Happily retired & living in Quetta at present, Lt Col. Sultan Mohammed Khan was born in Nushki on 15 November 1918 grandson to Mir Qadir Bakhs & the youngest child of Mir Habib Khan within the Zagar Mengal tribe.
He passed his primary education in Nushki & secondary level education in Loralai. He then went on to further education at S.E College Bahawal Pur Punjab & later did his BA from Islamia College Lahore, Punjab University. At college & university he was an outstanding all round sportsman & achieved titles of all India record breaker in many events including the 50K walk (hitch hike), as well as victories in rowing, cross country running, swimming, hockey, football amongst other sports.
He joined the British Indian army in 1941 & was commissioned as officer in 1942 with the 5th Baloch – (Jacob Rifles). He later joined the Frontier Force in 1948, during this time he became distinguished as chief instructor in the elite Close Quarter Battle Group (CQB) at the Infantry School Quetta from 1948 to 1951, training NCO's, JCO’s & Officers in specialist operations.
His provice & leadership earned him great respect within the specialist CQB group. Lt Col. Sultan's colleague & good friend in the CQB Group was Maj.Keith O'Kelly. Together they helped established it under the direct command of Col.G Taylor (aka "GT").
Lt Col.Sultan’s prominent mentor in the army was Col.Grant Taylor. He later became Colonel Taylor’s prodigy as chief instructor showing expertise in a variety of pistol shooting styles with lightening speed & accuracy.
Lt Col. Sultan was selected to display his skills in a close quarter battle combat on many occasions in the presence of international dignitaries including the late Shah of Iran.
He has been commandant of the Khyber Rifles, 2FF Guides, Sutlej Rangers, Nothern Scouts Gilgit, amongst others. As Commander of 2FF Guides in Lahore he was chosen to organise military ceremonies for Heads of States including the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, President Nasir of Egypt & Nehru of India.
Lt Col. Sultan is a keen adventurist & has climbed, walked, skied, sailed & rowed through almost all of Pakistan’s natural terrain on many expeditions.
Lt Col. Sultan has also been selected to serve in many civilian positions post military retirement, including, Director of Government Agriculture Farm Gandhawa, Registrar of Balochistan University, Development Director Mari Bugti Project, & Provincial Minister of Local Government & Sports.
He often took dignitaries on hunting expeditions including the Duke of Edinburgh & late President Mohammed Ayub Khan.
He likes polo and was a keen polo player. His other hobbies include, travel, water sports, trout fishing, seasonal hunting, field sport, reading & gardening.
He is a devoted muslim & loyal Pakistan army officer, Lt Col.Sultan has lead by example & strongly believes in respecting all faiths & cultures. He has strong family values & has seen his children prosper into professional positions within Pakistan & abroad.
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I would like to send greetings and respects to Lt Col. Sultan. My father Major Keith O'Kelly served with "Uncle Sultan" as I knew him at the CQB School in Quetta and we both have very fond memories of that time. My father is alive and well living in retirement in the UK, we would both love to hear from Sultan.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, This is Habib Col Sultan's son born in 1955. My Father had a eye operation a month back and was admitted for a couple of nights in Combined military hospital Quetta, and he told me that he was last admitted in hospital in 1949, and that Maj O'Kelly had driven him to hospital at midnight in a truck that had no lights and that Major O'Kelly had used a hand held torch to navigate his way to the hospital. I am glad that Uncle O'Kelly is alive and well and would be very grateful if you could kindly send his address, so that my Dad could make contact with him. Thank you very much again and all the best.
ReplyDeleteHabib thank you very much for your news, your story about the midnight ride to hospital made me laugh, it was just the sort of thing my father would do - always rescourceful. The two of them must have many stories to tell. I can remember the visit of the Shah of Persia to Quetta, there was a garden party and I was given a doll - I must have been 5 or 6 at the time.
ReplyDeleteI have been in email contact with Mir who has my private email address, I would love to hear more news of your family and of life in Quetta, Many Thanks for posting.
.. and there were giants in those days in earth.
DeleteMy late father Lt Col Painda Khan Mirza was commissioned in Artillery in 1948,hailing from the martial belt of Jhelum.Fought all the wars from the 2nd WW till 71.A great sportman, hunter and a writer in the prestigious newspapers.He told us the Shah of Iran was invited at a ceremony in Cavalry Ground Lahore where we built our house few years later.
Those were the men of honour and principles. Sadly precious few of that era are left.
I myself took retirement as a Major some time back.
Please send your contact info. Thanks
DeletePlease send your contact information at ksmm2209@Gmail.com.Thanks
DeleteFaisal, please send your contact information at Ksmm2209@gmail.com. thanks from
DeleteKhalid Sharif Malik
Nice knowing he is well. I am from his Paltan the Guides infantry and in Quetta till tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI would like to call on him today evening. Thanks kindly call me
Yasub Dogar
Brig (Retd)
03008414114
Habib Sb, my grandfather Lt Col Raja Muhammad Akbar Khan (SJ), got commission around the same time in 1941-42 & served in North Africa & later in Sicily/Italy. He was in 17 Punjab Regiment and was commandant Zhob Scouts in mid 50's. Your father must have come across my grandfather sometime during his service. My grandfather retired in 59-60. I wonder if your father knew him and can recall some stories about my grandfather. Would appreciate.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete.. and there were giants in those days on earth.
ReplyDeleteMy late father Lt Col Painda Khan Mirza was commissioned in Artillery in 1948,hailing from the martial belt of Jhelum.Fought all the wars from the 2nd WW till 71.A great sportsman, hunter and a writer in various prestigious newspapers.He told us that the Shah of Iran was invited at a ceremony in Cavalry Ground Lahore, where we built our house few years later.
Those were the men of honour and principles. Sadly precious few of that era are left.
I myself took retirement as a Major some time back.
Interesting and nice discussion about old good days. Stay blessed always.
ReplyDeleteI am stunned by the brief account of accomplishments of Col Sultan . I saw some demonstrated examples of officers of late 1960s from close distance when I was in my primary school time .Since my father was also in military service , I heard many leadership accounts of officers of that time .I pray for their all the best always and all the way .Ameen.
ReplyDeleteI watched a video few days back and it was told that Col. Sultan is 102 and by the grace of God he is healthy. I am interested to know more about him.
ReplyDeleteWill be thankful if his contact is provided.
M. Waris Khan
M.Sc, LLB, LLM, MBA, DHMS
0300 5333 841
Sir,
DeleteI am also curious about that vedio, it seems to be some Indian Punjabi song in the background....
Dear Admin, Kindly share some latest Pic of the Col sb. Thanks in anticipation.
ReplyDeleteSir, Stay Blessed Tv/Film Actor/Director.Engineer really proud of you sir, from Quetta
ReplyDeleteNice to heard about Sir Sultan brother of Naseer .is he still living?
ReplyDeleteNice to heard about Sir Sultan brother of Naseer .is he still living?
ReplyDelete