Show me a real life hero and I’ll give you a story that might inspire you to be the next. That’s how inspiring heroes can be, if only we knew they exist! Their stories remain largely untold, and our youth is often left wondering if it is mere misrepresentation or lack of representation that’s depriving us of the role models we so desperately need.
This is exactly why the latest ISPR initiative can be lauded. It takes us behind the scenes and tells us real life stories. Stories of heroism, daring and courage, stories that might help create the next real life heroes.
On this Defence Day, we bring you the untold stories of courage from the Pakistani Armed Forces. In a series of short films titled Jurrat Ke Nishan, the ISPR rolls out its first two narratives. The short films have the illustrious and talented minds of Mohammad Ehteshamuddin, Bilal Ashraf and Hazaar Dastaan Films behind them.
Here are the stories of the soldiers who fought hard, and led with courage.
Major Abdul Kareem – Ladha Fort
“I had told my men that we were short of ammunition. If you use one bullet, one man must be down. We lost 8 men, 14 were injured. The militants lost about 700.”
In October 2007, the Ladha Fort was under siege and the country was facing military attacks from multiple fronts.
Major Abdul Kareem was asked to relieve the battalion and with limited ammunition & supplies, the soldiers under his command, made their way to defend the Fort and reclaim the area that was under repeated threat during that time period.
The short film narrates the events as they unfolded through a voice-over by Mohammad Ehteshamuddin accompanied by inserts from Major Abdul Kareem, his wife & army personnel. The real time story relayed minute by minute details of the operation at points, which not only added to the thriller-like feel but also communicated the intense pressure that such expeditions demand from the people at the helm.
It is pertinent to note that the real-life events also included the family of the soldier. This added a relatable feel for many viewers both army and non-army audiences, as it grasped the emotional significance of what it means to be part of a soldier’s household
The film, despite its 16 odd minutes run time, has managed to capture intense moments layered with suspense and action, the gravity of the on site situation and , impactful in its lack of over dramatization, informs the viewers of the sheer numbers involved and fatalities suffered. It leaves a mark in the most unassuming way possible – simple story telling at its peak.
If you need to remind yourself why the armed forces are needed in a country that might not be fighting an all out war across its borders, these short films are worth a watch.
“A soldier does not fight for medals, but for his motherland.”
Major Abdul Kareem
The raw-feel depiction of the timeline of events leading up to the final operation was smoothly executed. Accompanied by the voice-over from the aviation command who led the operation, the story lent perspective, opened up our awareness of strategic command and operation tactics, almost like an action thriller, except, in this case, it was not made up. The makers attention to detail coupled by narratives allow us to almost visualize the action and the sense of foreboding, including the gravity of the situations as the events unfolded.
Watch this one to get some insight on how the armed forces operate and strategize behind the scenes. Some thrilling action and a real life story that stays with you.
Havaldar Muhammad Wafa (Shaheed) Basima Balochistan 2015
“Har kisi ko shahadat naseeb nahi hoti”
The timeline is not too long ago, Feburay 2015 to be precise. The setting is Balochistan.
Havaldar Muhammad Wafa led an intelligence based operation against the militants in Balochistan. He worked with the local police force and in disguise to uncover the group that was fighting the local administration with an aim to separate the area from the rest of the nation.
The role was performed superbly by Alee Hassan and in a matter of just a few minutes, he had us totally engrossed, fearing for his life and shedding a tear for a young father who sacrificed his life for the nation.
Havaldar Muhammad Wafa was known to be a stickler for detail, according to his seniors in the armed forces. He could take on any disguise, his ability to merge in with the locals made him difficult to raise any suspicion amongst militant groups.
The relatable setting, as Wafa posed as a local tea boy in the region, made for a riveting espionage tale. But behind the spy games was a life dedicated to serving his country.
Inserts from Wafa’s wife, whom he leaves behind added gravity and meaning to his story.
“Aaj bhi jo meray bachon ko dekhta hai, unhain izzat deta hai. Keh shaheed kay bache hain. Mujhe yeh dekh kar apne shohar par mazeed fakhar hota hai.”
Shaheed Havaldar Muhammad Wafa’s Widow
Hazaar Dastaan is behind the making of this episode from Jurrat Ke Nishan. The final action sequences were both gripping and sharply executed. The lead-up to the events was carefully executed, with attention to detail, swiftly paced frames added atmosphere and suspense as the batallion prepared for the final onslaught. The action was preceded by a heart-wrenching meeting between Wafa and his wife as he welcomes his newborn baby into the world.
Both short films are vastly different in their treatment of the subject, yet keep audiences engaged through crisp, to the point story telling.
Watch this one for a riveting real life narrative that just might inspire you and also appreciate the heroes among us, those who lived and those who gave up their life for a greater cause.
Watch Major Abdul Kareem’s Story Here:
Watch Havaldar Muhammad Wafa’s Story Here
The last 3 short films will be coming out soon on ISPR’s YouTube channel. The short films have been written by Ehteshamuddin of Khaab Toot Jatay Hain and produced by him and Bilal Ashraf. The first one stars Yugeshwar Karera as Major Abdul Kareem and Muhammad Wafa’s story has been produced and directed by Hazaar Dastaan Films and played by Alee Hassan Shah who audiences recently saw and loved as Talal in Fraud.
