Jehangir Karamat (later General and COAS), to meet me and discuss forming a ‘Literary Forum’.
This was meant to inculcate softer side of life among the officers and soldiers. We were in tough environment, in a foreign country, living without families and without adequate access to communication facilities to remain in touch with them. It was an excellent idea but I wasn’t sure if I were the right person to head it. After the first few minutes of meeting with this officer, I was sure that he was the right person to infuse a spirit into this Literary Project. This was the beginning of my life-long association with General Ehtesham Zamir.
Everyone in Pakistan Army, whether he knew Ehtesham or not, would say he was extremely witty. I think wittiness and brilliance are connected. Unless one is brilliant, he cannot be witty. Ehtesham was indeed brilliant. He used his talent of wit and humour not only to make impossible situations easy but also to bail out many a friends from difficulties.
Without going into details of his professional achievements in the Army it is well known that he handled many professional projects in a manner that his contributions are ever lasting. A man with clear thinking, a patriot to the bone who adopted soldiering profession for the love of the country and left his mark wherever he served. We had the opportunity to join the same Armed Forces War Course in 1993. I was heading a research project with the support of some outstanding officers of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. It must be news for them as well that the major contribution in this project came from Ehtesham when at personal level he gave his wise input.
This cheerful and courageous man faced devastating personal tragedy gracefully in which he lost his 32-years-old son due to sudden cardiac arrest. He still carried enough courage and wisdom to help and advise those who needed it.
A fighter to the bone, who fought with determination some third degree burn injuries which he suffered accidentally. We were sure Ehtesham would come out of this with sheer grit and will power but then he was destined to go like this. He faced the death cheerfully and the angel who came to take his life must be sad yet smiling as Ehtesham must have said something witty even to him.
A good friend whom all his friends thought that he was best fiend left all of us aggrieved and his already sad family devastated with his sudden, untimely and tragic departure. May Allah bless his soul!