Sunday, August 16, 2020

Remembering Shahid Aslam

 
Whenever I open my course blog, the tiled photos of all those brothers and friends who have taken their rather early Heavenly flights flash by and reminding how lively these brothers once were. How they lovingly spread their smiles and charisma to all of us. But of all these brothers, one smiling face shall always stand out from the rest: Shahid Aslam.

Final term: Shahid Aslam with CSM Qizilbash
Final Term Babur Platoon: Shahid Aslam standing in last row, second from the right. The photo also includes late Salim Bari, third from the left in last row

I did not know him much, but whatever memories I have of him is that of a smart handsome man always wearing a pleasant smile on his face, expressing his positive feelings, from happiness to gratitude to affection for all of us and everyone around. 
Three OCs FS Sec,Jamshed, Alamgir and Shahid, on eve of posting of Jamshed in Rawalpindi

Perhaps he was born to show how life could be lived even under severe distress and ill health he was suffering from in his later years. 




Jamil has fond memories of Shahid Aslam for Shahid has shifted to Canada along with his family and was part of every gathering and his pleasant personality spread an pleasant aroma of love to all others around him. Herein under are some of the last photos of Shahid Aslam.
Shahid was suffering from prostrate cancer, but he fought the battle against this deadly disease with great courage with a smile and no complaints and never let anyone really know how precarious his health state was.



In the last few last few weeks before his death, he was hospitalized and Jamil, Naveed and Tahir Khan used to visit him regularly, On fateful night of January 25th 2012, Jamil and other course mates met and chatted with him separately one by one holding his hand and praying for his health.

Later while all had left together and went to Naveed's home which was just close by, they got a call from Shahid's son, breaking the shattering news of Shahid departure for his heavenly abode, thus robbing us of his beautiful smile forever.

May Almighty Allah rest his soul in peace. His only son Shehroz Shahid and Mrs Shahid are permanently Settled in Canada.

I am grateful to Jamil for providing me details of his last days. It is very reassuring that all Canadian brothers of the course were by his side reassuring him for his good health, but never knowing that Shahid had just few more hours to live and they actually were wishing him farewell.

7 comments:

S A J Shirazi said...

RIP Shahid. We miss you.

jamshed. said...

indeed he was one of the finnest coursemate a good and loving friend.he was good singer and priviately would entertain us on request and insistence only. we served togather in int and was always helpful to provide imp info when needed. I have already shared many photos that I had and will submitt to you once again for the record and adding to the blog. to end I pray to Allah to grant him and all brothren highest place in jannah. let me also thank you JHB for your devotion sincerity and endless efforts towards compilaion of the course history. I thank you for reminding us the memories of 55th. may Allah reward you. regards
jamshed.

Jamil said...

Shahid Aslam was a great friend, a wonderful course mate and a very witty person.
I always enjoyed his songs sung during our Training at PMA n later in life.
I was Lucky to do my 6 months attachement with his Unit 33 FF Regt at Lahore( All officers from Ordnance n ASC were required to spend 6 months with fighting Arms). We took part in all Unit n formation activities together n enjoyed every bit of it. In the field or cozy cantonement life with the 33 FF The Chumb Battalion.
Shahid was not only my buddy but a good brother, laughing, chating, Sharing our days fun n fatigues.
God was kind to bring us together in Canada once again. But we did not know for sometimes what Shahid has been going through, prostrate cancer. He fought with the Disese very bravely n Settled his family very well, did Wind up all his assets n life affairs nicely. We used to visit each other, attend events together but hats off to Brave warrior Shahid who will ever let anyone knowy that he is sick.
But finally as we all have to go back n meet our creator, Shahid left us crying for haevenly abode.
We miss our friend n Brother Shahid Aslam.
May Almighty Allah rest his soul in best place of Jannah tul Firdous, Aameen.

Unknown said...

Was in touch with Shahid Aslam post retirement. What a sophisticated CM. He was blessed with great friendly nature; ever smiling with jolly interaction. Simply unforgettable personality. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.

Zahir Khan said...

Shahid had been an active part of Lahore Chapter for some time after his retirement while he served in Telenor here before leaving for Canada. I remember that it was at a dinner when he brought us a list of 'golden numbers' which he offered to all coursemates as per their choosing. I still have that SIM with lot of zeroes and the figure of my parental unit at the end.
A loving personality, who's distinctive feature was his beautiful smile.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Jamil said...

A wonderful friend indeed. May Almighty Allah bless Shahid Aslam the best place of Jannah tul Firdous Aameen

S A J Shirazi said...

RIP Shahid Aslam Sir.