Muhammad Anwar Shamim

Infobox Military Person
name= Muhammad Anwar Shamim


caption=
born=
died=
placeofbirth=
placeofdeath=
nickname=
allegiance= PAK
branch= air force|Pakistan
serviceyears= 1950 - 1985
rank= Air Chief Marshal
unit=
commands= Chief of Air Staff
battles= Indo-Pak War of 1965
Indo-Pak War of 1971
awards= Sitara-e-Jurat
Nishan-e-Imtiaz
Legion of Merit
relations=
laterwork=

Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Anwar Shamim [http://www.pakdef.info/pakmilitary/airforce/war/heros1.html PAF heroes - PakDef] ] was the Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force from July 1978 to March 1985. Air Chief Marshal Shamim was promoted to the rank of four star general and assumed thecommand of the Pakistan Air Force on 22nd July, 1978.

Early life

He hails from Haripur (Hazara), and belongs to a family devoted to education. He received early education in his native town, proceeding to Government College Campbellpur (Attock), and subsequently joining Dyal Singh College, Lahore. He became a member of the then functionalUniversity Air Squadron," to begin his childhood dream career that "of a fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force.

He entered the Pakistan Air Force in the General Duties (Pilot) Branch in July, 1950, and received his initial cadet training at PAF College. Risalpur. He was commissioned on14th March, 1952; after successfully completing basic flying training course at Royal Australian Air Force College, Point Cook, (RAAFPC), for which he had been selected by merit.

War Service

Shamim actively participated in the 1965 and 1971 Wars. In the September, 65 War he was O.C. Flying Sargodha. For his leadership and personal" bravery, he was awarded Sitara-i-Jurat. The citation for the award reads:

"Wing Commander Muhammad Anwar Shamim in his capacity as Officer Commanding, fighter-bombers wing, made significant contribution to the high morale and aggressive attitude of the pilots who flew from this station. He efficiently managed the changing air defence and other requirements and ensured, while fully meeting these requirements, that the pilots got sufficient rest and other comforts to enable them to fly intelligently and confidently. During the operation, he led 14 air defence/escort missions and 5 ground attack missions. His leadership during these operational missions was aggressive and confident and served as a very good example for his pilots to follow . He accepted long hours of duty, including operational sorties at odd hours of the day, with enthusiasm. Wing Commander Muhammad Anwar Shamim was, therefore, awarded Sitara-i-Juraat. "

In the 1971 War, he was Sector Air Defence Commander (South).

Career

Air Chief Marshal Shamim has attended, among many other courses, the Jet Conversion Course in Australia, the Flying Instructors Course, and the Fighter Leader Course. A graduate of the PAF Staff College, he has also attended the National Defence College Course, and the International Defence Management Course in U.S.A.

Air Chief Marshal M. Anwar Shamim has held several command and staff appointments. He has commanded a fighter squadron and a fighter wing. He has flown a variety of aeroplanes and was always current on all fighter aircraft in the PAF inventory. He has served as Officer Commanding of three Bases of PAF Masroor, Korangi Creek and Sakesar. His staff appointments at Air Headquarters include Wing Commander Tactical Operations and Deputy Director of Plans. For two years he served as Air Adviser to His Majesty King Hussein, for the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Before taking over as the Chief of the Air Staff, he held the appointment of Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) at Air Headquarters, Peshawar.

Other Awards

He has received the following awards — Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), Hilal-e-Imtiaz Military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military).His foreign decorations include:Al Istiqlal from Royal Jordanian Government and Legion of Merit from the United States of America. Air Chief Marshal Shamim is widely traveled and is a keen sportsman." He won several cups for Tennis, and Soccer as a young officer. "He likes Squash, and" he was very involved in the further development of the athletes and the game when he was "the President of Pakistan and Asian Squash Rackets Federations." History of Pakistan Air Force from 1947-1982, First Edition, May 1982, by Syed Shabir Hussain and Squadron Leader M. Tariq Qureshi, p.220-222. PAF Press Masroor Karachi]

Legacy in the PAF

Anwar Shamim was the second longest serving PAF chief since Asghar Khan in the 60s. He was CAS for nearly seven years. After President Zia-ul Haq insisted on his extension as Chief of Air Staff, he had to continue his duty. The next officer was as yet junior, and the President wantedhim to oversee the full induction of the F-16 before he retired. [http://www.paffalcons.com/cas/index.php PAF s' Chief of the Air Staffs] ] . While there were several allegations of nepotism [http://www.chowk.com/ilogs/65638/47736 Cecil Choudhary Interview] ] and improper conduct, But this has been feverently denied by his family [http://www.chowk.com/interacts/u/47470 S Iqbals Response at Chowk] ]

Air Chief Marshal Shamim is also legendary for inducting state of the art F-16 fighter jets into the Pakistan Air Force. This accomplishment was one of biggest achievements in the history of the Pakistan military. Under Shamim's leadership, the PAF became one of the most operationally efficient air forces in the world.

Personal life

Air Chief Marshal M. Anwar Shamim was married in July.1958. His wife, Begum Tahira Shamim was an active socialworker and President of Pakistan Air Force Women’sAssociation, with a professional dedication to welfare work,spanning over twenty-five years. She is a published poetessof four Urdu poetry books. He has three children: two daughters,who are attorneys; and a computer engineer son.

Post Retirement

Post retirement Shamim has been offered several ambassadorships, but has declined them preferring to focus on family life.

Published Works

DAWN: Saturday March 12,1988Afghanistan Problem: The End In Sight?....I

DAWN: Sunday March 13, 1988Afghanistan Problem: The End In Sight?....II

DAWN: March 27, 1988Implication’s of India’s Naval Build-Up.

DAWN: April 4, 1989Dilemma of the Bureaucracy.

DAWN : Saturday May 20, 1989What Does Agni Portend?

References