I am extremely saddened to hear about Fl. Lt. Imran Tariq. I only met him once that I can remember, and I believe it was the night before his father's crash. I was five years old at that time, so please excuse if I am not perfectly accurate about this, but I believe this was at his sister's third birthday party. It was at the Officer's Mess at the AFB Masroor. The reason the memory of the 6 month (to 1 year) old Imran is so permanently imprinted in me is because he pulled my hair so hard that evening that I still shudder when I think about it. The kid had an iron grip! He only let go when his father came and rescued me.
My father (a Wing Commander at that time) was commanding the 18th Squadron of F-86s at Masroor. Fl. Lt. Tariq was his second in command. My father was to do a solo aerobatics program at the 14 August celebrations. The base commander Masroor (I think it was Air Crd. Changezi, but not sure) had asked my father to demo his routine to him that day so an F-86 was readied for that flight. As I understand it, that demo was cancelled at the last minute as the base commander became unavailable. Fl. Lt. Nasim was his backup for the 14th August program. He called Fl. Lt. Nasim and asked him to go ahead and practice his routines since he was not able to fly, and the F-86 was available, fueled and ready to go.
I guess it was not much later, that I was sitting on the front steps of our house. This was the bottom floor of the old barrack style houses that were lined up next to a triangle shaped park (it was the 16/1 block). I guess if you have spent time in Masroor, you would know what I am talking about. It was a loud explosion that shook me up. I ran inside to my mother in the kitchen, asking her what had happened. She of course had heard it too and was busy on the phone trying to get a hold of anyone who may know what had happened. Eventually I remember her telling me that Tariq Uncle had crashed and passed. I remember being sorry that I had been upset with Imran the night before and now the poor kid had lost his dad.
As I understand it, the F-86 had stress fractures, and the wing buckled during high G aerobatic maneuvers. The 18th Squadron was grounded, and that was the last of the F-86s in PAF. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Nasim. My mother has told me about the hardship she bore after her husband's demise and yet did a fantastic job in raising a son who, like his father, gave his life in service to his country. Pakistanis in this time of chaos, need to recognize their heroism even more and honor Mrs. Nasim for her sacrifices.
My father passed away four years ago, or I would have been able to give very accurate details of this event.
My father (a Wing Commander at that time) was commanding the 18th Squadron of F-86s at Masroor. Fl. Lt. Tariq was his second in command. My father was to do a solo aerobatics program at the 14 August celebrations. The base commander Masroor (I think it was Air Crd. Changezi, but not sure) had asked my father to demo his routine to him that day so an F-86 was readied for that flight. As I understand it, that demo was cancelled at the last minute as the base commander became unavailable. Fl. Lt. Nasim was his backup for the 14th August program. He called Fl. Lt. Nasim and asked him to go ahead and practice his routines since he was not able to fly, and the F-86 was available, fueled and ready to go.
I guess it was not much later, that I was sitting on the front steps of our house. This was the bottom floor of the old barrack style houses that were lined up next to a triangle shaped park (it was the 16/1 block). I guess if you have spent time in Masroor, you would know what I am talking about. It was a loud explosion that shook me up. I ran inside to my mother in the kitchen, asking her what had happened. She of course had heard it too and was busy on the phone trying to get a hold of anyone who may know what had happened. Eventually I remember her telling me that Tariq Uncle had crashed and passed. I remember being sorry that I had been upset with Imran the night before and now the poor kid had lost his dad.
As I understand it, the F-86 had stress fractures, and the wing buckled during high G aerobatic maneuvers. The 18th Squadron was grounded, and that was the last of the F-86s in PAF. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Nasim. My mother has told me about the hardship she bore after her husband's demise and yet did a fantastic job in raising a son who, like his father, gave his life in service to his country. Pakistanis in this time of chaos, need to recognize their heroism even more and honor Mrs. Nasim for her sacrifices.
My father passed away four years ago, or I would have been able to give very accurate details of this event.
... and they shall remain in our hearts forever ... and nation will respect them till the end of time ...
of Army Aviation after flying from aviations Dhamyal Base Rawalpindi developed some technical fault, which forced the pilot to make emergency landing on Lehtrar Road. All the three personnel on board including Pilot, Co-pilot and a crewmember remained unhurt during the landing. staff report
