Bilal Zafar

Captain Bilal Zafar (1982-2009) (Urdu: بلال ظفر) was a Pakistan Army officer who received Sitara-e-Basalat on 62nd Independence Day of Pakistan. He was a Captain in 42 Baloch Regiment(MIB).

Education

He was born at Rawalpindi on 2 February 1982. Bilal Zafar got his early education at St Paul’s Cambridge School, Rawalpindi and Government College university Lahore , Rawalpindi.

Military Background

He belonged to a prominent family with military background. His father, Zafar Tajamul, is a retired captain. His grandfather, Colonel Tajammal Hussain was a commissioned officer in British Indian Army. He fought Second World War and remained a PoW. Later on, he joined INA. After Independence he opted for Pakistan Army. He volunteered for war of independence of Kashmir. He raised and commanded first Bagh Brigade and fought on Poonch front. For his valour and bravery, he was awarded with medal of FAKHR-E-KASHMIR. He remained Defence Secretary for Azad Kashmir govt. Later on, he raised civil Defence department.

The great-grandfather of Captain Bilal Subedar Lal Khan fought First World War. He gave his life during action. For his death in combat, he was awarded INDIAN ORDER OF MERIT - the second highest military award.

His brother Captain Zarrar is also a commando officer, participated in many operations.

He joined Pakistan Army in 2001 and was commissioned into 42 Baloch Regiment(Al-Havi) on 12 October 2003. Later, he joined SSG.

Operation Rah-e-Rast began in May 2009 and involved the Pakistan Army and Taliban militants in a fight for control of the Swat district of Pakistan. SSG started an operation 'Janbaz' to clear Swat valley from militants. His company was given task to clear Swat-Peochar Road. During this operation, Captain Bilal Zafar embraced shahadat on 17 May 2009. He was hit by a rocket launcher on his chest.

One day after his death, he was buried in his native village Kehror Kotli Sattian on 18 May 2009. Government of Pakistan announced Sitara-e-Basalat for him on 62nd Independence of Pakistan.