Respected Sir,
I heard your interview on "Flash Point" regarding OBL, beside your interview i know you as a national hero and a living legend, i wish you would be the acting body of air force or you still owned
a fighter at your home and we could see the dead roasted flashes images of those Americans who violet our territory and did operation on our motherland, i know you would too feel paralyze as i,
being a girl and a medical student.
i pray for your good health and long life from the bottom of my heart. Why you cant be our politician, our leader, our commander, our fate decider :(
We all (nation) love you so very much...
Palwasha Jaan
Dear Sajad:
I was quite pleased to see that after my trip to Qingdao,Beijing, Tokyo and Washington, DC these past two weeks I returned to see your book had finally arrived! I immediately jumped into
it.
What a page turner Sajad! I love it and it is very hard to put down. When you said you didn't mince words in this book and told it like it is --
well that was no exaggeration my friend!. I'm learning quite a lot about history and human nature as well. There are some holes in my knowledge of some of the
specifics you addressed but suffice to say I'll fill those in eventually. Sometimes we Americans aren't as informed as we should be. I'd love to send a copy to Congressman
Peter King, Chairman of Homeland Defense Committee. If I do, I'll have to get you to autograph that one to him. i also have a good friend an fraternity brother who is a
retired Colonel, USAF who enjoy a copy. I may turn out to be one of your best customers!
From the very inception you of the book you really get the feeling that the English Catholic historian, politician, writer and moralist,Sir John Dalberg-Acton (aka Lord Acton), once put it,
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely!". You alluded to what may drive leaders to this. Well there is an American expression called "Wag the dog".
In essence -- diversions -- when things are going poorly in a country, nothing distracts that populace like a good old fashion crisis, of which a war would be at the top of that list.
Getting back to the Flight of the Falcon, the passion for the material is really moving; and thank you for sharing so much of your family background -- like my father, also your close friend, it
is clear to see that we all build our core values, our sense of right and wrong and our dedication to friends and family at home. If cared for properly, they will last a lifetime.
I once heard it said that the accumulation of an individual's worth is not what he accumulates in life, but what he leaves behind -- who he has inspired to do better things in his
life. I often tell people who I have helped not to thank me but to pass it on and help someone else. Guess I'm an idealist but I'd like to see more of that in this
world.
Incidentally, one thing I didn't know is that incident with the Shah of Iran -- great stuff. You'll always have that military code in you Sajad, Duty, Service and Honor.
Although I would have sent an F-14 to "escort" the Ayatollah K. to much earlier meeting with Allah, the reason Iran went to hell is because much of what you fear for Pakistan --
extremism. That given enough oppression, poverty and lack of education, and depriving people of the simple human dignity gained from having a productive future -- well
only bad comes from that and I hope Pakistan wakes up. It has too proud a history to retreat into that state for long.
On a separate subject, did you know Prince Azod? He was the son of Mozaffar-al-Din Shah, the king and previous shah who initiated the Iranian
Constitution and the National Assembly? (they were the royal family before the Brits put in the Pahlavis) He was a friend of Dad's, a good man. He left Iran a few
months before the Cultural Revolution and passed away in France in 1998. He was a big agricultural proponent for Iran. Guess he survived under the Pahlavi's by not going toe-to-toe
with them.
Well back to you book!
Warm regards,
Tom
Message: dear sir,
i am the son of dr. terrell woodmansee. my father was the surgeon assigned to the u.s.air force base in peshawar from 1964-1966. he was a navial aviator during ww II. you were a
legend in our home.
sincerely,
james woodmansee
Dear James,
It is a very pleasant surprise to hear from two American sons of my valued friends long time ago. Yes i remember your father Col. Woodmansee at Bedaber US comm.base near Peshawar. I had spent many wonderful and caring moments with your gracious parents. I even recall your sister who used to go for Black Belt Taikndo lessons. Once i had terrible pains which were diagnosed by your Dad as kidney infection and He treated and got me back in good shape.
Meanwhile try to get a book through amazon titled Flight of the Falcon by me. It will titlate your memories. It can also be ordered through www.vanguardbooks.com
My best wishes for your entire family. Pl. stay in touch.
ajad Haider
Air Commodore (R)
"Sir! I am Air Cdre Masud Hatmi's son (My father expired in 89 and Saad uncle in 2001). Yes! I met you in Minhas. I read your book with great enthusiasm. Where it has has many lessons for us yet it truly inspires us (the second generation of PAF fighter pilots) to carry the legacy, left by legends like you and many others......Although we have transformed into a modern force with hi-tech gadgetry's in our jets, yet we are still way-off to what you guys used to do with these planes. I commanded 9 sqn (now F-16s) from Jun-2008 till Oct 2010. I can assure you that we honor the sacrifices laid by our predecessors and appreciate how PAF covered all these arduous years to be what it is today.......We have not seen war, but did come close to it couple of times.........you can be satisfied that had it happened, we would have fought like our elders; with resolute, courage & honor. Sir! it is indeed a very memorable book for many of my friends, who have heard but not seen the true mettle of PAF. Also, I really appreciate your comments in the book regarding my father & uncle [atleast they were spared from your thrashing :)] Sir I am posted at AHQ...E-9 Islamabad and sure would want to meet you......."
The comments coming through Jimdo web via E-mails were thought to be worth sharing. Consequently, these messages are being pasted on the blog. Thanks to all those who are continually getting to know about the Flight of the Falcon and sending their candid comments as they read the chronicle. Learning never stops and it should not. The author gains so much from comments and questions that are being addressed. The author requests that commenters and reviewers kindly add their E-mail address.
Thanks for your consideration.
Shumail Sajid (Wednesday, 23 January 2019 09:15)
Sir wanted to know about my grandfather who happened to be from 12th GDP.I would be really thankful if you can leave a reply on my email address(shumailsajid1434@gmail.com)
aziz afzal shah (Thursday, 17 May 2018 13:36)
I really thankful to your good self for sharing your memories in a nice way.
Omar Hatmi (Friday, 13 April 2018 06:40)
Dear Sir, I have met you in 1978 with my parents Air Cdre (R) Saad & Raana Hatmi and remember your friendship with them. Both of them have past away and I still have memories of all their friends from unforgetable air force days.
Syed Muhammad Raza (Thursday, 01 February 2018 07:01)
Sir...
I always feel proud to read, bruitly strike at wahga attari in 1965.PAF falcons have golden history in air wars.
Ali Hasan (Wednesday, 07 September 2016 02:32)
Sir
First of all, please accept a humble word of appreciation as a token of my own personal gratitude and that of my parents and family, for your bravery and resilience in the face of near certain death which you displayed during your six sorties at Wagah, 0930 HRS - September 6th, and later on during the same day for leading No. 19 Sherdils towards Pathankot, a far more dangerous mission in my opinion and one that is still regarded as "one of the most successful air raids of contemporary history (http://www.defencejournal.com/2000/sept/pathankot.htm).
Secondly, I wish to thank you for keeping the light of truth burning bright, above all else, for later generations to see and be guided by - those who weren't even born during those times of crises, deceit and war. If not for people like you we, who had been brought up on lethal doses of corrupted history and mutated jingoism, would have continued to believe in mere lies and fallacies.
With Best & Most Humblest of Regards
Ali Hasan
Lahore, Pakistan
Abdul Shakoor Shah Shakir (Friday, 24 June 2016 01:52)
Most respected Sir Syed Sajjad Haider
I am proudly say that you are me dream personality. I first heard and read about you in 2003 when I was still a student of 1st Year. Sir , your services for Pakistan are matchless. You worthy has rightly proved that gun is not important but the man behind the gun is very important. That is exactly what you proved with your Cyber F-86. You served my homeland in right way. May Allah Almighty award you his special blessings. Sir, I dare to say that I want to meet you and want to get an autograph from you. It will be a dream changing into reality for me Sir! Can I be so blessed?
Abdul Shakoor Shah Shakir
MA English Literature
abdulshakoor726@gmail.com
Lionel Cullen (Thursday, 03 March 2016 16:28)
My dear Sajjad. I read your book with great interest. I was pleased to see that you told the story as it was & did not pull any punches. I am sure you remember me from the old Pakistan Air Force days. I graduated from 11th GD (Pilots) course, & we met in Sargodha, while I was commanding an F-86 Squadron as a Squadron Leader. I enjoyed my years of service from 1950 till 1963, when I resigned to emigrate to Australia, is where I am now.God bless you & I hope your book sells well, to enlighten many who do not know the true story of all that took place in Pakistan, & in the PAF. Cheers from "Down Under".
Lionel Cullen
Squadron Leader (Retd)
March 04, 2016.
sam khan (Tuesday, 15 September 2015 06:05)
Salutes!!!!!!!
Sami Ullah Shah (Thursday, 23 April 2015 12:39)
Dear Sir, I am very pleased to see your website. i am your big fan and also of those who sacrfice their lives in 1965 war. May allah give you long live and peace
Sl Atif (Tuesday, 03 March 2015 06:17)
Assalam o alaikum sir !
It was Indeed an honour to listen to you today on your visit to your hearth . Through out your address I wished I can sit with you for hours and hours and listen to you and get some thing fruitfull .sir today You boosted my motivation and moral sky high again .sir I wish and pray you a long and healthy life along with all the heros to whom we are indebited .May ALLAH bestow you with great health and highest ranks of ghazis Ameen
Kamal Ahmed (Friday, 17 October 2014 11:44)
Dear Sajad sahib, Assalamu alaikum
All I can say at the moment is that it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to go through the site in more detail, which I am quite sure shall provide information which will further affirm/increase my regards for you.
umaz iftikhar (Sunday, 05 October 2014 12:44)
sir i am a student of paf college sargodha................it was always my interest to read abook on paf history and thanks to your book i was able to understand that which organization i am going to join.....................your book is a great source of inspiration for the upcoming leaders of the air force .................salute to your services
and especially pathan kot strike
mwarner (Tuesday, 08 July 2014 21:48)
I read about the PAF in general. Yes, 1965 & 1971. These two years were very significant in PAF history and very important for the country. During these years the land of pure was challenged by the enemy in the air and PAF responded very efficiently. Results are known to all through people like you who write columns, articles and books. So I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you.
Dr.Faisal Ghaffar (Sunday, 01 June 2014 08:44)
Salute to your honesty,dedication,bravery.Flight of Falcon should be part of curriculum of all colleges & universities.You are a living legend & man of steel.I consider myself the most lucky one to pay tribute to a true hero of Pakistan.Its really disturbing that those of our heroes suffered,who put their life on risk to save Pakistan.Sir,you should have published the photoes of Zafar Choudary,Khaqan Abbassi,Saeedullah Khan & your best buddies Malang,Afridi so that we could co relate them with the narrative and also of Miss Mercedes Miranda.Its really honest of you to share all these details.waiting for your reply and your second book.love you & respect you from the core of my heart
Sqn.Ldr (retd) Lionel R.Cullen, ex/PAF. (Monday, 19 May 2014)
Sajad. I wish I knew where you live in Spain, as I spent 2 weeks with a dear friend & ex PAF B-57 Pilot, Shah Zaman Khan, near COIN in Malaga.Do keep in touch as my email is lionelrcullen@gmail.com. I gave him your book which I found extremely interesting. Unfortunately I did not take part in the war in 1965, as I Emigrated to Perth, Western Australia, & joined the RAAF.. Cheers, & God Bless.
ASAD (Saturday, 14 December 2013 14:38)
SIR WE SALUTE YOU FROM DEEP INSIDE OUR HEART
TO YOUR COURAGE AND BRAVERY YOU DISPLAYED AS A FEARLESS WARRIOR .IF WE ARE ALIVE AND SAFE TODAY ITS BECAUSE OF PROUD SONS OF THIS SOIL LIKE YOU.
AND SIR YOUR INTERVIEW WITH BBC OF 1965 WAR,IT WAS REALLY LIKE A LION IS SPEAKING.SIR WE ARE REALLY PROUD OF YOU
MAY GOD ALWAYS KEEP YOU SAFE
pntikoo (Monday, 27 May 2013 01:45)
Hallo sir,would like to read your book titled as 'Flight of Falcon', pl. guide me if i can buy it anywhere in INDIA.regards.
SK Sharma Wg Cdr (Retd) (Monday, 13 May 2013 00:58)
Dear Air Cdre
I have read 3/4 of your book and I have become an admirer of yours. I was in the formation with Wg Cdr Zachariah as no. 4, where in late Peter Rawley died. You have Rank wrong I was a Flt LT and MM Sinha a Sqn Ldr. The only person who can match your achievements on the Indian side was AVM Nosey Parker in 1971. Great book thanks.
Michael Warner (Thursday, 18 April 2013 18:26)
Hi there, I am a keen follower of the PAF activities and really enjoy reading everything about it. I wanted to ask you a question about an individual who served in the PAF as a fighter pilot. In 71 his plane was shot down due to incorrect information on the radio by the radar operator, who was a bengali decent. This pilot took a dive in a F-6 to engage the enemy. While he was in the diving mode, his plane was shot down. Although he applied his brakes and got the enemy plane in front of him, however when he fired his side winders, they were out of control and did not go in the direction he commanded. His plane was hit by a SU-7 missle and he tried to land the plane, but on his wing man's advise he bailed out. He was not decorated. Where as one of the PAF chief who was also dare devil fighter pilot was decorated after he shot down an enemy plane, later became pow since he was shot down, and was decorated and also promoted to ACM, PAF. What is wrong with this scenario, or am I missing something. Both pilots are brave men.
Shahid Masood (Tuesday, 26 March 2013 02:12)
Dear Sajjad Sb,
A O A,
As pakistani I feel it a non payable moral loan to pay homage to Ur daring role as leader in the mission of low altitude bombing at Lahore Front in 1965 war which really changed the course of war against the enemy.People are remembered in history by the character and the role played at the need hour.It will be a moment for me to receive the national Hero at Ghareb Khana.
Best& Sincerest
REGARDS
ENGR Shahid Masood ST Gulzar E Abdullaha Mian Zia UL Haque Road Civil Lines Gujranwala
Shafiq Niazi (Thursday, 21 February 2013 01:32)
AoA Dear Sajjad sb,
I am a Sargodhian (Munirian/Attackerite) and son of(late)Airmen. Love for fighter machines n PAF is in my blood. i couldn't join flying because of weaker eyesight.however my entry mates r fighters (108 gdp)and I love and respect them a LOT. few had laid their lives too..
I knew about you when I as in 7th grade. You inspired me since then.As I have read your book a month ago, it increaded your respect and love.
i salute you for such bravery to tell us truth and dislose "MASTER HYPOCRATES"... This is our hypocratic nature as nation which has led us to shambles!
LONG LIVE OUR HERO and UNSUNG HEROES...
Regards,
Shafiq Niazi
1637-A
26th entry
PAF College Sargodha
Aizaz Moin (Monday, 31 December 2012 09:03)
Dear Air Commodore, This is a brilliant book. I am so glad that one person out of all of us who took part in the 1971 war, has actually written the truth. The '70s were a decade of psychophancy and only those who took part reached far. I resigned my commission, which the nation had so very kindly entrusted me with because I felt I could not serve under pen-pushers who could so easily stray from the truth. I found most of my peers and seniors hypocrites, psychophants, self-serving and lacking in moral fibre.
Yours very sincerely,
Aizaz Moin
Shahid Zia (Wednesday, 09 May 2012 02:27)
Hello sajad,
You've received a message through a form on your website.
The message was sent from this page: http://www.sajadhaider.com/contact/
If you no longer wish to receive contact form messages at this email address, log into your Jimdo site, click on the contact form, and change the designated email address in the field that opens.
The following information was sent:-------------------------------------
Name: Shahid Zia Qaisrani
Email Address: zia_edu@yahoo.com
Message: Hello Sir,
I am based out of Ottawa, Canada. You are my hero and you will remain my hero. I have a great conviction that despite all the odds our nation will survive forever because of great individual like you.
May you live long.
Regards,
Shahid Zia
Haider (Tuesday, 27 March 2012 20:47)
Dear Sir,
I am Haider from Melbourne, Australia. I have no background from Army or Airforce I just like to read war histories your name came up whenever I read anything about Indo pak war (obivously I became your fan) as soon as your book came out I ordered it and pounced on it the moment it got delivered.
Needless to say you are a living legened a reason to make every Pakistani no matter how far off they are from there motherland to be Proud off.
I salute you and Thank you and all other who have laid down their lives who have left their widows and old parents and young childern just so that we can be safe
Sqn.Ldr (retd) Lionel R.Cullen (Wednesday, 18 January 2012 06:03)
Well done ACE. JUST GOT YOUR BOOK & MOST IMPRESSED WITH YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS & YOUR COURAGE IN PUTTING PEN TO PAPER & REVEALING THE TRUTH AS SEEN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE.I LOVE IT. GOD BLESS YOU & THE FAMILY & I HOPE WE MEET AGAIN SOMETIME. YOURS AS ALWAYS, LEN. (11th GD (P)
yusuf khan (Sunday, 20 November 2011 07:14)
Respected sir,
The Book is good;Your approach is sincere and compassionate.
Ayub Khan never handled over power to Yahya Khan.
Yahya Khan was never honest in financial matters.(page 212:flight of the falcon)(make a correction)
Muhammad Awais (Friday, 04 November 2011 20:02)
Respected Sir,
I do not have words to DESCRIBE the feelings going inside me as i write these lines to you..I'm actually adressing a REAL HERO of Pakistan..GOD sir i salute you..ive lost count of how many times i've read "Flight of the Falcon"..I wish i could stand infront of you and salute you..and meet you and talk to you and shake your hand once..i've heard you live in islamabad i wish i could come visit you once as i live in rawalpindi..
Best Wishes and Regards,
Your BIGGGGESSSSSSSTTTT FAN
my email : awaismohammad@hotmail.com
naim ur rehman (Thursday, 16 December 2010 12:03)
Hi Sajad.I would like to compliment you for providing a detailed book about the events of PAF in particular and a general brief history of our dishonest leaders towards the end of your book.We indeed as a bunch of indiciplined people/ individuals since centuries have done lot of injustice with this sacred land which was solely provided to us by our great Quaid who during the last ten years not only fought with british and hindus but also battled with death every day.I would especialy like to make a referance of Late East Pakistan as today is the day when we lost more then half of our country.This is a very difficult time but being a muslim i have a firm beleif that Pakistan will one day prevail again with the same shine and glory for which it was carved.Thanks
Shahid H. Manto (Friday, 03 December 2010 14:56)
Dear Sir
Assalaam-o-Alekum:-
Can you please update "Media Gallery" by some more memorable pics or videos with 1965 and 1971 wars heroes? Would be awsome if you have some.
Regards,
Shahid H. Manto
Dr.Mehvish Baig (Monday, 22 November 2010 03:44)
Dear Air Cdr.S Haider,
I was reading your post dated Sep 15,2010.You have mentioned several great acheivers of Pakistan Airforce who are well recognized or not so well recognized.I like to call the "not so well recognized" achievers the "Unsung Heros of Pakitan".One such fighter pilot is Wg.Cdr.(R)Salim Baig who shot down 2 enemy aircrafts in the 1971 war.His kills are undisputed and he is probably amongst 4 or 5 fighter pilots of Airforce who have more than 1 kill in an air battle.
Kind Regards.
AVM Ahmed (Sunday, 07 November 2010 07:11)
AOA Sir
This is AVM Ahmed. Ex 18, 5 and 23 Sqn.
Good to see you after a long time. You appear fighting fit and ready to get in the cockpit of the F-86 to clobber the SOBs.
I was looking forward to reading your book. Now that I got your website, I have placed the order straight away.
with all my best wishes and warm regards for you and your family
---
Captain Javed B. Sheikh (Rtd.), ATP (Sunday, 07 November 2010 06:54)
Captain Javed B. Sheikh(Retired), ATP left a new guestbook entry or comment on your JimdoPage http://www.sajadhaider.com/
---
November 6, 2010
Dear Air Commodore Sajjad:
I am Javed Bashir Sheikh, 65 years old, and I moved to the U.S. in 1965, just few days before the 1965 war. I am son of late Squadron Leader S.M. Bashir of good old 101 MU and the later on in Group
either One or Two. He retired from the P.A.F. in spring of 1961. He was based at Drigh Road. By the way his older brother was Sdr.Ldr M. Siddiq; also know as Cha Cha Siddiq, who was at P.A.F.
Risalpur. Like you, I also have the great honor to have the P.A.F. blood in me, but unlike yours, mine is of course via osmosis. I grew up there seeing Furies, Tempest, Attackers, Lancasters and
Bristol Frieghters doing their run-ups and later on seeing the arrivals of F-86’s and F-104 and of course B-57. I am very proud of that, and you GDP’s were my idols and heroes, because you were there
to save and defend Baba Quaid’s (as we called him with respect in our homes looking at his picture). My late father was just like you. An honest man. Who spoke truth and stood for justice and
henceforth suffered at the hands of his superiors. He stayed in it to serve Pakistan and C-in-C M Ashgar Khan, whom he adored and admired very much. Most of the names you mention in your book, I know
of them and I as a kid witnessed the mid air collision of A.T. Naqvi’s aircraft, while I was watching the pair flying overhead Drigh Road Airfield.
Sir, your book has made me cry with pride and then with sorrow at times, to realize what we were once upon a time and what we have become now. I am going to leave your books for my grand sons Azad
and Aziz, for them to read it when they are of age. I call your book “The Story of My Hero”. A hero you are to me, of course.
I thank you and salute you to have served my childhood Pakistan then and now as well. I shall always respectfully love you for what you are and have been, and for that with a great sense reverence.
May God bless you and your family with much happiness and good health. Justice is always in the hands of Allah and not us mortal humans. You are a just man in my book and I am sure so are you in His
book as well.
With much reverence and profound respect,
Sincerely,
Captain Javed B. Sheikh (Rtd.), ATP
B-737, DO 328Jet, BE-400A/MU-300, BE-1900D
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
---
Click this link in order to view the entry:
http://www.sajadhaider.com/guest-book/
Captain Javed B. Sheikh(Retired), ATP (Saturday, 06 November 2010 17:58)
November 6, 2010
Dear Air Commodore Sajjad:
I am Javed Bashir Sheikh, 65 years old, and I moved to the U.S. in 1965, just few days before the 1965 war. I am son of late Squadron Leader S.M. Bashir of good old 101 MU and the later on in Group either One or Two. He retired from the P.A.F. in spring of 1961. He was based at Drigh Road. By the way his older brother was Sdr.Ldr M. Siddiq; also know as Cha Cha Siddiq, who was at P.A.F. Risalpur. Like you, I also have the great honor to have the P.A.F. blood in me, but unlike yours, mine is of course via osmosis. I grew up there seeing Furies, Tempest, Attackers, Lancasters and Bristol Frieghters doing their run-ups and later on seeing the arrivals of F-86’s and F-104 and of course B-57. I am very proud of that, and you GDP’s were my idols and heroes, because you were there to save and defend Baba Quaid’s (as we called him with respect in our homes looking at his picture). My late father was just like you. An honest man. Who spoke truth and stood for justice and henceforth suffered at the hands of his superiors. He stayed in it to serve Pakistan and C-in-C M Ashgar Khan, whom he adored and admired very much. Most of the names you mention in your book, I know of them and I as a kid witnessed the mid air collision of A.T. Naqvi’s aircraft, while I was watching the pair flying overhead Drigh Road Airfield.
Sir, your book has made me cry with pride and then with sorrow at times, to realize what we were once upon a time and what we have become now. I am going to leave your books for my grand sons Azad and Aziz, for them to read it when they are of age. I call your book “The Story of My Hero”. A hero you are to me, of course.
I thank you and salute you to have served my childhood Pakistan then and now as well. I shall always respectfully love you for what you are and have been, and for that with a great sense reverence. May God bless you and your family with much happiness and good health. Justice is always in the hands of Allah and not us mortal humans. You are a just man in my book and I am sure so are you in His book as well.
With much reverence and profound respect,
Sincerely,
Captain Javed B. Sheikh (Rtd.), ATP
B-737, DO 328Jet, BE-400A/MU-300, BE-1900D
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Ahmed (Thursday, 04 November 2010 08:25)
AOA Sir
This is AVM Ahmed. Ex 18, 5 and 23 Sqn.
Good to see you after a long time. You appear fighting fit and ready to get in the cockpit of the F-86 to clobber the SOBs.
I was looking forward to reading your book. Now that I got your website, I have placed the order straight away.
with all my best wishes and warm regards for you and your family
rubegeodin@yahoo.com (Saturday, 30 October 2010 10:26)
Dear sir,
Greetings , could u clarify if there are fresh inputs in "Flight of the Falcon"(third edition).If so then i need to buy the new book.
Coming to matters of professional intrest- how did u rate the F-86 Sabre against our Hunters.The Indo-Pak air wars were great examples of jet air combat where the principles of dogfighting still mattered.Unfortunately these air battles have not been well documented and it is upto distinguished pilots like u of that era to do it,if it is not impudent of my saying so.
My Dad used to say those were great days where u lived honourably and fought cleanly, unlike todays rabid communalism.
I look forward to your fresh endeavours and wish u & ur family all all the best.
Regards.
Haris Zuberi (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 01:17)
PAKISTAN - 'HOPE, COURAGE & CONFIDENCE' By Haris Zuberi.
[An excellent eulogy to the great Quaid- also an elegy and requiem for Quaid’s Pakistan dream. -SH]
PAKISTAN - 'HOPE, COURAGE & CONFIDENCE'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Ql7AFSAew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn1WTj6NkWw
For full twenty mins without break watch it here:
PAKISTAN - 'HOPE, COURAGE & CONFIDENCE'
http://vimeo.com/14112853
Do spare 20 minutes of your time to watch and celebrate Pakistan with a dosage of reflection, inspiration and motivation.
[Here are feedback comments by Air Cdre S. Sajad Haider with request for Haris Zuberi to please include on my (this) website www.sajadhaider.com ]
-SH
Shahid Manto (Tuesday, 07 September 2010 13:29)
Happy September 7. I Know you have lots of memories. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
Hamid Ali (Friday, 13 August 2010 04:20)
Sir,
Kindly add your biography in this website.
Mohammad Kamran (Thursday, 08 July 2010 05:49)
Why none of the 1965 PAF heroes could be promotions above Air Commodores or Group Captain? You can see Cecil Chaudary, M.M. Alam and yourself as well?
Abid Hussain (Monday, 05 July 2010 09:00)
I was wondering what would you have to say about the current state of the PAF in terms of professionalism, readiness and technology. Do you think it is an effective force in the new intricate world that has emerged in the last decade.
Also, are there any plans to write an account about your escapades in the world of business. You do hint that in your book. I think that should be an interesting read as well. Thanks.
Shahid Manto (Friday, 28 May 2010 10:32)
Sir your book is awesome. Love to read it every day.Can you please tell me why Alloudin called "Butch" Thanks. Shaid Manto
BILAL MIAN (Wednesday, 07 April 2010 16:21)
Aslaam alikum wr wb Sajad Haider sir, YOu are a living legend a living falcon a hero who rules millions of pakistani hearts. I have watched your video on youtube being interviewed by a BBC correspondent countless number of times. I am like many pakistanis a big fan of yours and of several great PAF pilots throughout our glorious history as a potent AIR FORCE truly SECOND TO NONE. Your daring attack on major indian base in pathankot in 1965 war against our arch rival india from squadron based in peshawar was truly classic with your formation. I am quite fondly building collection of books on PAF in english and urdu. I have purchased your book today on "Vanguards books Online" and hope to receive it in 2-3 weeks here in UK. I love our armed forces but i suppose love for PAF has been a bit more than the other two services. I wish i could become a PAF Fighter pilot but at age of 32 i guess it's too late. Still i hope i can contribute in some way to PAF by perhaps completing my aeronautics engineering degree.
I wish i can speak to you live via phone or meet you some day. Like many other admirers and lovers i too would love asking you a lot of questions. I am really looking forward to read your autobiography " Flight of the Falcon". I know it will be enjoyable and enlightening experience. I assure our generation will bring pakistan back to it's actual destination, this responsiblity we will take on board with sweat, toil, blood, tears and endless love of pakistan. Pakistan is a gift of ALLAH and it has a special role to play in unifying the muslim world and ending hegemony of anti-islamic nations especially israel.
May ALLAH give you even my umaar ! May you have a prosperous and healthy life. Your very valuable to us and many other greats of your and later generations who build the strong pillars of PAF making it the best Air Force in the world as acknowledged by several neutral military analysts. Strange i am addressing you yet the image i have of you is that of squadron leader sajad haider of 1965 war and not of a man in his 70s !. All the best my best wishes to you.
Ubaid Ahmed (Saturday, 13 March 2010 02:50)
Sir,
I'm short of words to describe how exceptional your book is. I have invested every minute of my spare time into that masterpiece of a book. Being a very devoted Aviation Enthusiast, I have not read a book better than 'Fight of the Falcon'. It's beyond exceptional sir, nobody could've written it better than you did.
That book makes me wish, I was not Amblyopic, so that I could join our marvelous Air force and do what you have done for it.
Take very good care of yourself sir.
Allah Hafiz.
Muhammad Ali (Thursday, 25 February 2010 12:34)
ASA Mr. Haider,
My name is Ali and I am currently residing in Canada.I would like to ask you a question that I know is irrelevant to your book, although an answer would be much appreciated.
I am a die heart fan of Pakistan Air Force. My father himself is a retired Squardon Leader from PAF that has inspired me to join PAF as well.
I did some research on the requirements of joining PAF and found out that I would have to give up my Canadian citizenship. Do you think there is a way around this?
Last but not least, I have a bold request. I may be visiting Pakistan in the near future and would like to see you in person. The request is not to discuss any sort of political topics, but to simply meet an inspirational and bold person.
Once again an answer would be much appreciated on this discussion board or my email ali4888@hotmail.com
Sincearly,
Muhammad Ali.
Khayyam Ally Soomro (Wednesday, 24 February 2010 01:32)
Dear Sir, I have read the book and found it to be he best on Pakistan Air Force. The flow is exceptionally good and the incidents touched upon are very interesting. I also commend your sense of justice and fairplay in that you did not get carried away by fiction, but based your narration of history on facts.
I salute you and other brave pilots of PAF who fought a much larger but inept air force of our enemy and forced them into submission. We can very well say that PAF saved Pakistan in 1965 when they operated most crucial missions and thwarted the nefarious designs of the Indians.
Rehmane (Friday, 19 February 2010 11:22)
I can see from this guest book that I join a multitude of people who appreciate not only the AC's book but his service as a fighter pilot to our country.
However, I am compelled to note that there are a couple of observations that I vehemently disagree with.
Mr. A Malik (presumably a pseudonym) makes some 'observations' that I would like to explore. He first suggests that the book is a ‘decent job’ of identifying the weaknesses of our leaders and then in the very next sentence derides the book as a compendium of grievances. Really? Which is it? Every other review suggests the book is an attempt to present an account of the nation’s war history from an active participant. With regard to the AC’s supposed grievances, anyone who has worked in any organization of any size, with its necessary baggage of organizational politics HAS suffered the consequences of such politics and I for one do not believe that AC has complained other than describing the travails of establishing a career – perfectly normal. Now Mr. Malik may have achieved the heights of personal achievement without suffering the usual organizational politics, but that would make him the exception. Are you an exceptional achiever Mr. Malik?
Perhaps I misunderstand the statement of the 22 families, but when did Bhutto belong to these ‘vampires’? I find the criticism of someone seeking the help of his friends unseemly – if the AC is not going to ask his friends for help then whom? Mr. Malik? I think not. More importantly, what does that have to do with the storyline – that of missed opportunities and bad leadership?
Mr. Malik then introduces some outside-of-the-book knowledge by saying that the AC was reputedly “arrogant and vane” throughout his career. Ignoring the redundancy (and incorrect spelling), SO WHAT? Once again, if the AC is an arrogant person, a fact not in evidence other that Mr.Malik’s suggestion, then so be it – we are to read his book and make up our minds about its contents NOT about the AC himself. Why introduce this personal attack? How do you know about the AC’s reputation? Perhaps if you elaborated on how you came about this knowledge we would be able to determine your credibility, Mr. Malik.
Mr. Malik then proceeds to accuse the AC of not being a gentleman. Here is an unwarranted personal attack AGAIN. I read the portions about the AC’s personal life with considerable trepidation for I am not used to such open discussion about one’s personal life anywhere in Pakistani authorship. To the best of my reading of the book, the AC only NAMED his wives and NEVER named any of his ‘lady friends’. Okay, so the AC enjoyed the life of a romantic ‘ladies man’ and says so memorably –‘always in love’ – but NEVER ‘kissed and told’. Would Mr. Malik prefer that the AC write his story in an antiseptic, holier-than-thou manner, or should the AC have, as he did, write it, ‘warts and all’? I leave to the readers to reach their own conclusion, but it is certain that the AC never crossed the line that Mr. Malik suggests.
Not satisfied with his unwarranted, unsubstantiated attacks on the AC’s person, he then viciously attacks other pilots and without ANY evidence to support his smear, suggests that Abbas Khattak, et al were corrupt thieves. WOW. I guess the internet and its anonymity allows such personal attacks without any repercussions. It makes my blood boil that these people are attacked without evidence and cannot defend themselves because no one knows who Mr. Malik is – other than an individual who chooses to make his charges “behind the veil” of anonymity – he may even be a coward. Perhaps.
Then Mr. Malik, not satisfied with his personal attacks on the AC and other pilots, he denigrates the profession of fighter piloting ITSELF, by equating it to the job of a constable. In one fell swoop, he has belittled every fighter pilot in history, from the WWI observer pilots who took pot shots at each other with their pistols to the modern day pilot with his multi-role plane and its helmet controlled operation – ALL OF THEM ARE THE SAME AS A CONSTABLE. This analogy has to be the worst since man first picked up the pen. Really, Mr. Malik? Have you no shame? Why do you increasingly sound like a jealous/envious person who, on not obtaining the object of his desire, belittles it? Are you a jilted ‘wannabe’ fighter pilot? Perhaps. Not content with belittling the profession, he then complains of over-compensation. Is there no limit to your obvious HATRED of fighter pilots?
I wonder if the AC took him up on his offer to discuss over a “refreshing beverage”.
Anyway, these are my ‘two paisas’ on the book (and Mr. Malik) and I wish the AC Godspeed and happy tailwinds.
Tamir Hussain (Friday, 19 February 2010 07:12)
Asalaam aulaikum Sir,
I am sure you get numerous emails every day. You are truly a legend and my hero.
I always wanted to join PAF but it did not happen. I have twin boys that are almost six years old and I can see my passion for flying has been passed on to them. I look forward to the future years where I can read Flight of the Falcon to them. Well my copy of your book is ordered and I cannot wait for it.
Thank you for all that you have done for our country.
Best wishes,
Tamir Hussain
Abid Hussain (Sunday, 14 February 2010 10:33)
Again a great book but did leave a few questions in my mind. In the mission that Rafiqi led over Halwara, whether his guns were really jammed as claimed by the PAF or is this just another myth. Also wondering if PAF had any role to play in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war where it is popularly believed that the PAF performed exceedingly well.
Abid Hussain (Wednesday, 10 February 2010 22:27)
It was about time someone would put things in perspective and demolish some of the myths of 65 and 71 wars. I congratulate you for the fact that you have tried your best to be as objective as possible when it comes to narrating facts of history. It is interesting that your book is also most sought after on the other side of the border judging by the interest it has generated on some of the Indian defense forums. Another interesting part of your book is when you describe how you stood up and spoke to General Zia. Only somebody who is upright and sincere can have the audacity to confront a dictator like you did. About the events that unfolded in 1971, I wonder if you had the opportunity to read "Witness to Surrender" by Sadiq Salik (late) who was another author I enjoyed reading.
Aqsa Hussain (Thursday, 04 February 2010 21:24)
sir,
you are an inspiration.i want to join the air force just like you but unfortunately i have flat feet and everybody is telling me that its not possible but i will still try.