Army Institute of Military History

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Lt. Gen

Tariq Parvaiz

Lt Gen Tariq Parvaiz was invited as a guest speaker at AIMH on February 21, 2024, to share his experience with interns Batch 4 and NUML students, a total of approximately 50 students. He gave a riveting account of his experiences during the 1971 War and subsequent escape from a Prisoner of War (POW) camp. Gen Tariq provided invaluable insights into leadership, planning, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Escape from POW Camp and Lessons Learned

Gen Tariq recounted the surprise attack on the enemy during the outbreak of the War. The move to Khulna and occupation of delaying positions resulted in 47 casualties inflicted on the enemy, demonstrating excellent fire discipline and tactical positioning. Following surrender, Gen Tariq's 6 Punjab battalion took up defensive positions and repulsed enemy attacks. Eventually, they became POWs and were initially held in smaller camps before being transferred to Fateh Garh main camp, where officers were segregated based on rank.

Gen Tariq expressed the meticulous planning and execution of their escape, including the excavation of a 75-meter tunnel over a ten-month period. The journey spanned three countries and eleven cities, covering a total distance of 10,889 kilometers.

Gen Tariq emphasized the importance of leadership, initiative, devotion to cause, and comradeship. Other lessons included the significance of detailed planning, maintaining secrecy and security, and staying composed under pressure. Additionally, awareness of the environment and knowledge of local customs were highlighted as crucial factors in their successful escape.

The lecture provided good insights into the resilience and determination exhibited by Gen Parvaiz and his comrades. Their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges through meticulous planning, camaraderie, and unwavering faith serves as a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

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