The Golden Jubilee of the 49^th PMA Long Course marks half a century of shared memories, unwavering loyalty, and the enduring bond of comradeship forged at the Pakistan Military Academy.

نصف صدی کا قصہ ہے
دو چار برس کی بات نہیں

(The story is of half a century,
It's not just a matter of a few years.)
 —Hafeez Jalandhari

At the outset, let us pay tribute to the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), a place that in just two years, molded us into disciplined and motivated military leaders. The transformation was not merely physical, but deeply cognitive, a reshaping of our very approach to life and service. PMA, through its rigorous training, continues to play an instrumental role in producing leaders who inspire, guide, and shape the future of the armed forces. Its influence is not confined to the academy walls but resonates far beyond, acknowledged by both allies and adversaries for its exceptional legacy.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations, then, are more than a mere commemoration. They are a moment of profound nostalgia, a reunion steeped in history, resilience, and the camaraderie forged through shared trials. The passage of time does not dilute the bond between comrades; rather, it strengthens it. In the years that have passed, we have seen the world change in countless ways, but the essence of our collective experience, shaped by shared challenges, victories, and unwavering support for one another, remains unchanged. When comrades come together after fifty years, it is not simply a reunion—it is a revival of the memories that have defined not only our past but the very essence of who we are.

The essence of these celebrations lies in the joy of reconnecting with old friends who, despite advancing years, still embody the youthful spirit and unwavering loyalty forged in their military days. 

The essence of these celebrations lies in the joy of reconnecting with old friends who, despite advancing years, still embody the youthful spirit and unwavering loyalty forged in their military days. The presence of family members—spouses, children, and grandchildren—adds warmth as they witness deep ties and hear the stories that have defined their loved ones' lives.
The 49^th PMA Long Course (L/C) occupies a distinctive and pivotal place in the annals of the PMA. In the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, our course became the pioneering intake of 191 gentlemen cadets who underwent a rigorous two-year training regimen at PMA. Of these, 171 were commissioned, while 46 comrades have since departed for their heavenly abode.
Our course was unique: without senior cadets to guide us, we were instead mentored by a dedicated faculty of consummate professionals. Leading this effort was Brigadier (later Major General) Abdullah Saeed, an exemplary Commandant whose imposing presence and distinctive leadership style left an indelible mark on each of us.

The 49^th PMA Long Course (L/C) occupies a distinctive and pivotal place in the annals of the PMA. In the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, our course became the pioneering intake of 191 gentlemen cadets to undergo a rigorous two-year training regimen at PMA.  

Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier) Shakoor Jan, Sitara-i-Jurat (SJ) Bar, Tamgha-i-Basalat (TBt), our esteemed Battalion Commander, stood out as an exceptionally inspiring figure. His steadfast motivation, hands-on approach to training, and keen understanding of each cadet's character were unmatched. His prophetic nicknames for some of our course mates revealed his profound insight into our nature. His exceptional leadership qualities set the tone for our journey as officers, branding our course with the values he exemplified.
Similarly, our term commanders instilled in us the qualities of both head and heart. Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Mansoor Irfani, a quintessential Armored Corps Officer, commanded attention as the Adjutant, both on the parade ground and atop his horse, winning the admiration of the cadets with his grace and poise.
Our respected Weapon Training Officer, Captain (later Lieutenant General) SP Shahid, left a lasting impression with his professionalism and exceptional physical fitness. Our platoon commanders played a vital role in our transformation, imparting the essentials of military life and instilling pride and dedication to the profession. In the absence of senior courses, they taught us everything—from wearing the uniform to table manners—molding us into motivated officers ready to defend our homeland. We were fortunate to have an academic faculty of high caliber who enabled us to acquire our graduation degrees from Peshawar University.
The PT and drill staff, led by stalwarts like Subedar Major Bashir, set an exemplary standard. With his smart demeanor and vintage Triumph motorcycle, he resembled an officer more than a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), commanding respect through his authority and politeness. BHM Rustam, with his strong personality and presence, became a popular figure among the cadets. Their dedication and professional conduct deserve our utmost appreciation.
As our course progressed, we became an emblem of professionalism, serving as an inspiration for the 50^th, 51^st, and 52^nd PMA Long Courses. Our bond with the 50^th PMA Long Course remains unbreakable to this day, a testament to the enduring camaraderie forged during our overlapping time at the academy.
On the eve of our Golden Jubilee celebrations held at PMA on October 26, 2024, we paid homage to our instructors and fallen comrades. The celebrations were filled with exuberance and nostalgia, with veterans relishing the moments and families, along with the younger generation, sharing in the joy. The festivities began with a documentary encapsulating our training activities, followed by our passing-out parade on April 19, 1974, and the convocation ceremony. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada. The highlight of the proceedings was the march past by the veterans—now over seventy—on the parade ground, followed by a visit to the living barracks where we spent two formative years at PMA.
A tour of PMA enabled us to witness the expansion of the training facilities. None of this would have been possible without the gracious hospitality of the PMA management, to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
Long live the Pakistan Army

—From a Forty-niner

Major General Muhammad Farooq Malik, HI (M), (R), commissioned in 1974, held key roles such as commanding an Artillery Division, serving as DG Artillery at GHQ, and as Deputy QMG until his retirement in 2009. A dedicated sportsman and educator, he continues to serve as the "Colonel of the Regiment" for his parent unit.