Zafar H Naqvi

Military career

Naqvi joined the Pakistan Army in 1966 during the war with India and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1966, graduating from the Pakistan Military Academy's 37th long course.

Military Promotion

After receiving his commission Naqvi rose quickly through the ranks. He became a major only five years after passing out from the Military Academy. As a major he held a number of posts, the most notable being the brigade major of an infantry brigade, even though he was a part of the artillery corps. Later, he graduated from the highly esteemed Command and Staff College in Quetta.

Indo Pak War of 1971

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Naqvi was stationed in Shakargarh, which saw some of the heaviest fighting during the war in what has since become known as the Battle of Barapind.

Dir Operation of 1981

He also participated in a number of important military operations, the most prominent one being the Dir operation which was conducted in the North Western Frontier Province of Pakistan. After this he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was transferred to the newly formed Army Air Defence corps.

Army Air Defence Commander

Between 1980–81, Naqvi commanded the 5th Light Air Defence Unit and this unit was the first unit of Air Defence which was inaugurated by Quaid-e-Azam before being promoted two ranks to become a brigadier. In this position, Naqvi was placed in command of the largest brigade of the Pakistan Army, before commanding Pakistan's nuclear facilities at Kahuta. Later, he commanded a number of air defence brigades, as well as studying at the National Defence University in Islamabad, from where he passed out with honours.

Following this Naqvi took command of the 103rd Air Defence Brigade and served as commander of the National Guards in Karachi. In 1995 he became commander of the 4th Army Air Defence Division, becoming only the ninth brigadier in the history of the Pakistan Army to command a division. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of major general and remained in command of the division for two years before retiring in 1996.