Tariq Mehmood
Encyclopedia
Brigadier-General Tariq Mahmood, best known as Brigadier Tariq Mahmood or Brigadier TM, (born:August 20, 1938 – May 29, 1989), SI(M)
, SJ
(twice), SBt
, was a one-star general in the Pakistan Army
and a legendary soldier who served as a commandant
of the Special Service Group from 1982 till his death in 1989. A member of the SSG special forces, Brigadier TM is a one of the most decorated Army officer
who saw his SSG in numerous battles. A distinguished special services member, Brigadier General Tariq Mahmood is one of the legend officer who played an important father-like role in Special Service Group, and left a deep legacy, even after his death, in the SSG military unit.
, and did his intermediate education from Gordon Christian College. In 1956, Mahmood attended Government College University
where he did his B.A in mathematics
in 1959. After his degree in mathematics, Mahmood enrolled in University of Peshawar
to study Law
. However, he left his studies and joined Pakistan Army
after accepted in Pakistan Military Academy
, Kakul in 1960. He graduated in 1963 with a double B.Sc.
in Military science
and War studies
. In 1966, he attended the Command and Staff College
, Quetta, and did a Staff and College course in 1969.
in 1960, and passed out from PMA in 1963. The same year, he was inducted in 51st Paratrooper Division, Airborne Corps, there, he was selected for the Special Services Group
(SSG) and completing his commando training as he was posted to the Shaheen Company, 1st commando Yaldram battalion, SSG Division.
Captain T.M. was selected to go to United States
for an advance course with U.S. Army Special Forces, but he dropped himself from to participate in the covert operations. Soon after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
, Captain TM actively fought and led various operations in Kargil front. During the 1965 war, he was awarded Sitara-e-Juraat (SJ) for his active actions in a colorful public ceremony. In 1970, Tariq Mahmood was promoted to the rank of Major
and was stationed in Peshawar
. Major TM was posted as the commandant Parachute Training School.
to participate in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
. He was an officer in command and had received direct orders from General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi. General A. A. K. Niazi
had given him a direct order, and told him ""if you hear or see the fire, burn the place down". In a conflict, Major TM was sent to Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka Airport) to lead an operation against insurgents. The Airport was heavily guarded by the insurgents and it was considered no-fly zone. Major TM commanded the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion and his company saw the heavy fighting in the Airport. After 34 hours of tiring battle, the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion gained an absolute control of the Airport and its surrounding areas, and it was freed from the insurgents. Both sides have had suffered heavy casualties and the Airport was nearly destroyed in the battle.
While in East-Pakistan, Tariq Mahmood was assigned another mission. He was sent to Northern Bangladesh, where he sat to led a covert operations against the insurgents. He was a commanding officer
of the 25 SSG officers of Shaheen Company,1st commando battalion, saw the bloodiest and gruesome battle near at the river. The Shaheen Company, 1st battalion, re-captured and gained control of a bridge over the Brahmaputra River
from the enemy. While commanding the operation, Major TM was hit by two bullets in his leg but continued to fight and lead the operation till the mission was successfully complete. After the operation, the Shaheen Company, 1st battalion was re-called to Dhaka. Major Tariq Mahmood was the last Pakistani soldier to leave East-Pakistan, commanding the C-130 aircraft departing from Dhaka Airport in 1971.
After the war, in 1971, Major TM was awarded his second Sitara-e-Jurat, and was stationed in Lahore. In 1973, he posted to 3rd Commando Powinda Battalion, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1974. In 1977, he was made Commanding officer
of the 3rd Commando Powinda Battalion, SSG Division. In 1977, he saw his battalion in action against the heavily armed Pashtun tribes in Northern Pakistan who blocked the Karakoram Highway
which links Pakistan and China. In the summer of 1977, the Government of Pakistan
had asked him to lead an operation against the belligerents. Lt. Col. TM was given the task to get the road opened and cleared the designated area from the insurgents. Lt. Col. TM delivered a quick and immediate military operation against the tribes and completed the mission with full success. In his recognition, the Government of Pakistan awarded him Sitara-e-Bisalat in 1977.
, and in 1982, he was promoted to Brigadier-General. Brigadier TM, now a one-star general, was made commandant
of the Special Service Group. In 1984, Brigadier TM commanded the Special Service Group in Siachen Conflict
. The SSG launched an aggressive and quick operations against the Indian Army. Brigadier TM led a mild victory in 1984, and the control of the Siachen glaciers was given to X Corps
headed by Colonel-Commandant (X Corps) Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar
. However, the territory was lost when Indian Army
launched a successful military operation, Operation Meghdoot
, which resulted in an absolute control of Siachen glacier
by Indian Army
. Brigadier TM, in retaliation, launched coverts operations which continued until his death. The Pakistani ISI learnt that India's secret agency RAW
had received order to attempt an assassination on Brigadier TM, and Indian Prime minister
Rajeev Gandhi had been briefed reportedly once a week of his activities. After the report, the Pakistan Army had increased and tighten the security of Brigadier TM.
in order to lead the secret operation known as Operation Cyclone
. Brigadier TM was also a commanding officer of the Battle for Hill 3234
, and the operation was fully executed by the Brigadier TM. In 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73
was hijacked in Karachi, Sindh. Brigadier-General Tariq Mahmood quickly came to Karachi where he had led the planning of the operation to freed the Airline from the terrorists. He came to public prominence when he had led the successful operation Operation PANAM
to liberate the Airline from the terrorists. The hijackers opened fire on the SSG teams when the plane’s generator failed killing and injuring the passengers but due to SSG’s quick action soon all the hijackers were arrested saving many lives. In the later 1987–88, he led operations against criminals in Sindh.
's Mi-17 helicopter
when Brigadier TM's main and reserve parachute failed to open. According to the investigation, his first Parachute didn't open and the ropes were badly mixed up. Brigadier TM attempted to cut the ropes with the dagger, and tried to open the backup Parachute. Unintentionally, he had released both back up and front parachutes, and the amount of velocity with which he was coming down was enormous.
The moment he hit the ground, it was estimated that due to high momentum his body weight was about 200 tons.
Sitara-i-Imtiaz
The Sitara-i-Imtiaz , is the third highest honour and civilian award in the State of Pakistan. It recognizes the individuals who made an "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of Pakistan, world peace, cultural or other significant public endeavors"...
, SJ
Sitara-e-Jurat
Sitara-e-Jurat is the third highest military award of Pakistan. It was established in 1957 after Pakistan became a Republic; however, it was instituted retrospectively back to 1947...
(twice), SBt
Awards and decorations of the Pakistan military
The awards and decorations of the Pakistan Armed Forces recognize a service member's service and personal accomplishments while a member of the Pakistan armed forces...
, was a one-star general in the Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
and a legendary soldier who served as a commandant
Commandant
Commandant is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy. This usage is common in anglophone nations...
of the Special Service Group from 1982 till his death in 1989. A member of the SSG special forces, Brigadier TM is a one of the most decorated Army officer
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
who saw his SSG in numerous battles. A distinguished special services member, Brigadier General Tariq Mahmood is one of the legend officer who played an important father-like role in Special Service Group, and left a deep legacy, even after his death, in the SSG military unit.
Early life and education
Mahmood was born in 1938 in RawalpindiRawalpindi
Rawalpindi , locally known as Pindi, is a city in the Pothohar region of Pakistan near Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, in the province of Punjab. Rawalpindi is the fourth largest city in Pakistan after Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad...
, and did his intermediate education from Gordon Christian College. In 1956, Mahmood attended Government College University
Government College University
Government College University, Lahore is a co-educational public university located on The Mall in Lahore, Pakistan...
where he did his B.A in mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
in 1959. After his degree in mathematics, Mahmood enrolled in University of Peshawar
University of Peshawar
The University of Peshawar is a public sector university in the city of Peshawar, Pakistan. The university was established in October 1950 by Mr...
to study Law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
. However, he left his studies and joined Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
after accepted in Pakistan Military Academy
Pakistan Military Academy
The Pakistan Military Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service military academy. It is located at Kakul near Abbottabad in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan....
, Kakul in 1960. He graduated in 1963 with a double B.Sc.
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
in Military science
Military science
Military science is the process of translating national defence policy to produce military capability by employing military scientists, including theorists, researchers, experimental scientists, applied scientists, designers, engineers, test technicians, and military personnel responsible for...
and War studies
War studies
War studies is the multi-disciplinary study of war. It is distinct from military history in that it encompasses a variety of fields:*Laws of war*Philosophy of war**Ethics of war***Just War Theory**Deterrence theory*Psychology of war...
. In 1966, he attended the Command and Staff College
Command and Staff College
The Command and Staff College was established in 1907 at Quetta, Balochistan, British Raj, now in Pakistan, and is the oldest and the most prestigious institution of the Pakistan Army. It was established in 1905 in Deolali and moved to its present location at Quetta in 1907 under the name of Quetta...
, Quetta, and did a Staff and College course in 1969.
Military career
Mahmood gained a commissioned in 2nd Battalion, Baloch RegimentBaloch Regiment
The Baloch Regiment is an infantry regiment of Pakistan Army. The modern regiment was formed in May 1956 by the merger of 8th Punjab and Bahawalpur Regiments with the Baluch Regiment. Since then, further raisings have brought the strength of the Regiment to more than fifty battalions...
in 1960, and passed out from PMA in 1963. The same year, he was inducted in 51st Paratrooper Division, Airborne Corps, there, he was selected for the Special Services Group
Special Services Group
The Special Service Group , also known as Black Storks, because of their distinctive headgear, the unit is also known as Maroon Beret, are a special operations military unit of the Pakistan Army mandated with fourteen primary and special missions: Asymmetric warfare,Anti piracy,Special...
(SSG) and completing his commando training as he was posted to the Shaheen Company, 1st commando Yaldram battalion, SSG Division.
1965 Indo-Pakistani War
In 1965, the SSG was preparing for covert Operations in KashmirOperation Gibraltar
Operation Gibraltar was the codename given to the strategy of Pakistan to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost state of India, and start a rebellion against Indian rule...
Captain T.M. was selected to go to United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for an advance course with U.S. Army Special Forces, but he dropped himself from to participate in the covert operations. Soon after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was a culmination of skirmishes that took place between April 1965 and September 1965 between Pakistan and India. This conflict became known as the Second Kashmir War fought by India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir, the first having been fought in 1947...
, Captain TM actively fought and led various operations in Kargil front. During the 1965 war, he was awarded Sitara-e-Juraat (SJ) for his active actions in a colorful public ceremony. In 1970, Tariq Mahmood was promoted to the rank of Major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
and was stationed in Peshawar
Peshawar
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the administrative center and central economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan....
. Major TM was posted as the commandant Parachute Training School.
1971 Winter War
In 1971, Major TM volunteered to go East PakistanEast Pakistan
East Pakistan was a provincial state of Pakistan established in 14 August 1947. The provincial state existed until its declaration of independence on 26 March 1971 as the independent nation of Bangladesh. Pakistan recognized the new nation on 16 December 1971. East Pakistan was created from Bengal...
to participate in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a military conflict between India and Pakistan. Indian, Bangladeshi and international sources consider the beginning of the war to be Operation Chengiz Khan, Pakistan's December 3, 1971 pre-emptive strike on 11 Indian airbases...
. He was an officer in command and had received direct orders from General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi. General A. A. K. Niazi
A. A. K. Niazi
Lieutenant-General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi HJ, MC,; c. 1915 - 2 February 2004), was a former three-star general in the Pakistan Army who was the last unified commander of Pakistan Armed Forces's Eastern Military High Command in East-Pakistan...
had given him a direct order, and told him ""if you hear or see the fire, burn the place down". In a conflict, Major TM was sent to Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka Airport) to lead an operation against insurgents. The Airport was heavily guarded by the insurgents and it was considered no-fly zone. Major TM commanded the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion and his company saw the heavy fighting in the Airport. After 34 hours of tiring battle, the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion gained an absolute control of the Airport and its surrounding areas, and it was freed from the insurgents. Both sides have had suffered heavy casualties and the Airport was nearly destroyed in the battle.
While in East-Pakistan, Tariq Mahmood was assigned another mission. He was sent to Northern Bangladesh, where he sat to led a covert operations against the insurgents. He was a commanding officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the 25 SSG officers of Shaheen Company,1st commando battalion, saw the bloodiest and gruesome battle near at the river. The Shaheen Company, 1st battalion, re-captured and gained control of a bridge over the Brahmaputra River
Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra , also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra, is a trans-boundary river and one of the major rivers of Asia. It is the only Indian river that is attributed the masculine gender and thus referred to as a in Indo-Aryan languages and languages with Indo-Aryan influence...
from the enemy. While commanding the operation, Major TM was hit by two bullets in his leg but continued to fight and lead the operation till the mission was successfully complete. After the operation, the Shaheen Company, 1st battalion was re-called to Dhaka. Major Tariq Mahmood was the last Pakistani soldier to leave East-Pakistan, commanding the C-130 aircraft departing from Dhaka Airport in 1971.
After the war, in 1971, Major TM was awarded his second Sitara-e-Jurat, and was stationed in Lahore. In 1973, he posted to 3rd Commando Powinda Battalion, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1974. In 1977, he was made Commanding officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the 3rd Commando Powinda Battalion, SSG Division. In 1977, he saw his battalion in action against the heavily armed Pashtun tribes in Northern Pakistan who blocked the Karakoram Highway
Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved international road in the world, but at its peak at the China-Pakistan border it is only paved on the Chinese side. It connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an altitude of as confirmed by both...
which links Pakistan and China. In the summer of 1977, the Government of Pakistan
Government of Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan is a federal parliamentary system, with an indirectly-elected President as the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Pakistani Armed Forces, and an indirectly-elected Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The President’s appointment and term are...
had asked him to lead an operation against the belligerents. Lt. Col. TM was given the task to get the road opened and cleared the designated area from the insurgents. Lt. Col. TM delivered a quick and immediate military operation against the tribes and completed the mission with full success. In his recognition, the Government of Pakistan awarded him Sitara-e-Bisalat in 1977.
1984 Siachen War
In 1979, he was promoted to ColonelColonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
, and in 1982, he was promoted to Brigadier-General. Brigadier TM, now a one-star general, was made commandant
Commandant
Commandant is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy. This usage is common in anglophone nations...
of the Special Service Group. In 1984, Brigadier TM commanded the Special Service Group in Siachen Conflict
Siachen conflict
The Siachen Conflict, sometimes referred to as the Siachen War, is a military conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir. The conflict began in 1984 with India's successful Operation Meghdoot during which it wrested control of the Siachen Glacier from...
. The SSG launched an aggressive and quick operations against the Indian Army. Brigadier TM led a mild victory in 1984, and the control of the Siachen glaciers was given to X Corps
X Corps (Pakistan)
The X Corps is an active military administrative corps of Pakistan Army, currently assigned in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its one of two brigades are currently active in Kashmir. One of its brigades, the 111th Infantry Brigade in Rawalpindi, has been frequently involved in military...
headed by Colonel-Commandant (X Corps) Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar
Zahid Ali Akbar
Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar Khan , TKdt, was an engineering officer of Pakistan Army who oversaw the construction of the Generals Combatant Army Headquarter and is well-known as the director of the Kahuta Project as part of the Pakistan's acquisition of integrated atomic bomb project...
. However, the territory was lost when Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
launched a successful military operation, Operation Meghdoot
Operation Meghdoot
Operation Meghdoot was the name given to the attack launched by the Indian Military to capture the Siachen Glacier in the disputed Kashmir region, precipitating the Siachen Conflict. Launched on 13 April 1984, this military operation was unique as the first assault launched in the world's highest...
, which resulted in an absolute control of Siachen glacier
Siachen Glacier
The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalaya Mountains at about , just east of the Line of Control between India-Pakistan. India controls all of the Siachen Glacier itself, including all tributary glaciers. At long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and...
by Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
. Brigadier TM, in retaliation, launched coverts operations which continued until his death. The Pakistani ISI learnt that India's secret agency RAW
Research and Analysis Wing
The Research and Analysis Wing is India's external intelligence agency. It was formed in September 1968 after the poor performance of the Intelligence Bureau in the Sino-Indian war of 1962 and the India-Pakistani war of 1965 convinced the then government of India that a specialized, independent...
had received order to attempt an assassination on Brigadier TM, and Indian Prime minister
Prime Minister of India
The Prime Minister of India , as addressed to in the Constitution of India — Prime Minister for the Union, is the chief of government, head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the majority party in parliament...
Rajeev Gandhi had been briefed reportedly once a week of his activities. After the report, the Pakistan Army had increased and tighten the security of Brigadier TM.
Other Operations
Throughout 1980s, the SSG and ISI were closely collaborating with the U.S. Special Forces and Special Activities DivisionSpecial Activities Division
The Special Activities Division is a division in the United States Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service responsible for covert operations known as "special activities"...
in order to lead the secret operation known as Operation Cyclone
Operation Cyclone
Operation Cyclone was the code name for the United States Central Intelligence Agency program to arm, train, and finance the Afghan mujahideen during the Soviet war in Afghanistan, 1979 to 1989...
. Brigadier TM was also a commanding officer of the Battle for Hill 3234
Battle for Hill 3234
The Battle for Hill 3234 was a defensive battle and successful military campaign fought by 345th Soviet paratroopers in Afghanistan against a force of 200 to 250 Mujahideen rebels...
, and the operation was fully executed by the Brigadier TM. In 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73
Pan Am Flight 73
Pan Am Flight 73, a Pan American World Airways Boeing 747-121, was hijacked on September 5, 1986, while on the ground at Karachi, Pakistan, by four armed men of the Abu Nidal Organization...
was hijacked in Karachi, Sindh. Brigadier-General Tariq Mahmood quickly came to Karachi where he had led the planning of the operation to freed the Airline from the terrorists. He came to public prominence when he had led the successful operation Operation PANAM
Pan Am Flight 73
Pan Am Flight 73, a Pan American World Airways Boeing 747-121, was hijacked on September 5, 1986, while on the ground at Karachi, Pakistan, by four armed men of the Abu Nidal Organization...
to liberate the Airline from the terrorists. The hijackers opened fire on the SSG teams when the plane’s generator failed killing and injuring the passengers but due to SSG’s quick action soon all the hijackers were arrested saving many lives. In the later 1987–88, he led operations against criminals in Sindh.
Death and Legacy
in 29 May, 1989, the SSG suffered the tragic loss of its legendary commanding officer, when Brigadier TM was leading the team of SSG paratrooper for a free-fall at Pakistan Army Aviation School, Rahwali Gujranwala, the jump was part of Army Aviation’s Passing Out parade. The incident happen during a demonstration jump from an ArmyPakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
's Mi-17 helicopter
Mil Mi-17
The Mil Mi-17 is a Russian helicopter currently in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude...
when Brigadier TM's main and reserve parachute failed to open. According to the investigation, his first Parachute didn't open and the ropes were badly mixed up. Brigadier TM attempted to cut the ropes with the dagger, and tried to open the backup Parachute. Unintentionally, he had released both back up and front parachutes, and the amount of velocity with which he was coming down was enormous.
The moment he hit the ground, it was estimated that due to high momentum his body weight was about 200 tons.