Sanaullah Khan Niazi

Major General Sana Ullah Khan Niazi (10 September 1960 – 15 September 2013), also known as "Soldiers' General", was a two-star rank general in the Pakistan Army, serving as the General Officer Commanding of the 17th Division in Malakand from February 2013 until his assassination in a roadside blast. Lieutenant Colonel Tauseef and Lance Naik Irfan were also killed in the blast while two other officers were injured.

Niazi was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat and Hilal-i-Imtiaz on Pakistan Day in 2014 and 2015. He is renowned for clearing the Malakand District division of militants in less than seven months and overseeing the security of 50,000 tourists. Additionally, he was known for launching a sports Gala and reopening the Kabal Golf Course for the youth of Swat, which subsequently led to the valley holding a national golf tournament after 20 years as well as an art exhibition for the first time in Swat's history.

Sanaullah is the brother of Amin Ullah Khan and paternal cousin of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His father, SSP Khan Ikhlas Khan, was a police officer who served in Quetta for most of his career and was known as "fearless" for arresting Nawab Akbar Bugti in the 1970s.

Sanaullah has three brothers, Rehmat Ullah Khan Niazi who at the time of Sanaullah's death was the Deputy Inspector General of the Quetta Police, Amin Ullah Khan and Madad Khan.

Personal life Sanaullah is survived by his widow and two daughters.

His former staff officer, Colonel Moeen Yusuf Khan, recalled that Sanaullah was a difficult man to make angry and very easy to make happy, adding that he was a car enthusiast.

Sanaullah graduated from the Command and Staff College Quetta in 1994, National Defence University, Pakistan, and the National Defense University (Republic of China) in 2012.

On 9 September 2013, Sanaullah inaugurated the Jashn-i-Kumrat sports festival in Upper Dir District. Addressing the 3,000 participants, he stated, "terrorists wouldn't be allowed to disturb peace of the area" and added that the festival would promote peace and tourism in the district.

Legacy Major General Sanaullah was credited for establishing peace along with reviving tourism in the Swat Valley. He was further known for working tirelessly in the recovery efforts and bringing back the residents of Swat who were evacuated after the army launched an operation to clear the area from the occupation of militants.

Funeral The Islamic funeral for Sanaullah, Lt. Colonel Tauseef, and Lance Naik Irfan was held on 16 September 2013 and attended by army personnel, police officers, politicians and civilians.

Aftermath In June 2018, the planner of the attack was killed in Afghanistan by a US Army drone strike. The militant who planted the device was arrested and sentenced to death on 15 December 2018.

Memorials Sanaullah Colony, Maj Gen Sanaullah Khan Niazi Shaheed Cricket tournament, Maj Gen Sanaullah Memorial Football tournament, Maj Gen Sanaullah Khan Niazi Shaheed Toll Plaza, and Maj Gen Sanaullah Khan Niazi Shaheed Interchange are named after him.

Awards and decorations

Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military)

(Crescent of Excellence)(Posthumously)

2015Sitara-e-Basalat (Star of Valour)(Posthumously)2014COAS Cane (12th OTS)

1983Tamgha-e-Jamhuriat (Democracy Medal)

1988Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha (Resolution Day)

(Golden Jubilee Medal)

1990Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan (Independence Day

Golden Jubilee Medal)

1997Tamgha-e-Baqa (Nuclear Test Medal)

1998UNAVEM III(UNMO Medal)(2 deployments)UNOMSIL Medal(Contingent Commander)(2 deployments)Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan (2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff)Command and Staff College Quetta Instructor's MedalTamgha-e-Diffa (Defence Medal)

Foreign decorations Foreign AwardsUNAVEM IIIUNOMSIL