In conversation with Retd. Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed

My quest to explore and learn about Pakistan Air Force keeps me moving from one place to another. On 8th of January 2012, I had the pleasure to meet Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed at his place in Lahore. He is a retired four-star general and a career Air Officer in the Pakistan Air Force who commanded, as the chief of air staff of the Pakistan Air Force, from 2006 to 2009.The sitting was informal, a question and answer arrangement over a cup of tea which turned out to be a great dialogue and persuaded me to make it available in written form for all the avid readers of flying and enthusiasts of PAF.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed in his ceremonial dress 

This is 2nd interview of my compilation “In Dialogue with Aviators of Pakistan Air Force’. Before I reveal the discussion we had, I believe it’s a good idea to know about caliber of Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed.  He did his high school from PAF Public School Sargodha where he belonged to 15th entry (767 – Fury House). Then, he joined PAF Academy, Risalpur in 1969 and was commissioned in Pakistan Air Force as a fighter pilot in 15 April 1972 in the 53rd GD(P) Course. He holds Best Pilot Trophy – which is remarkable achievement and a symbol of pride for any fighter pilot. The air marshal is a graduate of Turkish Air War College and National Defence College, Islamabad from where he did his masters in Strategic Studies. He has flown the American F-86 Sabre and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and other aircraft of Chinese and French origin in the PAF inventory.

With his Best Pilot Trophy - 1972

How do you look at the last 10 years of your service where you had to manage critical positions?
During the last 10 years of my service, I occupied very vital and key positions like Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Administration (DCAS- Admin), then Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Operations followed by Vice Chief of Air Staff and finally the Chief of Air Staff. While these posts kept me extensively very busy from morning till mid-night.  They also provided me the much needed experience and an opportunity to contribute towards the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in a whole hearted manner.

Change of the rank to Air Chief Marshal by Air Chief Marshal (r) Kaleem Saadat

 How was your first day as an Air Chief of PAF?
Since I had already prepared my blueprint for the three years of PAF command, in my opening address (which lasted over 90 minutes) I spelt out detailed outline of the plan to re-engineer the PAF for the challenges of 21st century.

Change of Command

What were your strengths as a professional?
Alhamdulillah, being well experienced in the fields of operations, administration, logistics, budget accounts, office and general automation related to IT and HR management, I felt highly qualified to the assignment of Chief of Air Staff (CAS), PAF. Added to this was my total devotion and determination to bring results on ground. I felt lucky to get an opportunity for realizing my dreams for the PAF.

With Air Chief Marshal Hakimullah

How air warfare of today is different from the conventional air combat method?
Due to perpetual process of evolution, the air warfare today stands to be vastly different from the previous 2 to 3 decades. Network-centric capability and long range weapons (as indeed the hi-tech weapon systems) have made air warfare very complex and demanding. The envelop in the air has spread to scores of square kilometers and sharp response from the pilots are now a much needed virtue.

What was your motto as an Air Chief? What have been your major achievements?
It was ‘lean-efficient and hard hitting’ PAF fully responsive to the needs of the new millennium. What it meant was ‘doing more with less’ and being ‘second to none’, as the Quaid-e-Azam desired from the PAF.

My majority achievements were  procurement of much needed new hardware (Hi-Tech Aeroplanes) like: the F-16 C/D, Advanced Real-time Digital Reconnaissance Capability,  smart and highly effective weapons including long range missiles, AWACS, Aerial Re-fuelers, co-production of JF-17 Thunder in Kamara with China, Networking the advanced and modernized Air Defense System, new and potent Surface to Air missiles, UAVs, New Generation Network for Integrating Airborne and ground based sensors, induction and modernization of existing transport aircraft fleet. Other achievements were building of new housing units for PAF personnel, re-building record number of PAF runways and operating surfaces, building newer and efficient medical facilities, improving the children education system, enhancing welfare activities, improving and revising innovative war plans, improving the overall efficiency of the PAF working by man-hours utilization etc.  Logistics support and its inventory management was brought at par with the latest IT trends. Accounting and budgeting was brought truly online and fully transparent and automated. Overall working environment was made nearly paper-free.

With his bird F-16

There is naturally huge power distance in Forces. It has indeed its pluses and negatives. Did you do anything particular to reduce power distance between ranks in your tenure?
PAF has traditionally provided itself in being a very open service. We communicate freely between the highest and the lowest ranks. I followed the policy to its utmost. It really helped me change the mind-set of PAF personnel and that meant greater achievability of my objectives. 

You had a vision which was to transform legacy systems of PAF into most advanced computerized systems. To what an extent you feel accomplished when you look back?
In the words of a colleague, I was ‘able to re-engineer the PAF’. I think this says it all. 

How did the idea come into your mind of automating Air Force where people are considered averse to change? Was it challenging to transform systems and human recourses there?
Being an Aquarian, I’m designed to be ahead of my age. As such I learnt a great deal from my experience of dealing with the Americans, the Chinese and the Europeans. This gave me a firm foundation of my vision for the PAF in 21st century. I am proud of the fact that I was able to achieve a very high degree of success in my endeavors to bring about a change and land the PAF in 21st century.

What was the most essential thing to change before increasing pace of transformation in PAF?
To change the mind-set of PAF personnel so they could move on the desired path voluntarily and willingly. 

Without having any Information Technology background, do you think it was your right decision to start changing things at a massive level with great pace?
I had a counsel from a large spectrum of IT specialists; both in public and private sector. The vision was mine, solutions were theirs. I think I was able to achieve a lot.

What should be the ‘must have’ traits of any officer who wishes to lead the Air Force efficiently?
Vision, dedication and loyalty to the service and the country and the determination to face all odds/ risks and head towards one’s objective with single minded devotion.

Why was the need felt to modernize Pakistan Air Force in 2006 and not before?
PAF’s real induction of hardware and concepts was back in early 1980s with the induction of F-16s. It had been over two and half decades and we badly needed change; all over.

25 years is quite a lengthy time. Any system or technology can go obsolete during such a long time. Why didn’t your predecessors feel the need before?
All of my predecessors realized the urgent requirements for change. However, due to various political and internationally imposed restrictions and constraints, they could not really bring about a big change. Allah was kind to bless me with an opportunity (post 9/11) and I had the will and the courage to exploit this opportunity.

In flight suit with F-16 Fighting Falcon

How do you see value system in today’s Pakistan? Are the values intact as a nation?
Our value system (as a nation) has undergone a huge change – not for the better. We have not invested enough in education and human resource development. Hence, we are paying the price through our noses.

The western media has misrepresented and misinterpreted Islam as a religion after 9/11. What do you want to say about that?
In fact, we have ourselves to blame for the West misinterpreting Islam. Were we to truly practice Islam as a code of life, the West would not be able to levy such criticism. We need some soul searching.

What is your definition of Islamic State?
Where we truly and practically follow the golden teachings of Islam and not just give it a lip-service.

Why did you change the ranks knowing the fact that it had long history before and had become part of tradition of the air force?
Wearing of rank badges is to make distinction between one another. Our older ranks were not doing that job well. Our new rank badges are distinct and clear – obviating the possibility of mix-up.

A memorable picture with Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed

After Mumbai attacks, there was standoff between Pakistani and Indian forces. How did you preempt the war in 2008?
Post Mumbai attack of 2008, the Indian civil and military leadership was all prepared to carry out ‘surgical strike’. I order the PAF on high air defense alert around the clock. This led to preventing a war between the two nations. I think this was timely and bold decision.

Now you are retired. How do you spend time? Do you use social media sites like Facebook to kill time?
Frankly, I don’t find time to spend on social media sites. Along with my youngest son, I’m engaged in Chicken Farming thereby contributing to the society and keeping ourselves productively busy.

What is your take on the current leadership of PAF in the shape of Rao Qamar Suleman as an Air Chief?
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman had a huge task of assimilating and operationalizing all of the newer equipment that we had contracted during my tenure of office. I think he is doing a good job and continuing to move PAF forward as a 21st century hard hitting and efficient service. 

Do you miss flying?
No (chuckles). I have done enough flying. I even flew fighter jets as an Air Chief.

What is your message to the nation and the PAF?
Selfless devotion should be the way forward for my nation and the PAF.

A Dialogue with an Aviator Kaiser Tufail

I have always had special corner for Pakistan Air Force in my heart. Visiting Air Bases, meeting people there, capturing fighter jets, observing things and learning about life in PAF have been part of my quest since long.

On June 19, 2011, I met Retd. Air Cmdre Kaiser Tufail at his place in Lahore. Meeting him was a lifetime experience since I was so much fond of him due to his commendable career with PAF and his master piece “Great Air Battles of Pakistan Air Force”. Kaiser Tufail is one gem of a person I have ever come across in my life. He is well known for his caliber, demeanor, and intellect which made him ‘top notch’ fighter pilot of PAF. I would never forget a cup of coffee and three hours long discussion with him which quenched my thirst for knowing more and more about fighter aircrafts and the way GDPs do wonders in the air.

(In olive-green coverall with F-16 patch on the shoulder)

On August 22, 2011, we concluded our discussion in the form of an interview which is going to be part of my 1st publication “In Dialogue with Aviators of Pakistan Air Force”. I’m sharing the conversation with you and hope it will entice you.

Faisal Riaz: Tell us something about yourself.

Kaiser Tufail: Pre-partition, my family belonged to East Punjab. After partition, with my father being in the Army, we roamed all over Pakistan’s cantonments. I joined Cadet College Hasanabdal in 1967 and soon after completing my FSc, joined the PAF in 1973.

Faisal Riaz: Did you have other family members in Pakistan Armed Forces?

Kaiser Tufail: My father was in the Army and he retired as a Lt Col. A cousin of mine was in the PAF. My wife’s father and several of her uncles were also in the PAF. One of her uncles, Gp Capt Ata Rabbani was the Quaid’s ADC. He is presently 93 years old and is the oldest living PAF officer.

Faisal Riaz: You were doing MBBS from King Edward Medical College before joining Pakistan Air Force. What made you leave MBBS and run for a soldier’s life?

Kaiser Tufail: I stayed in KEMC for a few months before I got selected in the PAF. In our days pre-meds could join as a flier. I thought a fighter pilot’s career was very thrilling. Now when I look back, I think it was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

Know Faraz Inam - Alpha Bravo Charlie fame

Pakistan Television (PTV) has produced and broadcasted many great serials in the last few decades. Serials made on Pakistan Armed Forces gained immense appreciation. “Alpha Bravo Charlie” was just one of all time hits that earned huge popularity during 1998. This well received TV drama series was produced by ISPR and directed by acclaimed Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor. It was a sequel to drama series Sunehre Din (Golden Days) with some of same cast. The series went on air on PTV during first two quarters of 1998. The story revolved around four main characters i.e. Faraz Ahmed, Kashif Kirmani, Gulsher Khan (all portrayed roles of captains serving Pakistan Military) and Shahnaaz Khan.

(a picture of A.B.C days)

Few weeks back, I had the opportunity to see Faraz Ahmed (Faraz Inam in real) in person and we concluded an interview. Faraz portrayed a role where he was son of a rich landlord of Fatehkot in Punjab. He graduates from the 80th PMA Long Course with a sword of honor. He belongs to the Armoured Corps, 32 Cavalry Lahore. His disguise was confident showing him ambitious man - a Mr. Perfect who is well-built, good looking and wealthy to go along with his excellent academic record. He owns his own a brand new Mercedes Benz C130 – Jet Black. Here goes details of rapid question/ answer session:

Faisal Riaz: Tell us something about yourself, your childhood to date now.
Faraz Inam: Born in Rawalpindi on 09/10/1970, I did my initial education in various cities like Abu Dhabi, Karachi, Risalpur and Rawalpindi since my father being a fighter pilot in PAF would get posted to various PAF bases. We finally moved to Abu Dhabi in 1982. I did my Matric from Pakistani School in Abu Dhabi in 1986. Thereafter I joined PAF as an Engineering cadet in 35th CAE course (equvt. 90th GDP), since I could not join as a Flight Cadet due to weak eyesight. Although the love for fighter aircrafts had made me join the PAF, I soon realized that my dream was to become a fighter pilot like my father and rule the skies and the fact that I’d be spending my life close to the aircraft without having a chance to fly them would make me a frustrated soul through out my life. Hence I quit PAF in my semifinal term from PAF College Sargodha and continued my studies in Civil. Did B-Com in 1991, however, the result came in 1992. Thereafter I did my first MBA from PCBA, Lahore in ’94 with the intention of going abroad to achieve my terminal degree from a reputed Uni. in States. But, when I got admission at LUMS, I, on the insistence of my parents, opted to join LUMS rather than go abroad. Completed my second MBA from LUMS in 1996.

(with his father)

I guess my life has been led purely by destiny. A child who wanted to be a fighter pilot and did not see life beyond that in his late teens decides to go abroad for education, however by the time he reached his early 20’s, ends up doing two MBAs both from Pakistan and by 25 eventually lands in a Bank. Something he had never thought of even in his wildest dreams.

Interestingly the role offered to me in Sunehrey Din was through a friend who I had met in the PAF and who left alongside me. I would have never done Sunehrey Din had I not joined PAF and Alpha Bravo Charlie would have never followed if I had left for abroad after my first MBA as was originally planned by me. All thanks to Allah and prayers of my parents for making me what I’m today.

Being the only son of my parents and the eldest among three siblings, I always had a very responsible attitude towards everything. I was stated to be more mature for my age at all times and while this did give me important appointments in my academic life, I was never the popular one at school. But, I was friendly with most of my class fellows, coursemates and colleagues and the same trend follows to this day.

Faisal Riaz: Were you a sharp student?
Faraz Inam: My teachers/instructors termed me as “Intelligent” but my problem was lack of hard-work. My position in class used to be between 5th and 10th. I only started working hard in MBAs when realization finally dawned on me. Got second position out of 62 students in my first MBA whereas ended up in the 1st quartile at LUMS.

Faisal Riaz: Did you ever act before Sunehray Din and A.B.C?
Faraz Inam: Never as such

Faisal Riaz: How did this offer come to you?
Faraz Inam: This offer was originally made to Salaar Farooq who was a course senior to me in the Air Force. Both of us left PAF and thereafter he got offered this role. Everything was final and ready, but just a week prior to starting of shooting he got an admission call from a University in USA. Hence he referred my name to Shoaib Mansoor and asked me to do this role. Well I was invited to PTV, Islamabad, asked to read some lines from a script which I casually read and the rest is history.

Faisal Riaz: Gul Sher, Kashif or Shahnaaz. Who was closer to you than others?
Faraz Inam: Abdullah (Kashif) and I spent a lot of time together, by virtue of our nature as well, I guess we became friendlier. But the association with Qasim and Shahnaz is also very good.

Faisal Riaz: Tell us your one favorite scene each of Sunehray Din and A.B.C.
Faraz Inam: Obviously taking the Sword of Honor in the end was my favorites scene in Sunehrey Din. My father is a Sword of Honor winner in reality whereas my brother in law also won a Sword of Honor in his course. I tell them jokingly that your "Sword of Honors" are for real but only a few people know about it, whereas the whole of Pakistan got to see me winning my “Sword” be it in a Drama!

Faisal Riaz: Does fame get to your head easily?
Faraz Inam: I don’t consider myself as famous or a celebrity. It’s the kindness of people who approach me and praise the Dramas and sometimes my performance. Nothing special in me otherwise. I’m just a regular guy leading a normal family life. Thanks to Allah All Mighty.

(with his father)

Faisal Riaz: Do you remember any particular fan out of your millions of fans? Who did something unforgettable?
Faraz Inam: A lot of my well wishers have made kind gestures towards me. To single out any one of them would not be fair on the others.

Faisal Riaz: Did Shoaib Mansoor contact you for his flick "Khuda Ke Lieay"?
Faraz Inam: No he didn’t.

Faisal Riaz: What do you do in leisure time?
Faraz Inam: Spend time with family. I do what any average family oriented person would do. Nothing extraordinary.

Faisal Riaz: What are you favorite colors?
Faraz Inam: Black, Maroon and Steel grey.

Faisal Riaz: Are you a sensitive soul?
Faraz Inam: May be a little. But then I shrug myself out of such sentiments after a while.

Faisal Riaz: What does make you happy and vice versa?
Faraz Inam: Love of family makes me happy. Deception, lies, fraud and disregard for the rule of law makes me furious!

Faisal Riaz: Why are you not working in dramas anymore?
Ans: Between my professional obligations and family life I don’t have time for anything else. Besides, under my current demeanor I'd rather stay away from the screen.

Faisal Riaz: How do you define friendship?
Faraz Inam: There is an Urdu word for it “Bay-loss”.

Faisal Riaz: Are you a self-made person?
Faraz Inam: Well, I got my admissions on merit be it PAF or LUMS. I haven’t taken any financial assistance from anyone including my father since I got employed. My progress in my professional career has been on merit as well, Alhamdolillah. If this is the definition of self made, I guess then I’m one.

Faisal Riaz: What are your 3 strengths?
Faraz Inam: I don’t want to beat my own drums. It is for the others to comment on that.

Faisal Riaz: How often do you come to Pakistan?
Faraz Inam: At least once a year.

Faisal Riaz: What should Pakistanis do in foreign to portray good side of their country?
Faraz Inam: First of all stop washing your dirty linen in public. Project the positives about Pakistan and downplay all the media hype created by Local and International press. Remember, Pakistan is just not FATA or SWAT. Pakistan is a country of 165Mio people spread from Karachi to Kaghan and the positives of the country should be projected. Individually all should follow the rule of law and be honest in their dealings. Automatically they’ll start creating positive impressions about themselves and their country. Lastly they must spend foreign remittance to Pakistan through proper channel.

With Faraz Inam at his place

Faisal Riaz: What is your message to your fans?
Faraz Inam: First of all I don’t consider anyone as my fan. There’s nothing great in me to have a fan following. I consider them as my well wishers who are kind enough to know more about me even after such a long time. Message to them would be, “just be true to yourselves. A human being is always good at heart and for doing anything wrong seeks justifications. Hence if you need to think of justifications for doing an act, then don’t do that at all. Don’t do anything which you conscience does not allow you. Spend in the name of Allah and Allah will return you accordingly. Respect each other, other communities, other religions and you’ll be respected in return. Remember what goes around comes around. We have no one to blame for our current state of affairs. Hence if individually we put our house in order, collectively we’ll be able to revive our nation, country and religion. Therefore try to make your home a perfect home”.