Anwar Shamim - Biography

Biography

Shamim was born in 1931 to an educated family and hails from Haripur (Hazara). He received early education in his native town, proceeding to Government College Campbellpur (Attock), and subsequently joining Dyal Singh College, Lahore. He became a member of the then functional University Air Squadron, to begin his childhood dream career that of a fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force. He was a graduate of RAAF College, Point Cook. He entered the Pakistan Air Force in the General Duties (Pilot) Branch on 14 March 1952.

However in 1952, Shamim entered the Air Force Academy where he gained B.Sc. in Mechanics, with a minor is aviation history in 1956. However, he was commissioned on 14 March 1952, as Pilot Officer (2nd Lieutenant) in 10th GD(P) Course but did not started his active duty, as the Air Force wanted him to finish his college courses first. In 1956, Shamim was promoted to Lieutenant and was selected to go to Australia to complete a jet training course there. After successfully completing an advanced flying training course at Royal Australian Air Force College, Point Cook, for which he had been selected by merit in 1958. Upon his return, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant (Captain) as he was also completed a Jet Conversion Course from Australia. In 1960, Shamim attended the Air War College where he attained M.Sc. in War studies, and later forwarded to joined Combat Commander's School. At there, he won the trophy for being one of the distinguished and best fighter pilots in school. In 1962, Shamim was Squadron Leader (Major) and attended the school with another fighter pilot Colonel Cecil Chaudhry. In 1965, Shamim had became Wing Commander (Lieutenant-Colonel) and commanded the Pakistan Air Force Sherdils. In 1973, as Group Captain (Colonel) Shamim returned Combat Commander's School where he served their as Chief instructor. At there, the PAF detailed him to attend the Command and Staff College to complete a Join-Service staff course. Shamim went to Quetta where Shamim completed a course on Joint Service and also gained M.S. in Military science. After completion of staff couse, Shamim was re-posted in Combat Commander's School as Chief Instructor along side with Colonel Cecil Chaudhry. Shamim was also promoted to as Air-Commodore (Brigadier-General) by the Air Force Promotion Directorate. In 1975, Shamim was promoted to Major-General (Air-vice Marshal) and throughout 1976, Shamim served as Research associate at the National Defence College while he carried out research in his academic discipline. While at there, Shamim completed a short-year course on International Defence Management Course in the United States Air Force.