Zahid Ali Akbar
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar Khan (Urdu: ذاحد على اكبر; January 9, 1933), TKdt
, was an engineering officer
of Pakistan Army
who oversaw the construction of the Generals Combatant Army Headquarter
(GHQ) and is well-known as the director of the Kahuta Project
as part of the Pakistan's acquisition of integrated atomic bomb project
. A graduate of Military Engineering University, Akbar was commissioned in Corps of Engineers, and took participation in both the 1965
and the 1971 Winter War
; and finally reached to a prestigious 3-star assignment, the Engineer-in-Chief
, while he also served as the military Science Adviser advising the military government of Zia-ul-Haq on important matters on science and technology
, from 1977 until 1983.
In January of 1976, he was delegated by then-Prime minister
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
to the fledgling uranium-enrichment project alongside Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan
, spearheading the construction of Engineering Laboratories
(KRL
) at Kahuta
as he also served its first director. On behalf of the military, he was involved in most aspects of the atomic bomb development. Under the fruition of CMLA
and President
General Zia-ul-Haq, he was made the principle military director of the nuclear technology project's one side Project-706
. He took participation in site selections with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
and directed the enormous construction of weapon-testing laboratories, made critical decisions on the various methods of gas-centrifuges
on the acquired raw materials, directed the collection of military intelligence
on Indian nuclear programme.
In 1980, he was promoted as the Engineer-in-Chief
by General Zia-ul-Haq who also appointed him as the military Science Adviser, and remained associated with the atomic bomb project until 1983 when he handed over the responsibility of the entire nuclear technology project to Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission in 1983 . In 1984, Akbar assumed the combat assignment when he commanded the X-Corps
during the start of the Arctic war
in Northern Areas
. After the war, hen then headed the Defence Science and Technology Organization
which was established to produced the high-atomic explosive
materials and weapons. After retirement from the Army in 1990, Zahid Akbar was appointed Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority
(WAPDA) by then-Prime Minister Navaz Sharef
. He was then appointed Chairman of the Cricket Control Board
of Pakistan (BCCP) and oversaw Pakistan's victory of the 1992 Cricket World Cup
, following which he established Scarsdale International School in Lahore
, Pakistan
.
(Burki
Tribe), then in British Raj
, the eldest child of a prominent Muslim lawyer. At the start of the Second World War his father volunteered for service with the British Indian Army
and was killed in action during the Battle of Singapore
. He received his elementary and intermediate education from Jalandhar. After the partition of India, Khan's family moved to West-Pakistan
and settled in Lahore
.
at Kakul
in 1950 and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers two years later. Having received his B.Eng.
in System Engineering from Military College of Engineering
in 1954; he initially worked in the civil projects that were constructed and built by the Corps of Engineers. However, two years later, Akbar later completed his M.Eng.
in Control Systems Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology
, funded his education by the Pakistan Military Academy in 1960.
He later received his master's degree in Strategic
and War studies
from National Defence University
. After his education he became a chief engineer
at the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers with a rank of major
. His engineering career was at peak when he was involved in the beginning years of Pakistan's atomic deterrent program. He has served in the army in both the 1965 and 1971 wars
.
stationed in Lahore, where he was promoted to 1st-Lieutenant
. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, he served in the 5th Lahore Engineering Sector (5th LES). His first military engineer assignment was to led the rapid construction of seven bridges at BRB Canal and Hudiara drain. The bridges were destroyed and demolished by the Indian Army
due to their heavy artillery and gun battle. However, he was moved to Sialkot Engineer District (SED) where ongoing gun battle was taking place with the Indian Army. The assignment was considered quiet difficult and dangerous as the gun battle was taking place continuously at that region. He led the installation of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines during the battle where his unit came under intense gun fire. Having well performed this task, Akbar was promoted to the rank of Major
in October 1965.
Major-General Abubakar Usman Mitha, and at this point, the new Army Commander-in-Chief General Yahya Khan
embark on a national mobilization, and tasked the Quartermaster General Major-General Mitha to prepare the necessary accommodations and training facilities for the vast army that would be created. However, the enormous construction was delayed, mismanaged, and poor living conditions at the construction sites. Newspapers began to publish accounts charging Ayub Khan's corruption and his incompetency to complete this project even for his service of commission, the Pakistan Army. Few months later, Khan was replaced by his brother and Army Commander-in-Chief General Yahya Khan and decided to expand the project. In 1967, Akbar was made Commanding officer of 7th Military Engineer Company, MES at Rawalpindi; it was this time, Akbar reputation was strict engineer officer was began to be notice by the Army. Akbar led a small construction project for the Quartermaster General's office where he helped install telephone lines for the Supervising Construction Quartermasters, demanded weekly reports on progress. He ordered his Engineering Company to hire whatever special equipment they needed and to pay premium prices if necessary to guarantee quick delivery. His speedy work of Quartermaster General's office had impressed Major-General Mitha and his superior officers who sat his example to his peers who were slowly working on the GHQ's construction programme. Major-General Mitha sent his recommendation to Engineer-in-Chief to turn the GHQ project around under his command; the recommendation was accepted. In 1967, Mitha personally send recommendation to Army Commander-in-Chief, requesting Akbar to be promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
In 1967, the Engineer-in-Chief
summoned Lieutenant-Colonel Akbar to meeting with the head of the Military Engineering Service for the military project. In attendance were the civilian architects, led by Abdur Rahmann Hay, of Institute of Architects
(IOA), military engineers from Frontier Works Organisation
(FWO) and the Engineer-in-Chief. Together with IOA and FWO, the Corps of Engineers had designed the enormous office complex to house the Ministry of Defence's
40,000 staff/combatant commanders in one giant complex, a 8 story, and 8-rectangular tall sided covering more than two thousand acres of land, ultimately became the General Combatant Headquarters (GHQ). Following the resignation of Ayub Khan, Abdur Rahmann Hay, assisted by Jasmine Lari
became the architect-engineer
, with Akbar leading the construction as well as working as system engineer.
Akbar overcame various labor strikes, shortages, alleged corruption in the military government that halted the project, and competing priorities and engineers who were not up to their tasks. Despite difficulties, Akbar completed this programme in January1971, and it was finally inaugurated by General Yahya Khan soon after. He had worked six days a week in Rawalpindi, and determined to lead the project finished before its deadline to be reached. Akbar recalled that he was "hoping to get to a war theater so I could find a little peace".
, and was made Commanding officer of 20th Punjab Combat Regiment, a combat assignment. In 1971 war, he led the counter-combat operations in West-Pakistan aside laying anti-personnel mines against the Indian Army. In December 29 of 1971, Akbar was promoted to 1-star rank, Brigadier
, and was shifted as Chief of Staff
of 212th Infantry Brigade, IV Corps.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Since 1972, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
(PAEC) had supervised the construction of the facilities of its own that directly reported to Science Adviser Mubashir Hassan
and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
. During this time, the military had no role in the development of atom bomb project as it was under control by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who remained in charge of making critical decisions, acquiring raw materials, and as well as all civilian academic scientists reporting to Bhutto.
In 1974, the Project-706
— a uranium enrichment project— was formally launched by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission under nuclear engineer Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood
. However, this project initially suffered many set back due to lack of leadership and technical difficulty for acquiring the raw materials necessary for uranium enrichment, and had no geographical boundaries, only a single mission: the uranium enrichment. Although Mahmood and Mabshir was satisfied with the progress being made, Bhutto felt otherwise. After meeting with Abdul Qadeer Khan in 1974, Bhutto insisted Abdul Qadeer Khan to join the project as Bhutto realized that speedy scientific direction was needed. More ever, Bhutto felt that an aggressive leadership was needed and disappointed with Munir Khan's civilian constructors due to their slow pace of work. Wanting a capable military administrator, Bhutto turned to Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq and suggested the appointment of a prestigious officer as overall project director. General Zia turned to Engineer-in-Chief who recommended Brigadier Akbar. The E-in-C ordered Brigadier Akbar to meet him at the GHQ where he was ordered to meet with dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan the next morning. The Engineer-in-Chief had told Brigadier Akbar that "The Chief of Army Staff and the Minister of Defence
has selected for a very national importance assignment, and the Prime minister has approved the selection... You must meet with this scientist, dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. At 9:00 am, Brigadier Akbar met with dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and could not hide his complain about having pulled out of the combat assignment: "Oh, Dr. Khan, that thing... I thought I was over with it." As Akbar met with Dr. Khan to discuss the details and the nature of the project. Akbar, along with dr. Qadeer Khan, surveyed the area Akbar's Army jeep, then finished the report as they had aerially surveyed the area in an army helicopter. The next week, Brigaider Akbar designed the draft of the entire city of Kahuta, and submitted the feasibility report to Defence Secretary
. His rapid nature of performing assignments had impressed Prime minister Bhutto, and Bhutto ordered Chief of Army Staff to promoted to Akbar to 2-star rank of Major-General as he felt that the title "general" would hold more sway with the academic scientists working on the confidential projects. An office was sat up for Akbar in Prime minister Secretariat directly reporting to Bhutto. A military engineer
, Akbar collaborated closely with Abdul Qadeer Khan
to set up and build the Engineering Research Laboratories. Meanwhile, Major-General Zahid Ali Akbar coordinated a meeting with officials of PAEC, and special military unit of military scientists and engineers of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Special Development Works (SDW) was given commissioned
Brigadier Akbar established several military units and engineer districts to provide logistic support to programme. Bhutto wanted an aggressive leadership, and an officer with prestige to co-direct the project alongside with him. The Engineer-in-Chief and the Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq recommended Brigadier Akbar, and Prime minister Bhutto instructed Akbar to meet with dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
As more military engineer units were established, Bhutto formed a formal policy committee to supervised these units. Known as Military Engineering Committee, it was headed by Major-General Akbar and had officers from both Army and Air Force
. According to Khan's column, General Akbar designed and constructed the Kahuta Research Laboratories
and its related facilities. In 1977, he led the rapid construction of the enrichment plant in Kahuta.In 1978, after the removal of Bhutto, Akbar was made the in charge of Project-706. His office was shifted back to Generals Headquarter, this time reporting directly to Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq. In 1977, General Akbar was made the Director of the Engineering Research Laboratories (ERL) and began to supervise the classified academic research in the facility. The same, the civilian committee that was supervising the nuclear development was immediately disbanded as Bhutto's Science Advisor, dr. Mubaschir Hasann
was placed in Adiala Jail with Bhutto. A new committee was formed, with military officers are part of the committee, headed by General Akbar. This administrative committee, known as Military Engineering Committee (MEC) under Akbar, was fully charged with the developing and formulating policies concerning the development of centrifuge plant at Kahuta. In 1977, General Akbar was promoted as military Science Adviser and his office was shifted at the Generals Headquarter which he would held this post until 1983. In 1978, AKbar met with PAEC nuclear engineer Munir Ahmad Khan
, and discussed on the laboratories where the atomic bombs can be tested. Akbar was impressed with the breadth of Munir Khan's knowledge and understanding of military affairs. A long conversation took at Akbar's office and convinced Akbar to send his recommendation to appoint Munir Khan as director of entire project, despite Munir Khan's closeness to Bhutto. Akbar came to understanding that Munir Khan had a breadth of knowledge understanding the features of military science which General Akbar founded lack in other scientists, including Abdul Qadeer Khan, despite Qadeer Khan's cordial relations with General Akbar. He knew that broad knowledge would be vital in an interdisciplinary project that would involve not just physics, but chemistry
, metallurgy
, ordnance and engineering
.
General Akbar made critical decisions on prioritizing the various methods of gas centrifuges and acquiring raw materials needed by the scientists and engineers. In 1980, he was promoted as lieutenant-general and was made as Engineer-in-Chief
of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers
to deal with senior people whose cooperation was required. His appointment of 3 star rank came to understanding by the military that military government officers wanted as administrative officer who understood the scientific needs of the project comprehensibly. In 1983, the Project-706 became responsible for collecting the military intelligence
on Indian nuclear programme, therefore, Akbar took participation in Operation Sentinel, an Air Force
counter-intelligence operation that was launched after learning the Indian' air strikes on Kahuta. Sentinel ultimately operated in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Kahuta, and the Project-706 scope on intelligence grew in size and intelligence teams. In 1983, Akbar met with Munir Ahmad Khan where the preparation for the cold-tests were made, tunnels and test sites were constructed under his directorship. In March 11th of 1983, General Akbar witnessed the cold-test of the plutonium device, codename Kirana-I. In 1983, Akbar was promoted to lieutenant-general in March 1983 and was awarded the Medal of Service
.
of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers
to deal with senior people whose cooperation was required. After the end of Prime Minister Bhutto's regime, Akbar was given autonomous control of the Kahuta Project. Under Akbar's direction, PAEC
and KRL
spurred their work on atomic devices quickly.
By the time Akbar was promoted at the rank of the Lieutenant-General
, a noted nuclear physicist Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad
conducted a cold test
of a theoretically designed atomic device, codename Kirana-I, in Kirana Hills. After the successful test, the Government of Pakistan
transferred control over the nuclear technology project
from military to civilian hands. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
(PAEC), under Munir Ahmad Khan
, was given full charge of developing the atomic weapons project and the nuclear power program
. For his services, he was conferred with high military award along with other officers.
as he was appointed by, on a personal request, of President
and Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq. In 1984, he would lead the corps in the Siachen conflict
, a conflict in northern Pakistan, when the Indian Army
launched Operation Meghdoot
in 1984. Lieutenant-General Jahan Dad Khan handed over the command of X Corps
to Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar on 31 March 1984.
Lieutenant General J.D. Khan gave him a detailed briefing about this operational plan and particularly stressed the importance of intelligence keeping a watch on Indian moves beyond Leh. He commanded the series of Siachen Operations along side with then-Brigadier-General Pervaiz Musharraf
of the Defence Science and Technology Organization
(DESTO) when the military government issued a decree to control the aspects of high nuclear explosives. At there, Akbar helped the Pakistan Ordnance Factories
and the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT)
to expand the military technology projects under the guidance of Lieutenant-General Talat Masood
. However, in 1987, Prime minister
Muhammad Khan Junejo
vetoed the appointment of Akbar as the director of the integrated space weapons programme and instead entrusted the programme under Air Force. Due to his closeness to general Zia, his importance diminished in the eyes of Prime minister Junejo, and later Benazir Bhutto
who refused to fund any projects under his guidance. He continued directing the DESTO in the matter of science and technology but soon came to understanding that the postwar military and the civilian governments would not be given any assignment to him and as approaching in importance the one he had held in the Kahuta Project, as such posts would go to combat commanders returning from combat zones, and he decided to leave the Army in 1990.
(then known as the Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan or BCCP) in 1988. It was during his tenure that Pakistan won the 1992 Cricket World Cup
or WAPDA in 1990. Having closely work in Pakistan's atomic program, he suggested to the Government Pakistan's nuclear and atomic power plants be placed under the direction of his utility, in order to end international concerns that the plants are involved in weapons production. The Government's response to this suggestion was positive. However, then-Prime Minister of Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif
turned down his offer down.
Tamgha-i-Khidmat
Tamgha-i-Khidmat or Tamgha-e-Khidmat, which translates as the medal of services , is 7th highest honour given by the Government of Pakistan to both the military and civilians....
, was an engineering officer
Engineer Officer
An Engineer Officer is one type of officer in the UK Royal Navy. There are also Warfare Officers and Logistics Officers supported by additional branches such as Medical or Dental Officers, or the Chaplaincy Service....
of Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
who oversaw the construction of the Generals Combatant Army Headquarter
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
(GHQ) and is well-known as the director of the Kahuta Project
Project-706
Project-706, also known as Project-726 or as the Kahuta Project, was a science effort codename of a project conducted during the Cold War and Russo-Afghan War whose objective was to develop Pakistan' first atomic weapon. The mainstream goal of the project was the development of an atomic bomb using...
as part of the Pakistan's acquisition of integrated atomic bomb project
Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction
Pakistan began focusing on nuclear weapons development in January 1972 under the leadership of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who delegated the program to the Chairman of PAEC Munir Ahmad Khan...
. A graduate of Military Engineering University, Akbar was commissioned in Corps of Engineers, and took participation in both the 1965
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was a culmination of skirmishes that took place between April 1965 and September 1965 between Pakistan and India. This conflict became known as the Second Kashmir War fought by India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir, the first having been fought in 1947...
and the 1971 Winter War
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a military conflict between India and Pakistan. Indian, Bangladeshi and international sources consider the beginning of the war to be Operation Chengiz Khan, Pakistan's December 3, 1971 pre-emptive strike on 11 Indian airbases...
; and finally reached to a prestigious 3-star assignment, the Engineer-in-Chief
Engineer-in-Chief (Pakistan Army)
Engineer-in-Chief or E-in-C, is a Colonel Commandant of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Frontier Works Organisation and the Military Engineering Services of Pakistan...
, while he also served as the military Science Adviser advising the military government of Zia-ul-Haq on important matters on science and technology
Science and technology
Science and technology is a term of art used to encompass the relationship between science and technology. It frequently appears within titles of academic disciplines and government offices.-See also:...
, from 1977 until 1983.
In January of 1976, he was delegated by then-Prime minister
Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, and prior to that, 4th President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. Bhutto was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party — the largest and most influential political party in Pakistan— and served as its chairman until his...
to the fledgling uranium-enrichment project alongside Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan
Abdul Qadeer Khan
Abdul Qadeer Khan , also known in Pakistan as Mohsin-e-Pakistan , D.Eng, Sc.D, HI, NI , FPAS; more widely known as Dr. A. Q...
, spearheading the construction of Engineering Laboratories
Kahuta Research Laboratories
The Khan Research Laboratories ,, formerly known as Engineering Research Laboratories , is a multi-program Pakistan's weapons science and engineering research and development institute and nuclear research facility...
(KRL
Kahuta Research Laboratories
The Khan Research Laboratories ,, formerly known as Engineering Research Laboratories , is a multi-program Pakistan's weapons science and engineering research and development institute and nuclear research facility...
) at Kahuta
Kahuta
Kahuta is a town and tehsil in the Rawalpindi District of Pakistan's Punjab Province. According to Pakistan's 2008 census, Kahuta tehsil has a population of approximately 160,000....
as he also served its first director. On behalf of the military, he was involved in most aspects of the atomic bomb development. Under the fruition of CMLA
Chief Martial Law Administrator
The office of the Chief Martial Law Administrator was a senior government post created in countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia that gave considerable executive authority and powers to the holder of the post to enforce martial law in the country. This office has been used mostly by...
and President
President of Pakistan
The President of Pakistan is the head of state, as well as figurehead, of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Recently passed an XVIII Amendment , Pakistan has a parliamentary democratic system of government. According to the Constitution, the President is chosen by the Electoral College to serve a...
General Zia-ul-Haq, he was made the principle military director of the nuclear technology project's one side Project-706
Project-706
Project-706, also known as Project-726 or as the Kahuta Project, was a science effort codename of a project conducted during the Cold War and Russo-Afghan War whose objective was to develop Pakistan' first atomic weapon. The mainstream goal of the project was the development of an atomic bomb using...
. He took participation in site selections with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, , is an administrative governmental and autonomous science and technology governmental department of Pakistan, responsible for development of nuclear energy and development of nuclear power sector in Pakistan...
and directed the enormous construction of weapon-testing laboratories, made critical decisions on the various methods of gas-centrifuges
Zippe-type centrifuge
The Zippe-type centrifuge is a device designed to collect Uranium-235. It was developed in the Soviet Union by a team of 60 Austrian and German scientists captured after World War II, working in detention...
on the acquired raw materials, directed the collection of military intelligence
Military intelligence
Military intelligence is a military discipline that exploits a number of information collection and analysis approaches to provide guidance and direction to commanders in support of their decisions....
on Indian nuclear programme.
In 1980, he was promoted as the Engineer-in-Chief
Engineer-in-Chief (Pakistan Army)
Engineer-in-Chief or E-in-C, is a Colonel Commandant of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Frontier Works Organisation and the Military Engineering Services of Pakistan...
by General Zia-ul-Haq who also appointed him as the military Science Adviser, and remained associated with the atomic bomb project until 1983 when he handed over the responsibility of the entire nuclear technology project to Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission in 1983 . In 1984, Akbar assumed the combat assignment when he commanded the X-Corps
X Corps (Pakistan)
The X Corps is an active military administrative corps of Pakistan Army, currently assigned in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its one of two brigades are currently active in Kashmir. One of its brigades, the 111th Infantry Brigade in Rawalpindi, has been frequently involved in military...
during the start of the Arctic war
Siachen conflict
The Siachen Conflict, sometimes referred to as the Siachen War, is a military conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir. The conflict began in 1984 with India's successful Operation Meghdoot during which it wrested control of the Siachen Glacier from...
in Northern Areas
Northern Areas
Gilgit-Baltistan , is the northernmost political entity within Pakistan. It borders Pakistan's Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province to the west, Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the north, China to the east and northeast, Azad Kashmir to the southwest, and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the...
. After the war, hen then headed the Defence Science and Technology Organization
Defence Science and Technology Organization
The Defence Science and Technology Organization, best known as DESTO, is a defense science and technological sciences government agency of Pakistan Defence Forces located in Rawalpindi, Punjab province of Pakistan. DESTO is an independent science and defence research organization, known for its...
which was established to produced the high-atomic explosive
Nuclear explosive
A nuclear explosive is an explosive device that derives its energy from nuclear reactions. Almost all nuclear explosive devices that have been designed and produced are nuclear weapons intended for warfare....
materials and weapons. After retirement from the Army in 1990, Zahid Akbar was appointed Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority
Water and Power Development Authority
The Water and Power Development Authority is a government-owned public utility maintaining power and water in Pakistan, although it does not manage thermal power. WAPDA includes Tarbela and Mangla dams among its resources...
(WAPDA) by then-Prime Minister Navaz Sharef
Nawaz Sharif
Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani conservative politician and steel magnate who served as 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from November 1990 to July 1993, and from February 1997 to October 12, 1999...
. He was then appointed Chairman of the Cricket Control Board
Pakistan Cricket Board
The Pakistan Cricket Board is a sporting organization that is responsible for governing all professional cricket including Test cricket and One Day International matches played in Pakistan...
of Pakistan (BCCP) and oversaw Pakistan's victory of the 1992 Cricket World Cup
1992 Cricket World Cup
-New Zealand:-Round Robin Stage:Co-hosts New Zealand proved the surprise packet of the tournament, winning their first seven games to finish on top of the table after the round robin. The other hosts, Australia, were one of the pre-tournament favourites but lost their first two matches. They...
, following which he established Scarsdale International School in Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
.
Early life
Zahid Akbar was born in Baba Khel JalandharJalandhar
Jalandhar is a city in Jalandhar District in the state of Punjab, India. It is located 144 km northwest of the state capital, Chandigarh...
(Burki
Burki
The Burki are a Pushtun tribe of South Waziristan, Pakistan, whose homeland is Kaniguram...
Tribe), then in British Raj
British Raj
British Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
, the eldest child of a prominent Muslim lawyer. At the start of the Second World War his father volunteered for service with the British Indian Army
British Indian Army
The British Indian Army, officially simply the Indian Army, was the principal army of the British Raj in India before the partition of India in 1947...
and was killed in action during the Battle of Singapore
Battle of Singapore
The Battle of Singapore was fought in the South-East Asian theatre of the Second World War when the Empire of Japan invaded the Allied stronghold of Singapore. Singapore was the major British military base in Southeast Asia and nicknamed the "Gibraltar of the East"...
. He received his elementary and intermediate education from Jalandhar. After the partition of India, Khan's family moved to West-Pakistan
West Pakistan
West Pakistan , common name West-Pakistan , in the period between its establishment on 22 November 1955 to disintegration on December 16, 1971. This period, during which, Pakistan was divided, ended when East-Pakistan was disintegrated and succeeded to become which is now what is known as Bangladesh...
and settled in Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
.
Education and Military Career
He was accepted as an officer-cadet at the Pakistan Military AcademyPakistan Military Academy
The Pakistan Military Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service military academy. It is located at Kakul near Abbottabad in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan....
at Kakul
Kakul
Kakul is a town situated in the Kakul Valley at an elevation of 1300 metres, 5 km northeast of Abbottabad city near the Thandiani Hills, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The population is around 30,000.-History:...
in 1950 and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers two years later. Having received his B.Eng.
Bachelor of Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering is an undergraduate academic degree awarded to a student after three to five years of studying engineering at universities in Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland , Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Korea,...
in System Engineering from Military College of Engineering
Military College of Engineering
Military College of Engineering is located at Risalpur, in Nowshera District, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Military College of Engineering was established by Pakistan Army.-About the college:...
in 1954; he initially worked in the civil projects that were constructed and built by the Corps of Engineers. However, two years later, Akbar later completed his M.Eng.
Master of Engineering
A Master of Engineering or Master of Technology or Master of Science in Engineering A Master of Engineering (Magister in Ingeniaria) (abbreviated M.Eng., ME or MEng) or Master of Technology (abbreviated M.Tech. or MTech) or Master of Science in Engineering A Master of Engineering (Magister in...
in Control Systems Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology
NED University of Engineering and Technology
The Nadirshaw Eduljee Dinshaw University of Engineering and Technology is a public university in Karachi, Pakistan. It was founded in 1922 as an engineering college, making it the oldest school in Pakistan for educating graduate engineers....
, funded his education by the Pakistan Military Academy in 1960.
He later received his master's degree in Strategic
Strategic studies
Strategic studies is an interdisciplinary academic field devoted to topics concerning the relationship between politics, geography and natural resources, economics, and military power, such as the role of intelligence, diplomacy and threats in the preparation and use of force...
and War studies
War studies
War studies is the multi-disciplinary study of war. It is distinct from military history in that it encompasses a variety of fields:*Laws of war*Philosophy of war**Ethics of war***Just War Theory**Deterrence theory*Psychology of war...
from National Defence University
National Defence University, Islamabad
The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the Ministry of Defence of Government of Pakistan, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy...
. After his education he became a chief engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
at the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers with a rank of major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
. His engineering career was at peak when he was involved in the beginning years of Pakistan's atomic deterrent program. He has served in the army in both the 1965 and 1971 wars
Indo-Pakistani Wars
Since the partition of British India in 1947 and creation of India and Pakistan, the two South Asian countries have been involved in four wars, including one undeclared war, as well as many border skirmishes and military stand-offs...
.
Indo-Pakistani war of 1965
After graduating from engineering university in 1962, Akbar report to Army Corps Headquarter of IV CorpsIV Corps (Pakistan)
The IV Corps is one of military administrative corps of Pakistan Army. Having established in 1965 after the Indo-Pakistani September War, it is currently stationed in Lahore, Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its current core commander is Lieutenant-General Rashad Mahmood.-History:The corps was formed...
stationed in Lahore, where he was promoted to 1st-Lieutenant
First Lieutenant
First lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, he served in the 5th Lahore Engineering Sector (5th LES). His first military engineer assignment was to led the rapid construction of seven bridges at BRB Canal and Hudiara drain. The bridges were destroyed and demolished by the Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
due to their heavy artillery and gun battle. However, he was moved to Sialkot Engineer District (SED) where ongoing gun battle was taking place with the Indian Army. The assignment was considered quiet difficult and dangerous as the gun battle was taking place continuously at that region. He led the installation of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines during the battle where his unit came under intense gun fire. Having well performed this task, Akbar was promoted to the rank of Major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
in October 1965.
GHQ construction
In 1966, he became special assistant to newly appointed Quartermaster GeneralQuartermaster general
A Quartermaster general is the staff officer in charge of supplies for a whole army.- The United Kingdom :In the United Kingdom, the Quartermaster-General to the Forces is one of the most senior generals in the British Army...
Major-General Abubakar Usman Mitha, and at this point, the new Army Commander-in-Chief General Yahya Khan
Yahya Khan
General Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan Qizilbash, H.Pk, HJ, S.Pk, psc was the third President of Pakistan from 1969 to 1971, following the resignation of Ayub Khan...
embark on a national mobilization, and tasked the Quartermaster General Major-General Mitha to prepare the necessary accommodations and training facilities for the vast army that would be created. However, the enormous construction was delayed, mismanaged, and poor living conditions at the construction sites. Newspapers began to publish accounts charging Ayub Khan's corruption and his incompetency to complete this project even for his service of commission, the Pakistan Army. Few months later, Khan was replaced by his brother and Army Commander-in-Chief General Yahya Khan and decided to expand the project. In 1967, Akbar was made Commanding officer of 7th Military Engineer Company, MES at Rawalpindi; it was this time, Akbar reputation was strict engineer officer was began to be notice by the Army. Akbar led a small construction project for the Quartermaster General's office where he helped install telephone lines for the Supervising Construction Quartermasters, demanded weekly reports on progress. He ordered his Engineering Company to hire whatever special equipment they needed and to pay premium prices if necessary to guarantee quick delivery. His speedy work of Quartermaster General's office had impressed Major-General Mitha and his superior officers who sat his example to his peers who were slowly working on the GHQ's construction programme. Major-General Mitha sent his recommendation to Engineer-in-Chief to turn the GHQ project around under his command; the recommendation was accepted. In 1967, Mitha personally send recommendation to Army Commander-in-Chief, requesting Akbar to be promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
In 1967, the Engineer-in-Chief
Engineer-in-Chief (Pakistan Army)
Engineer-in-Chief or E-in-C, is a Colonel Commandant of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Frontier Works Organisation and the Military Engineering Services of Pakistan...
summoned Lieutenant-Colonel Akbar to meeting with the head of the Military Engineering Service for the military project. In attendance were the civilian architects, led by Abdur Rahmann Hay, of Institute of Architects
Institute of Architects, Pakistan
-Incorporation:It was incorporated on 22 May 1969 in Karachi under the Companies Act VII of 1913. It was formed as a limited company.-Incorporation:Persons mentioned in the incorporation papers.# Minoo P. Mistri # Zahir-ud-deen Khwaja...
(IOA), military engineers from Frontier Works Organisation
Frontier Works Organisation
Frontier Works Organisation is a construction and military engineering administrative branch of the Pakistani Army that was established in 1966. It is a part of Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers and it has credited to build numerous bridges, roads, tunnels, airfields and dams in Pakistan. FWO...
(FWO) and the Engineer-in-Chief. Together with IOA and FWO, the Corps of Engineers had designed the enormous office complex to house the Ministry of Defence's
Ministry of Defence (Pakistan)
The Ministry of Defence , is a federal government ministry tasked with coordinating and supervising all major government agencies and federal departments of the government relating directly to National security and the Pakistan Defense Forces...
40,000 staff/combatant commanders in one giant complex, a 8 story, and 8-rectangular tall sided covering more than two thousand acres of land, ultimately became the General Combatant Headquarters (GHQ). Following the resignation of Ayub Khan, Abdur Rahmann Hay, assisted by Jasmine Lari
Yasmeen Lari
Yasmeen Lari is the first woman architect in Pakistan. Motivated by her father, she set her goal to study architecture. Throughout her career, she experienced challenges from the opposite sex in the industry but was still able to uphold her interests and expand on it...
became the architect-engineer
Architectural engineering
Architectural engineering, also known as building engineering, is the application of engineering principles and technology to building design and construction...
, with Akbar leading the construction as well as working as system engineer.
Akbar overcame various labor strikes, shortages, alleged corruption in the military government that halted the project, and competing priorities and engineers who were not up to their tasks. Despite difficulties, Akbar completed this programme in January1971, and it was finally inaugurated by General Yahya Khan soon after. He had worked six days a week in Rawalpindi, and determined to lead the project finished before its deadline to be reached. Akbar recalled that he was "hoping to get to a war theater so I could find a little peace".
1971 war
In 1971, the military was impressed by his speedy work, therefore, General Yahya Khan promoted him to the rank of ColonelColonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
, and was made Commanding officer of 20th Punjab Combat Regiment, a combat assignment. In 1971 war, he led the counter-combat operations in West-Pakistan aside laying anti-personnel mines against the Indian Army. In December 29 of 1971, Akbar was promoted to 1-star rank, Brigadier
Brigadier
Brigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
, and was shifted as Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
The title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
of 212th Infantry Brigade, IV Corps.
Kahuta Project
In January 1972, the atomic bomb project was founded and formally initiated by Prime ministerPrime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Since 1972, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, , is an administrative governmental and autonomous science and technology governmental department of Pakistan, responsible for development of nuclear energy and development of nuclear power sector in Pakistan...
(PAEC) had supervised the construction of the facilities of its own that directly reported to Science Adviser Mubashir Hassan
Mubashir Hassan
Mubashir Hassan PhD, is a Pakistani civil engineer and science administrator known for his work in Hydraulics and his political role in the development of the atom bomb project....
and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, and prior to that, 4th President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. Bhutto was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party — the largest and most influential political party in Pakistan— and served as its chairman until his...
. During this time, the military had no role in the development of atom bomb project as it was under control by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who remained in charge of making critical decisions, acquiring raw materials, and as well as all civilian academic scientists reporting to Bhutto.
In 1974, the Project-706
Project-706
Project-706, also known as Project-726 or as the Kahuta Project, was a science effort codename of a project conducted during the Cold War and Russo-Afghan War whose objective was to develop Pakistan' first atomic weapon. The mainstream goal of the project was the development of an atomic bomb using...
— a uranium enrichment project— was formally launched by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission under nuclear engineer Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood
Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood
Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, otherwise written as, Sultan Bashir-ud-Din Mehmood), and Manchester, United Kingdom. A controversial figure, Bashiruddin Mahmood is widely popular in Pakistan's scientific and religious circles for his scientific interpretation and its relation to Quran...
. However, this project initially suffered many set back due to lack of leadership and technical difficulty for acquiring the raw materials necessary for uranium enrichment, and had no geographical boundaries, only a single mission: the uranium enrichment. Although Mahmood and Mabshir was satisfied with the progress being made, Bhutto felt otherwise. After meeting with Abdul Qadeer Khan in 1974, Bhutto insisted Abdul Qadeer Khan to join the project as Bhutto realized that speedy scientific direction was needed. More ever, Bhutto felt that an aggressive leadership was needed and disappointed with Munir Khan's civilian constructors due to their slow pace of work. Wanting a capable military administrator, Bhutto turned to Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq and suggested the appointment of a prestigious officer as overall project director. General Zia turned to Engineer-in-Chief who recommended Brigadier Akbar. The E-in-C ordered Brigadier Akbar to meet him at the GHQ where he was ordered to meet with dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan the next morning. The Engineer-in-Chief had told Brigadier Akbar that "The Chief of Army Staff and the Minister of Defence
Defence Minister of Pakistan
The Defence Minister of Pakistan heads the Ministry of Defence, under which serve the three armed forces of the country, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, and Pakistan Navy...
has selected for a very national importance assignment, and the Prime minister has approved the selection... You must meet with this scientist, dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. At 9:00 am, Brigadier Akbar met with dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and could not hide his complain about having pulled out of the combat assignment: "Oh, Dr. Khan, that thing... I thought I was over with it." As Akbar met with Dr. Khan to discuss the details and the nature of the project. Akbar, along with dr. Qadeer Khan, surveyed the area Akbar's Army jeep, then finished the report as they had aerially surveyed the area in an army helicopter. The next week, Brigaider Akbar designed the draft of the entire city of Kahuta, and submitted the feasibility report to Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary of Pakistan
Defence Secretary of Pakistan is the highest bureaucratic position within the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan. Following is the list of the defence secretaries to date....
. His rapid nature of performing assignments had impressed Prime minister Bhutto, and Bhutto ordered Chief of Army Staff to promoted to Akbar to 2-star rank of Major-General as he felt that the title "general" would hold more sway with the academic scientists working on the confidential projects. An office was sat up for Akbar in Prime minister Secretariat directly reporting to Bhutto. A military engineer
Military engineer
In military science, engineering refers to the practice of designing, building, maintaining and dismantling military works, including offensive, defensive and logistical structures, to shape the physical operating environment in war...
, Akbar collaborated closely with Abdul Qadeer Khan
Abdul Qadeer Khan
Abdul Qadeer Khan , also known in Pakistan as Mohsin-e-Pakistan , D.Eng, Sc.D, HI, NI , FPAS; more widely known as Dr. A. Q...
to set up and build the Engineering Research Laboratories. Meanwhile, Major-General Zahid Ali Akbar coordinated a meeting with officials of PAEC, and special military unit of military scientists and engineers of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Special Development Works (SDW) was given commissioned
Brigadier Akbar established several military units and engineer districts to provide logistic support to programme. Bhutto wanted an aggressive leadership, and an officer with prestige to co-direct the project alongside with him. The Engineer-in-Chief and the Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq recommended Brigadier Akbar, and Prime minister Bhutto instructed Akbar to meet with dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
As more military engineer units were established, Bhutto formed a formal policy committee to supervised these units. Known as Military Engineering Committee, it was headed by Major-General Akbar and had officers from both Army and Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
. According to Khan's column, General Akbar designed and constructed the Kahuta Research Laboratories
Kahuta Research Laboratories
The Khan Research Laboratories ,, formerly known as Engineering Research Laboratories , is a multi-program Pakistan's weapons science and engineering research and development institute and nuclear research facility...
and its related facilities. In 1977, he led the rapid construction of the enrichment plant in Kahuta.In 1978, after the removal of Bhutto, Akbar was made the in charge of Project-706. His office was shifted back to Generals Headquarter, this time reporting directly to Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq. In 1977, General Akbar was made the Director of the Engineering Research Laboratories (ERL) and began to supervise the classified academic research in the facility. The same, the civilian committee that was supervising the nuclear development was immediately disbanded as Bhutto's Science Advisor, dr. Mubaschir Hasann
Mubashir Hassan
Mubashir Hassan PhD, is a Pakistani civil engineer and science administrator known for his work in Hydraulics and his political role in the development of the atom bomb project....
was placed in Adiala Jail with Bhutto. A new committee was formed, with military officers are part of the committee, headed by General Akbar. This administrative committee, known as Military Engineering Committee (MEC) under Akbar, was fully charged with the developing and formulating policies concerning the development of centrifuge plant at Kahuta. In 1977, General Akbar was promoted as military Science Adviser and his office was shifted at the Generals Headquarter which he would held this post until 1983. In 1978, AKbar met with PAEC nuclear engineer Munir Ahmad Khan
Munir Ahmad Khan
Munir Ahmad Khan , HI, was a Pakistani nuclear engineer and a scientist who served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission from 1972 to 1991...
, and discussed on the laboratories where the atomic bombs can be tested. Akbar was impressed with the breadth of Munir Khan's knowledge and understanding of military affairs. A long conversation took at Akbar's office and convinced Akbar to send his recommendation to appoint Munir Khan as director of entire project, despite Munir Khan's closeness to Bhutto. Akbar came to understanding that Munir Khan had a breadth of knowledge understanding the features of military science which General Akbar founded lack in other scientists, including Abdul Qadeer Khan, despite Qadeer Khan's cordial relations with General Akbar. He knew that broad knowledge would be vital in an interdisciplinary project that would involve not just physics, but chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, metallurgy
Metallurgy
Metallurgy is a domain of materials science that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their intermetallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. It is also the technology of metals: the way in which science is applied to their practical use...
, ordnance and engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
.
General Akbar made critical decisions on prioritizing the various methods of gas centrifuges and acquiring raw materials needed by the scientists and engineers. In 1980, he was promoted as lieutenant-general and was made as Engineer-in-Chief
Engineer-in-Chief (Pakistan Army)
Engineer-in-Chief or E-in-C, is a Colonel Commandant of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Frontier Works Organisation and the Military Engineering Services of Pakistan...
of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers
Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers
The Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, , is an active military administrative staff corps, and a major science and technology command of the Pakistan Army...
to deal with senior people whose cooperation was required. His appointment of 3 star rank came to understanding by the military that military government officers wanted as administrative officer who understood the scientific needs of the project comprehensibly. In 1983, the Project-706 became responsible for collecting the military intelligence
Military intelligence
Military intelligence is a military discipline that exploits a number of information collection and analysis approaches to provide guidance and direction to commanders in support of their decisions....
on Indian nuclear programme, therefore, Akbar took participation in Operation Sentinel, an Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
counter-intelligence operation that was launched after learning the Indian' air strikes on Kahuta. Sentinel ultimately operated in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Kahuta, and the Project-706 scope on intelligence grew in size and intelligence teams. In 1983, Akbar met with Munir Ahmad Khan where the preparation for the cold-tests were made, tunnels and test sites were constructed under his directorship. In March 11th of 1983, General Akbar witnessed the cold-test of the plutonium device, codename Kirana-I. In 1983, Akbar was promoted to lieutenant-general in March 1983 and was awarded the Medal of Service
Tamgha-i-Khidmat
Tamgha-i-Khidmat or Tamgha-e-Khidmat, which translates as the medal of services , is 7th highest honour given by the Government of Pakistan to both the military and civilians....
.
Senior Staff appointments
In 1980, he was shifted as the Adjutant-General (AG) at the Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) as well as serving military Science Advisor to the President. By the 1980, Akbar was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General as the Military wanted a military administrative leader who understood the scientific needs of the project comprehensibly. The same year, he was appointed as Engineer-in-ChiefEngineer-in-Chief (Pakistan Army)
Engineer-in-Chief or E-in-C, is a Colonel Commandant of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, Frontier Works Organisation and the Military Engineering Services of Pakistan...
of the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers
Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers
The Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers, , is an active military administrative staff corps, and a major science and technology command of the Pakistan Army...
to deal with senior people whose cooperation was required. After the end of Prime Minister Bhutto's regime, Akbar was given autonomous control of the Kahuta Project. Under Akbar's direction, PAEC
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, , is an administrative governmental and autonomous science and technology governmental department of Pakistan, responsible for development of nuclear energy and development of nuclear power sector in Pakistan...
and KRL
Kahuta Research Laboratories
The Khan Research Laboratories ,, formerly known as Engineering Research Laboratories , is a multi-program Pakistan's weapons science and engineering research and development institute and nuclear research facility...
spurred their work on atomic devices quickly.
By the time Akbar was promoted at the rank of the Lieutenant-General
Lieutenant General (Pakistan)
Pakistan Army has followed British Army rank system since its independence from British Empire in 1947. However, the crown in the ranks has been replaced with a star and crescent, which symbolizes the sovereignty of Government of Pakistan....
, a noted nuclear physicist Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad
Ishfaq Ahmad
Ishfaq Ahmad , D.Sc., Minister of State, SI, HI, NI, FPAS, is a Pakistani nuclear physicist, and well-known educationist and academic from Pakistan...
conducted a cold test
Cold fission
Cold fission or cold nuclear fission is defined as involving fission events for which fission fragments have such low excitation energy that no neutrons or gammas are emitted....
of a theoretically designed atomic device, codename Kirana-I, in Kirana Hills. After the successful test, the Government of Pakistan
Government of Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan is a federal parliamentary system, with an indirectly-elected President as the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Pakistani Armed Forces, and an indirectly-elected Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The President’s appointment and term are...
transferred control over the nuclear technology project
Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction
Pakistan began focusing on nuclear weapons development in January 1972 under the leadership of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who delegated the program to the Chairman of PAEC Munir Ahmad Khan...
from military to civilian hands. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, , is an administrative governmental and autonomous science and technology governmental department of Pakistan, responsible for development of nuclear energy and development of nuclear power sector in Pakistan...
(PAEC), under Munir Ahmad Khan
Munir Ahmad Khan
Munir Ahmad Khan , HI, was a Pakistani nuclear engineer and a scientist who served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission from 1972 to 1991...
, was given full charge of developing the atomic weapons project and the nuclear power program
Nuclear power in Pakistan
As of 2009, nuclear power in Pakistan is provided by 3 licensed-commercial nuclear power plants. Pakistan is the first Muslim country in the world to construct and operate civil nuclear power plants. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission , the scientific and nuclear governmental agency, is solely...
. For his services, he was conferred with high military award along with other officers.
Siachen Operation
Soon after the transfer the control of nuclear technology to PAEC, Lieutenant-General Zahid Akbar was made Core-commander of X CorpsX Corps (Pakistan)
The X Corps is an active military administrative corps of Pakistan Army, currently assigned in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its one of two brigades are currently active in Kashmir. One of its brigades, the 111th Infantry Brigade in Rawalpindi, has been frequently involved in military...
as he was appointed by, on a personal request, of President
President of Pakistan
The President of Pakistan is the head of state, as well as figurehead, of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Recently passed an XVIII Amendment , Pakistan has a parliamentary democratic system of government. According to the Constitution, the President is chosen by the Electoral College to serve a...
and Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq. In 1984, he would lead the corps in the Siachen conflict
Siachen conflict
The Siachen Conflict, sometimes referred to as the Siachen War, is a military conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir. The conflict began in 1984 with India's successful Operation Meghdoot during which it wrested control of the Siachen Glacier from...
, a conflict in northern Pakistan, when the Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
launched Operation Meghdoot
Operation Meghdoot
Operation Meghdoot was the name given to the attack launched by the Indian Military to capture the Siachen Glacier in the disputed Kashmir region, precipitating the Siachen Conflict. Launched on 13 April 1984, this military operation was unique as the first assault launched in the world's highest...
in 1984. Lieutenant-General Jahan Dad Khan handed over the command of X Corps
X Corps (Pakistan)
The X Corps is an active military administrative corps of Pakistan Army, currently assigned in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its one of two brigades are currently active in Kashmir. One of its brigades, the 111th Infantry Brigade in Rawalpindi, has been frequently involved in military...
to Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar on 31 March 1984.
Lieutenant General J.D. Khan gave him a detailed briefing about this operational plan and particularly stressed the importance of intelligence keeping a watch on Indian moves beyond Leh. He commanded the series of Siachen Operations along side with then-Brigadier-General Pervaiz Musharraf
After the war
After the Siachen operation, General Akbar was sent as the Director-GeneralDirector-general
The term director-general is a title given the highest executive officer within a governmental, statutory, NGO, third sector or not-for-profit institution.-European Union:...
of the Defence Science and Technology Organization
Defence Science and Technology Organization
The Defence Science and Technology Organization, best known as DESTO, is a defense science and technological sciences government agency of Pakistan Defence Forces located in Rawalpindi, Punjab province of Pakistan. DESTO is an independent science and defence research organization, known for its...
(DESTO) when the military government issued a decree to control the aspects of high nuclear explosives. At there, Akbar helped the Pakistan Ordnance Factories
Pakistan Ordnance Factories
Pakistan Ordnance Factories was founded in 1951 with the primary objective of producing arms and ammunition for the armed forces of Pakistan...
and the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT)
Heavy Industries Taxila
Heavy Industries Taxila is the backbone of Pakistan's engineering industry for the Pakistan Armed Forces, being a combination of multiple industries that has grown into a large military complex since 1980. It consists of six major production units and their support facilities, staffed by over 6500...
to expand the military technology projects under the guidance of Lieutenant-General Talat Masood
Talat Masood
Lieutenant General Talat Masood, , is a now-retired three-star general and a career army engineer officer in the Pakistan Army Corps of Engineers. He is the former Colonel Commandant and the Engineer-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering...
. However, in 1987, Prime minister
Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
Muhammad Khan Junejo
Muhammad Khan Junejo
Muhammad Khan Junejo was the tenth Prime Minister of Pakistan.-Early life:He was born at Sindhri in Tharparkar of Sindh. He belongs to Sindhi Muslim Rajput family of Junejo clan. Junejo started his political career at the age of twenty one...
vetoed the appointment of Akbar as the director of the integrated space weapons programme and instead entrusted the programme under Air Force. Due to his closeness to general Zia, his importance diminished in the eyes of Prime minister Junejo, and later Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto was a democratic socialist who served as the 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from 1988 until 1990 and 1993 until 1996....
who refused to fund any projects under his guidance. He continued directing the DESTO in the matter of science and technology but soon came to understanding that the postwar military and the civilian governments would not be given any assignment to him and as approaching in importance the one he had held in the Kahuta Project, as such posts would go to combat commanders returning from combat zones, and he decided to leave the Army in 1990.
Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board
Zahid Akbar retired as a honourable discharge military officer from the Pakistan Army in 1990, and became Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket BoardPakistan Cricket Board
The Pakistan Cricket Board is a sporting organization that is responsible for governing all professional cricket including Test cricket and One Day International matches played in Pakistan...
(then known as the Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan or BCCP) in 1988. It was during his tenure that Pakistan won the 1992 Cricket World Cup
1992 Cricket World Cup
-New Zealand:-Round Robin Stage:Co-hosts New Zealand proved the surprise packet of the tournament, winning their first seven games to finish on top of the table after the round robin. The other hosts, Australia, were one of the pre-tournament favourites but lost their first two matches. They...
Heading WAPDA
Due to his strong engineering background, the Government of Pakistan appointed him as a chairman of WAPDA, the water and power generation megacorporation. In 1990, he then became the chairman of Water and Power Development AuthorityWater and Power Development Authority
The Water and Power Development Authority is a government-owned public utility maintaining power and water in Pakistan, although it does not manage thermal power. WAPDA includes Tarbela and Mangla dams among its resources...
or WAPDA in 1990. Having closely work in Pakistan's atomic program, he suggested to the Government Pakistan's nuclear and atomic power plants be placed under the direction of his utility, in order to end international concerns that the plants are involved in weapons production. The Government's response to this suggestion was positive. However, then-Prime Minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
Nawaz Sharif
Nawaz Sharif
Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani conservative politician and steel magnate who served as 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from November 1990 to July 1993, and from February 1997 to October 12, 1999...
turned down his offer down.