Abrar Hussain

Abrar Husain (2 September 1918 – 15 March 1992) was a Pakistani senior army officer and author who served in World War II and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Early life and education Abrar Husain was born on 2 September 1918 in a Taluqdar family of Oudh. He was educated at La Martinière College, Lucknow and Colvin Taluqdars' College where he excelled in both academics and sports.

His personal conduct and character led the College Principal to declare him as: "the best boy who has passed through my hands in 10 years."

In 1939, he graduated in history, political science and English literature from Allahabad University. On the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun and was commissioned into the British Indian Army on 31 July 1940 and posted to 2nd Battalion of 10th Baluch Regiment (now 7 Baloch). For his exemplary conduct, personal bravery and strength of character, Lieutenant Abrar Hussain was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The main thrust of the Indian offensive was in the Sialkot Sector, where they attacked with three infantry and one armoured divisions. Facing them was the overstretched 15 Infantry Division. As enemy intentions became clear, and he made inroads towards Chawinda, 6 Armoured Division was inducted into the battle. The 24 Infantry Brigade was provided to General Abrar, and with these meagre resources, he was ordered stop the enemy. For some time, the situation for Pakistan was critical. It was here that his strength of character, calmness and indomitable spirit provided the inspiration to his outnumbered and outgunned troops, who stood firm in the face of overwhelming odds. Some of the fiercest tank battles since World War II were fought on the Battlefield of Chawinda but every attempt by the Indians to breakthrough was foiled. In the words of General KM Arif, who was then a staff officer in 6 Armoured Division:

The Battle of Chawinda produced moments of extreme anxiety and pressure. General Abrar remained composed during the battle, never losing sense of balance and cool nerves. On three occasions when some others got adversely affected, he stood firm and provided leadership of high quality. On 11 September, the enemy attacked the Chawinda defences held by a weak force which had taken over the responsibility only hours earlier. The attackers and defenders suffered considerable losses in the encounter. This was the worst situation faced by 6 Armoured Division in the war. Inspiring the division from the front, Abrar went to the critical part of the frontline, relieved the force with an infantry brigade and stabilised the situation before returning to his Headquarters. 1939-1945 Star Pacific Star (with Burma Clasp Rosette) Defence Medal War Medal 1939–1945 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)

Foreign decorations Foreign AwardsMember of the Order of the British Empire 1939-1945 StarPacific StarDefence MedalWar Medal 1939-1945Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal