Education and Military Career
Imam was a graduate of Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul (located near Abbottabad in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), and of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States. After his graduation from PMA, he joined the Pakistan Army's 15th Frontier Force Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was sent to the United States in 1974, and was trained shoulder-to-shoulder among with United States Army Special Forces. Upon his graduation from the Special Forces School, he was awarded American Green Beret by his training commander. Following his return to Pakistan, Imam joined the Special Service Group (SSG). In the 1980s, he participated in Soviet war in Afghanistan, notably the Battle for Hill 3234. Colonel Imam was increasingly involved in Afghanistan's politics even after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. After the Soviet-Afghan war, Colonel Imam supported and trained Taliban fighters independently. It was alleged even in the 2000s that he still independently supported the Taliban independence movement in Afghanistan. He was a disciple of Ameer Muhammad Akram Awan, the current sheikh of silsila Naqshbandia Owaisia.
Even when younger he wore a peculiar dress when off duty.It was composed of Shalwar Qameez which was long and a head gear.This dress is often worn by religious people of Pakistan.
He was according to some deeply respected amongst Afghan leaders unlike some other Pakistani leaders dealing with Afghanistan.
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