A captivating tale, witnessed firsthand by journalist Rasheed Yousafzai, is making its rounds on WhatsApp groups. In this account, he shares a story of the remarkable encounter between former COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the newly appointed Caretaker PM Anwar ul Haq Kakar, a story that has captured the attention of many.
Rashid Yousafzai recounts an episode that unfolded in the heart of Risalpur, where the skies echoed with the might of fighter jets and dreams soared as high as the clouds. In this setting of unexpected destiny, a gripping narrative began to take shape. The year was 2018, and the Air Force Academy, a fortress of courage and discipline, was preparing for its grand annual passing-out ceremony. Little did anyone anticipate that this event would lay the foundation for an extraordinary journey – the rise of Anwar Haq Kakar to an unforeseen caretaker prime ministership.
During the passing-out ceremony, Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan extended a gracious invitation to the then COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa, who would be the distinguished guest of honor. The ceremony, a crescendo of patriotism and ambition, was poised to embody the nation’s collective aspirations.
As per Yousafzai’s account, PM Kakar’s enthusiasm for the ceremony was palpable; he arrived in Risalpur approximately a week before the event to oversee the arrangements.
With the arrival of Ex-COAS Bajwa, the event kicked off, culminating in a planned dinner for the chief guest.
At the head of a lengthy table stood the dignitaries – the guest of honor, the gracious host, and the Air Marshal himself, Mujahid Anwar Khan.
Rashid Yousafzai, a dinner attendee, shared an unusual yet intriguing anecdote from that evening. He revealed that while COAS Bajwa was still contemplating rising to reach the table, Anwar Haq Kakar, renowned for his reverence for discipline, promptly stood up and handed him a plate.
Mr. Bajwa accepted the gesture wholeheartedly, placing a portion of meat and salad on his plate, all the while engaging in a subtle conversation with Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, a few strides away from the table.
According to Yousafzai, Kakar’s demeanor mirrored that of a true soldier – respectful, composed, a living embodiment of the nation’s honor.
As soon as Mr. Bajwa completed his meal, Kakar swiftly removed the plate from his hand. When Mr. Bajwa began searching for a tissue paper, Anwar ul Haq Kakar hastened to provide him with one.
Unspoken questions lingered in the air – where should COAS Bajwa place the token of respect (the tissue paper with which he had just wiped his mouth and hands)? Mr. Kakar promptly presented a plate to Mr. Bajwa, a designated spot for the tissue. A subtle smile played on Mr. Bajwa’s lips as he placed the tissue on the plate, sharing a knowing glance with Kakar.
Yousafzai noted that from a distance, Jan Alam Mohmand observed the special guest and the surrounding crowd discreetly.
In a hushed tone, Jan Alam remarked, “Rashid, Kakar Saab has truly surpassed all limits today!”
But perhaps, in foreseeing the future, Anwar ul Haq Kakar knew that his efforts would not be in vain.
