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Name
Group Captain M Shah Khan SJ, SI(M) (Retd)
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Group Captain M Shah Khan (Retd), son of Mir Muhammad Nazim Khan (the ruler of Hunza State), was born in 1922 at Karimabad, Hunza. He joined the Gilgit Scouts in 1939 as Viceroy Commissioned Officer. From 1947 to 1948, he led the liberation struggle of Gilgit – Baltistan area against the Dogras, commanding a column code named “Eskimo Force”. He was awarded with Gallantry Award (Sitara-e-Jurat) for his valor during the successful struggle for liberation of Gilgit – Baltistan. As a young and agile prince, Group Captain M Shah Khan (Retd), had an adventurous nature. He was a skilled horseman and an expert polo player. He also had repute for being an excellent marksman and very precise hunter. His intense desire to serve the country and love for adventure made him join Pakistan Army. In 1958, PAF established Ski and Mountaineering School at Kalabagh, for which the services of the then Capt M Shah Khan, SJ were initially sought from Pakistan Army to serve as the first Officer Commanding of the School. In 1958, as Flight Lieutenant, his services were permanently transferred to PAF and in 1960 he established the PAF Ski and Survival School at Naltar Bala. Then onwards, unprecedented developments took place at PAF Detachment, Naltar under Shah Khan’s close supervision. Significant among which are the Ski slopes : Shaggy Dog, Kinder Garten (KG) and Wild Boar and the installation of three-ski tow lifts. He has the credit of being the pioneer of Skiing in Pakistan, and also of introducing this sport as a part of Snow Survival Training for the PAF aircrew at Naltar. Owing to his hard work, dedication and interest, the fascinating sport of Skiing earned its due place among the winter sports and attained its present status in the country. Being selflessly committed to the cause of promotion of the game and the facilities, he remained Officer In-Charge PAF (Dett) Kalabagh from 1958 till 1975, which indeed is a record time duration. In 1975, Kalabagh attained the status of a full-fledge Base and (then) Wg Cdr M Shah Khan, SJ was appointed as the first Base Commander of PAF Base, Kalabagh and promoted to the rank of Group Captain. On 23rd March, 1980, he was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his meritorious services. The illustrious career of this highly respected, courageous, loyal and committed officer came to an end on 25 March, 1980, when after rendering commendable services, he retired from PAF.

 

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