Air VIce Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Ghulam Tawab THE END OF A LEGEND Columnist Gp CaptSULTAN M HALI writes the OBITUARY of a former PAF pilot who went on to become Chief of Air Staff Bangladesh Air Force

Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Ghulam Tawab (Retired), the legendary fighter pilot of 1965 Indo-Pak War breathed his last in Munich on 23 February, 1999. With him closed a chapter of deep rooted love for Pakistan, which Tawab had opened during his twenty years of service in Pakistan Air Force.

Born at Sylhet on 1st July 1930, M G Tawab was commissioned in the PAF on 15 September, 1951. After qualifying various professional courses, including the Jet-Transition Instructor's Course at Germany, he had the rare distinction of being posted as a Instructor Pilot at the USAF Base at Fursten Feldbruk near Munich, Germany. It was here that he met and married Henrietta, who remained his faithful companion till the very end.

Tawab went on to do the Day Fighter Combat Leader Course at UK and was posted as Chief Instructor at the Fighter Leader's School, where he was to train and groom numerous fighter pilots who achieved fame and glory in the wars of 1965 and 71.

During his meritorious service and eventful stay in PAF, Tawab held key appointments like Director of Project and Director Flight Safety at Air Headquarters. He commanded the prestigious No 11 and 14 Flying Squadrons, No 32 Flying Wing and PAF Base Kohat.

When war came in 1965, although he was on a staff appointment, he chose to be attached to a fighter squadron. Right from the onset of the hostilities, Wing Commander Tawab plunged into air operations whole-heartedly despite his seniority, opting for the most daring missions. He provided top cover to the bold and highly successful Pathankot strike on 6th September. Safe under Tawab's protection, Sqn Ldr Sajjad Haider's formation made repeated attacks on Pathankot airfield, which was littered with IAF fighter. Tawab himself counted 14 fires in the aircraft pens.

During the 1965 War, Tawab flew sixteen air defence missions and eight close support sorties. He participated in the bombing of Srinagar airfield and Jammu radar. He was personally responsible for the destruction of ten enemy tanks and twenty vehicles. His active participation in operations, enthusiasm and zeal set an excellent example for the younger fighter pilots. For his courage, dedication and valour, Wing Commander Tawab was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat.

After 1971, Group Captain M G Tawab left for Germany. He was later invited by the Government of Bangladesh and given the command of its fledgling Air Force in the rank of Air Vice Marshal. During his career as head of Bangladesh Air Force, he contributed whole heartedly towards fostering better relations between the brotherly Air Forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Air Vice Marshal Tawab was a devout Muslim, a top of the line fighter pilot and a thorough professional. Because of his qualities of head and heart, amicable mien and of hospitable nature, his friends, admirers and well-wishers will sorely miss Air Vice Marshal Tawab. May his soul rest in peace (Ameen).