[Music]
[Music] ladies and gentlemen assalamualaikum
let me start with a few words about my
let me start with a few words about my career
career
career we were 43 selected out of 5,000
we were 43 selected out of 5,000
we were 43 selected out of 5,000 candidates in 1973 to join the Academy
candidates in 1973 to join the Academy
candidates in 1973 to join the Academy only 29 of us could graduate and become
only 29 of us could graduate and become
only 29 of us could graduate and become pilots from then on it was a survival of
pilots from then on it was a survival of
pilots from then on it was a survival of the fittest in an intensely competitive
the fittest in an intensely competitive
the fittest in an intensely competitive and very very challenging career I was
and very very challenging career I was
and very very challenging career I was lucky
lucky
lucky to be able to fly just about every
to be able to fly just about every
to be able to fly just about every trainer and fighter aircraft of the
trainer and fighter aircraft of the
trainer and fighter aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force as you saw in the
Pakistan Air Force as you saw in the
Pakistan Air Force as you saw in the introductory slides when
the most thrilling career in the world
the most thrilling career in the world is what I thought was over in 2005 after
is what I thought was over in 2005 after
is what I thought was over in 2005 after 33 years of service
33 years of service
33 years of service I decided to press the Control Alt
I decided to press the Control Alt
I decided to press the Control Alt Delete button so that I could reset my
Delete button so that I could reset my
Delete button so that I could reset my life completely
life completely
life completely and the watchword for this were
breaking loose from the rut
breaking loose from the rut and challenging existing norms
and challenging existing norms
and challenging existing norms so this is what I’ll be talking about is
so this is what I’ll be talking about is
so this is what I’ll be talking about is not about what I have achieved rather
not about what I have achieved rather
not about what I have achieved rather my messages what can you achieve if you
my messages what can you achieve if you
my messages what can you achieve if you take any cue from what I’ll be talking
take any cue from what I’ll be talking
take any cue from what I’ll be talking about after retirement I had a number of
about after retirement I had a number of
about after retirement I had a number of options there were hobbies and
options there were hobbies and
options there were hobbies and activities for which I never had the
activities for which I never had the
activities for which I never had the time while I was in the Air Force a very
time while I was in the Air Force a very
time while I was in the Air Force a very busy life but after time and I thought
busy life but after time and I thought
busy life but after time and I thought I’ll attempt all of these hobbies sort
I’ll attempt all of these hobbies sort
I’ll attempt all of these hobbies sort of a multitask and some of these
of a multitask and some of these
of a multitask and some of these involved self tutoring learning new
involved self tutoring learning new
involved self tutoring learning new things that I had never done before
here are some of the options
here are some of the options that I looked at
they are a bit way off some of them
they are a bit way off some of them might seem a bit eccentric
might seem a bit eccentric
might seem a bit eccentric what I decided to do all of them during
what I decided to do all of them during
what I decided to do all of them during my post retirement is about 12 years now
my post retirement is about 12 years now
my post retirement is about 12 years now I shall cover these one by one
I shall cover these one by one
or subject here in cessful genetics
or subject here in cessful genetics about which none of us perhaps would
about which none of us perhaps would
about which none of us perhaps would know much about and I had no clue about
know much about and I had no clue about
know much about and I had no clue about what was this except for the fact that
what was this except for the fact that
what was this except for the fact that this is about finding your roots I
this is about finding your roots I
this is about finding your roots I wanted to know where we came from
wanted to know where we came from
wanted to know where we came from who are we which I’m sure all of you
who are we which I’m sure all of you
who are we which I’m sure all of you must be wanting to know for this i
must be wanting to know for this i
must be wanting to know for this i tooted myself about genetics
tooted myself about genetics
tooted myself about genetics human migration patterns
human migration patterns
human migration patterns I got myself DNA tested found out my
I got myself DNA tested found out my
I got myself DNA tested found out my paternal line and my maternal line it
paternal line and my maternal line it
paternal line and my maternal line it was a surprise for us to discover that
was a surprise for us to discover that
was a surprise for us to discover that my father’s line was from Central Asia
my father’s line was from Central Asia
my father’s line was from Central Asia and her mother’s line was from Anatolia
and her mother’s line was from Anatolia
and her mother’s line was from Anatolia and Caucasus region and then yet another
and Caucasus region and then yet another
and Caucasus region and then yet another comprehensive ethnic origins test which
comprehensive ethnic origins test which
comprehensive ethnic origins test which shows
shows
shows my ethnic Constitution the idea to put
my ethnic Constitution the idea to put
my ethnic Constitution the idea to put this across to you is that for a novice
this across to you is that for a novice
this across to you is that for a novice like me who was into military flying
like me who was into military flying
like me who was into military flying this was a totally new subject but I
this was a totally new subject but I
this was a totally new subject but I thoroughly enjoyed it our family enjoyed
thoroughly enjoyed it our family enjoyed
thoroughly enjoyed it our family enjoyed it our friends enjoyed it I have roped
it our friends enjoyed it I have roped
it our friends enjoyed it I have roped in a number of my friends and we’ve all
in a number of my friends and we’ve all
in a number of my friends and we’ve all been able to derive very useful
been able to derive very useful
been able to derive very useful information about this so that was one
information about this so that was one
information about this so that was one of my first interests
archeology is yet another subject that I
archeology is yet another subject that I was interested in avoiding interest
was interested in avoiding interest
was interested in avoiding interest actually why levels and service are read
actually why levels and service are read
actually why levels and service are read a lot about Indus Valley Civilisation
a lot about Indus Valley Civilisation
a lot about Indus Valley Civilisation and I was lucky enough to go to posny
and I was lucky enough to go to posny
and I was lucky enough to go to posny whereas Gordon used to deploy every year
whereas Gordon used to deploy every year
whereas Gordon used to deploy every year just north of person about 20 kilometers
just north of person about 20 kilometers
just north of person about 20 kilometers none of it as a site called softe whoa
none of it as a site called softe whoa
none of it as a site called softe whoa so after midday when there used to be a
so after midday when there used to be a
so after midday when there used to be a dust storm everyday and we had nothing
dust storm everyday and we had nothing
dust storm everyday and we had nothing to do there was no cable TV there was
to do there was no cable TV there was
to do there was no cable TV there was nothing actually I started looking for
nothing actually I started looking for
nothing actually I started looking for this site this is an unexplored site
this site this is an unexplored site
this site this is an unexplored site discovered but not excavated
this is a picture of that site taken
this is a picture of that site taken from a mirage aircraft and I decided to
from a mirage aircraft and I decided to
from a mirage aircraft and I decided to carry out surface exploration of this
carry out surface exploration of this
carry out surface exploration of this area
area
area because actual degree is not allowed by
because actual degree is not allowed by
because actual degree is not allowed by the Directorate of archaeology I did a
the Directorate of archaeology I did a
the Directorate of archaeology I did a computer-aided reconstruction
computer-aided reconstruction
computer-aided reconstruction econometrics reconstruction of this site
econometrics reconstruction of this site
econometrics reconstruction of this site and this is what the village looked like
and this is what the village looked like
and this is what the village looked like and I’m proud to say that this is being
and I’m proud to say that this is being
and I’m proud to say that this is being used by quite a few scholars its
used by quite a few scholars its
used by quite a few scholars its reconstruction because this site is
reconstruction because this site is
reconstruction because this site is actually very inaccessible in a
actually very inaccessible in a
actually very inaccessible in a difficult area and we have security
difficult area and we have security
difficult area and we have security issues we’re quite a few scientists and
issues we’re quite a few scientists and
issues we’re quite a few scientists and explorers can not visit
explorers can not visit
explorers can not visit during these surveys which was spread
during these surveys which was spread
during these surveys which was spread over almost 20 years and about six or
over almost 20 years and about six or
over almost 20 years and about six or seven visits to this place I was able to
seven visits to this place I was able to
seven visits to this place I was able to discover a jar which is about two and a
discover a jar which is about two and a
discover a jar which is about two and a half feet a storage jar which was
half feet a storage jar which was
half feet a storage jar which was presented to the direct regional
presented to the direct regional
presented to the direct regional archeology mr. Ravi Koval in 1996 and
archeology mr. Ravi Koval in 1996 and
archeology mr. Ravi Koval in 1996 and proud to say that this lies in the
proud to say that this lies in the
proud to say that this lies in the National Museum Karachi
then in 2004 interestingly I found a
then in 2004 interestingly I found a heart shape fragment of a seal this was
heart shape fragment of a seal this was
heart shape fragment of a seal this was a copper shield shown on the right side
a copper shield shown on the right side
a copper shield shown on the right side which interestingly also was in the 14th
which interestingly also was in the 14th
which interestingly also was in the 14th of February which is the Valentine’s Day
of February which is the Valentine’s Day
of February which is the Valentine’s Day in 2004 this was handed over to the
in 2004 this was handed over to the
in 2004 this was handed over to the director of Harappa research project and
director of Harappa research project and
director of Harappa research project and he told me that it actually was a square
he told me that it actually was a square
he told me that it actually was a square seal and this is one of the rarest seals
seal and this is one of the rarest seals
seal and this is one of the rarest seals found in a postal site both in India and
found in a postal site both in India and
found in a postal site both in India and Pakistan this was then sent to the
Pakistan this was then sent to the
Pakistan this was then sent to the University of wisconsin-madison by dr.
University of wisconsin-madison by dr.
University of wisconsin-madison by dr. ken O’Hare
ken O’Hare
ken O’Hare and they determine that this site was
and they determine that this site was
and they determine that this site was about 4000 years old that’s dr. caner
about 4000 years old that’s dr. caner
about 4000 years old that’s dr. caner who speaks actually hoodoo in punjabi as
who speaks actually hoodoo in punjabi as
who speaks actually hoodoo in punjabi as good as any one of us he’s been here in
good as any one of us he’s been here in
good as any one of us he’s been here in Pakistan visiting in Pakistan for last
Pakistan visiting in Pakistan for last
Pakistan visiting in Pakistan for last 30 years he is a sort of a mentor to me
30 years he is a sort of a mentor to me
30 years he is a sort of a mentor to me on Indus Valley subjects
I also had interest in astronomy in
I also had interest in astronomy in space since my childhood but like I said
space since my childhood but like I said
space since my childhood but like I said we never had the time and resources busy
we never had the time and resources busy
we never had the time and resources busy in night flying through the no question
in night flying through the no question
in night flying through the no question of carrying out astronomy at night but
of carrying out astronomy at night but
of carrying out astronomy at night but after retirement I joined astronomy club
after retirement I joined astronomy club
after retirement I joined astronomy club close to my house which is Lahore
close to my house which is Lahore
close to my house which is Lahore astronomy Society 30 of us have very
astronomy Society 30 of us have very
astronomy Society 30 of us have very advanced telescopes
advanced telescopes
advanced telescopes we deliver monthly lectures on difficult
we deliver monthly lectures on difficult
we deliver monthly lectures on difficult subjects on space and I’m one of the
subjects on space and I’m one of the
subjects on space and I’m one of the regular ones over there
regular ones over there
regular ones over there I also setup astronomy club one of the
I also setup astronomy club one of the
I also setup astronomy club one of the most advanced astronomy clubs in
most advanced astronomy clubs in
most advanced astronomy clubs in educational institution my alma mater
educational institution my alma mater
educational institution my alma mater carat College Hassan Abdal
this picture shows a solar telescope II
this picture shows a solar telescope II during daytime W the Sun
this is a unique capture from my
this is a unique capture from my telescope off the planet mercury
telescope off the planet mercury
telescope off the planet mercury transiting the Sun this is once in a
transiting the Sun this is once in a
transiting the Sun this is once in a hundred years or so the next time you
hundred years or so the next time you
hundred years or so the next time you see such a event after a hundred twenty
see such a event after a hundred twenty
see such a event after a hundred twenty years
I’ve been writing for on defense
I’ve been writing for on defense subjects for various international
subjects for various international
subjects for various international magazines and travel logs in Pakistani
magazines and travel logs in Pakistani
magazines and travel logs in Pakistani newspapers so I thought the next step
newspapers so I thought the next step
newspapers so I thought the next step after doing all that for several years
after doing all that for several years
after doing all that for several years was to write a book myself and my first
was to write a book myself and my first
was to write a book myself and my first book great air battles of Pakistan Air
book great air battles of Pakistan Air
book great air battles of Pakistan Air Force was published in 2005 and it is
Force was published in 2005 and it is
Force was published in 2005 and it is still in print after 13 years
three months ago I published my second
three months ago I published my second book
book
book in the ring and on its feet which you
in the ring and on its feet which you
in the ring and on its feet which you see on the right of the first one this
see on the right of the first one this
see on the right of the first one this is about the air war of 1971 and then
is about the air war of 1971 and then
is about the air war of 1971 and then I’ll switch subjects and from the
I’ll switch subjects and from the
I’ll switch subjects and from the military war stuff my next book which is
military war stuff my next book which is
military war stuff my next book which is coming out this year is offbeat Pakistan
these are my personal travels to some of
these are my personal travels to some of the rail offbeat areas in the country
the rail offbeat areas in the country
the rail offbeat areas in the country so in shall I should be out by the end
so in shall I should be out by the end
so in shall I should be out by the end of this year
being a pilot I never got a chance to do
being a pilot I never got a chance to do paragliding I happen to be in Chitra
paragliding I happen to be in Chitra
paragliding I happen to be in Chitra where a taxi driver asked me what was my
where a taxi driver asked me what was my
where a taxi driver asked me what was my profession when I told him of the pilot
profession when I told him of the pilot
profession when I told him of the pilot he said have you done paragliding and I
he said have you done paragliding and I
he said have you done paragliding and I said no so he suggested that we have a
said no so he suggested that we have a
said no so he suggested that we have a paragliding gliding Club in chitral so
paragliding gliding Club in chitral so
paragliding gliding Club in chitral so that’s where I did my paragliding which
that’s where I did my paragliding which
that’s where I did my paragliding which is quite different from aeroplane flying
having been up in the air and on land
having been up in the air and on land and being a good swimmer I done all
and being a good swimmer I done all
and being a good swimmer I done all three but never been underwater so I did
three but never been underwater so I did
three but never been underwater so I did my scuba diving course this is a
my scuba diving course this is a
my scuba diving course this is a certified parts professional association
certified parts professional association
certified parts professional association of drive instructors course that are
of drive instructors course that are
of drive instructors course that are certified for and planned to do my
certified for and planned to do my
certified for and planned to do my advanced scuba diving course which also
advanced scuba diving course which also
advanced scuba diving course which also makes me the oldest scuba diver active
makes me the oldest scuba diver active
makes me the oldest scuba diver active scuba diver of Pakistan
scuba diver of Pakistan
scuba diver of Pakistan [Applause]
here is extreme cycling that I’ve been
here is extreme cycling that I’ve been doing for the last about six years
doing for the last about six years
doing for the last about six years although this picture shows a bit of a
although this picture shows a bit of a
although this picture shows a bit of a picnic and when the ladies here might
picnic and when the ladies here might
picnic and when the ladies here might recognize herself in this picture or
recognize herself in this picture or
recognize herself in this picture or perhaps you can dismiss her now right in
perhaps you can dismiss her now right in
perhaps you can dismiss her now right in the center about four years ago in 2013
the center about four years ago in 2013
the center about four years ago in 2013 me in a friend of mine who’s doing a top
me in a friend of mine who’s doing a top
me in a friend of mine who’s doing a top trade in public administration in USA an
trade in public administration in USA an
trade in public administration in USA an Air Force chap both of us decided that
Air Force chap both of us decided that
Air Force chap both of us decided that every year we will take extreme cycling
every year we will take extreme cycling
every year we will take extreme cycling rights expeditions just the two of us to
rights expeditions just the two of us to
rights expeditions just the two of us to the northern areas of Pakistan and the
the northern areas of Pakistan and the
the northern areas of Pakistan and the first trip was to the northernmost
first trip was to the northernmost
first trip was to the northernmost latitude of Pakistan at 16,000 feet snow
latitude of Pakistan at 16,000 feet snow
latitude of Pakistan at 16,000 feet snow clad without oxygen
clad without oxygen
clad without oxygen we don’t know the way
this involved camping all the way about
this involved camping all the way about nineteen days
you can see the fence here across that
you can see the fence here across that fence is China there’s not funny lob
fence is China there’s not funny lob
fence is China there’s not funny lob pass this is the nozzle most latitude of
pass this is the nozzle most latitude of
pass this is the nozzle most latitude of Pakistan called kill it pass
that’s my friend in myself at the border
that’s my friend in myself at the border post 16,000 feet just about 16,000 feet
there’s no north of Pakistan beyond this
there’s no north of Pakistan beyond this point
this trip was so successful no headache
this trip was so successful no headache no puncture no problem at all we done
no puncture no problem at all we done
no puncture no problem at all we done 500 kilometres with a pack of about 25
500 kilometres with a pack of about 25
500 kilometres with a pack of about 25 kilograms on our cycles a bedroom on
kilograms on our cycles a bedroom on
kilograms on our cycles a bedroom on wheels a kitchen on wheels a pharmacy on
wheels a kitchen on wheels a pharmacy on
wheels a kitchen on wheels a pharmacy on wheels
wheels
wheels a workshop on wheels work perfectly so
a workshop on wheels work perfectly so
a workshop on wheels work perfectly so we’d hurried we’ll do it every year next
we’d hurried we’ll do it every year next
we’d hurried we’ll do it every year next year we decided to go from Skardu to
year we decided to go from Skardu to
year we decided to go from Skardu to believe me sea urchin glacier here we
believe me sea urchin glacier here we
believe me sea urchin glacier here we are on a way to search in glacier
are on a way to search in glacier
are on a way to search in glacier and these three gentlemen two of us
and these three gentlemen two of us
and these three gentlemen two of us wearing military uniforms and army
wearing military uniforms and army
wearing military uniforms and army captain who was there this is a place
captain who was there this is a place
captain who was there this is a place called GRE where unfortunately they were
called GRE where unfortunately they were
called GRE where unfortunately they were our launch one of the most ferocious
our launch one of the most ferocious
our launch one of the most ferocious avalanches 140 soldiers were martyred
avalanches 140 soldiers were martyred
avalanches 140 soldiers were martyred and you can see the path of the Evelyn
and you can see the path of the Evelyn
and you can see the path of the Evelyn just behind us it was a massive one
in 2014 I did a solo trip because my
in 2014 I did a solo trip because my partner could not join me for one of the
partner could not join me for one of the
partner could not join me for one of the other reason so this was from Gilgit to
other reason so this was from Gilgit to
other reason so this was from Gilgit to Chitral one way 500 kilometers
in 2016 we decided to do something
in 2016 we decided to do something different there’s a Facebook post that I
different there’s a Facebook post that I
different there’s a Facebook post that I put up
put up
put up starting from source from job – Gurgaon
starting from source from job – Gurgaon
starting from source from job – Gurgaon – Gary Arkin and Houghton competing
– Gary Arkin and Houghton competing
– Gary Arkin and Houghton competing exactly 1,000 kilometers into China
exactly 1,000 kilometers into China
exactly 1,000 kilometers into China two brave hearts unstoppable my age at
two brave hearts unstoppable my age at
two brave hearts unstoppable my age at that time was 62 in fact both of us were
that time was 62 in fact both of us were
that time was 62 in fact both of us were 62
62
62 20 days of camping in the wild snow
20 days of camping in the wild snow
20 days of camping in the wild snow leopard country snakes scorpions wolves
leopard country snakes scorpions wolves
leopard country snakes scorpions wolves in pathological desert
and we actually made it
and we actually made it this is
this is Musa Dagh one of the tallest
this is Musa Dagh one of the tallest mountains in Shenzhen province
mountains in Shenzhen province
mountains in Shenzhen province on a way this is Taklamakan desert which
on a way this is Taklamakan desert which
on a way this is Taklamakan desert which is ferocious notorious for travelers of
is ferocious notorious for travelers of
is ferocious notorious for travelers of the Middle Ages who actually died of
the Middle Ages who actually died of
the Middle Ages who actually died of heat and thirst we were hit by
heat and thirst we were hit by
heat and thirst we were hit by sandstorms we were hit by a flood we
sandstorms we were hit by a flood we
sandstorms we were hit by a flood we survived that we had a typical Pakistani
survived that we had a typical Pakistani
survived that we had a typical Pakistani style police encounter we survived that
style police encounter we survived that
style police encounter we survived that and eventually and we survived on this
and eventually and we survived on this
and eventually and we survived on this particular day six punctures I don’t
particular day six punctures I don’t
particular day six punctures I don’t know what went wrong for 19 days we had
know what went wrong for 19 days we had
know what went wrong for 19 days we had no puncture and this particular day we
no puncture and this particular day we
no puncture and this particular day we had six in the next day we had four more
had six in the next day we had four more
had six in the next day we had four more and we’re just at our limits but we made
and we’re just at our limits but we made
and we’re just at our limits but we made it to Pathan this is one of the pictures
it to Pathan this is one of the pictures
it to Pathan this is one of the pictures on the way
this is the CPAC route at that time from
this is the CPAC route at that time from China was under construction so this was
China was under construction so this was
China was under construction so this was a really rough ride
a really rough ride
a really rough ride 80 kilometers in gravel and upslope
sampling watermelons films watermelons
sampling watermelons films watermelons of photon and this is something like a
of photon and this is something like a
of photon and this is something like a Pakistani halwa poori there’s a diorama
Pakistani halwa poori there’s a diorama
Pakistani halwa poori there’s a diorama in OMG
and
and for this year we’re planning a 1,200
for this year we’re planning a 1,200
for this year we’re planning a 1,200 kilometers right from gaspin Sea to the
kilometers right from gaspin Sea to the
kilometers right from gaspin Sea to the Black Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to
Black Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to
Black Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to Batumi in Georgia
Batumi in Georgia
Batumi in Georgia my hope we can pull this off ladies and
my hope we can pull this off ladies and
my hope we can pull this off ladies and gentlemen the idea of showing you all of
gentlemen the idea of showing you all of
gentlemen the idea of showing you all of this was bluntly put if I can do it why
this was bluntly put if I can do it why
this was bluntly put if I can do it why can’t you do it all of these things or
can’t you do it all of these things or
can’t you do it all of these things or some of these things they’re all very
some of these things they’re all very
some of these things they’re all very different they’re way off but like I
different they’re way off but like I
different they’re way off but like I said it can be done so that was really
said it can be done so that was really
said it can be done so that was really the message from my side I started from
the message from my side I started from
the message from my side I started from a tri cycle
[Music]
[Music] [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] and
and
and I flew again after 30 years to the f16
I flew again after 30 years to the f16
I flew again after 30 years to the f16 last month so you can sleep tight Buxton
last month so you can sleep tight Buxton
last month so you can sleep tight Buxton Air Force is awake
Air Force is awake
Air Force is awake [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] [Music]
[Music]
[Music] that was last month
that was last month
that was last month and here is GoPro image while flying the
and here is GoPro image while flying the
and here is GoPro image while flying the 16 couple of days back a couple of weeks
16 couple of days back a couple of weeks
16 couple of days back a couple of weeks back actually
back actually
back actually so the first takeaway of this lecture
so the first takeaway of this lecture
so the first takeaway of this lecture that I’d like to share with you is that
that I’d like to share with you is that
that I’d like to share with you is that without the challenge in life you are as
without the challenge in life you are as
without the challenge in life you are as good as a fossil
good as a fossil
good as a fossil so you have nothing to leave behind when
so you have nothing to leave behind when
so you have nothing to leave behind when you’re gone and the second most
you’re gone and the second most
you’re gone and the second most important takeaway is that set yourself
important takeaway is that set yourself
important takeaway is that set yourself impossible goals and make them possible
impossible goals and make them possible
impossible goals and make them possible like we tried and we’ve done it thank
like we tried and we’ve done it thank
like we tried and we’ve done it thank you very much
you very much
you very much [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] [Music]
[Music] ladies and gentlemen assalamualaikum
let me start with a few words about my
let me start with a few words about my career
career
career we were 43 selected out of 5,000
we were 43 selected out of 5,000
we were 43 selected out of 5,000 candidates in 1973 to join the Academy
candidates in 1973 to join the Academy
candidates in 1973 to join the Academy only 29 of us could graduate and become
only 29 of us could graduate and become
only 29 of us could graduate and become pilots from then on it was a survival of
pilots from then on it was a survival of
pilots from then on it was a survival of the fittest in an intensely competitive
the fittest in an intensely competitive
the fittest in an intensely competitive and very very challenging career I was
and very very challenging career I was
and very very challenging career I was lucky
lucky
lucky to be able to fly just about every
to be able to fly just about every
to be able to fly just about every trainer and fighter aircraft of the
trainer and fighter aircraft of the
trainer and fighter aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force as you saw in the
Pakistan Air Force as you saw in the
Pakistan Air Force as you saw in the introductory slides when
the most thrilling career in the world
the most thrilling career in the world is what I thought was over in 2005 after
is what I thought was over in 2005 after
is what I thought was over in 2005 after 33 years of service
33 years of service
33 years of service I decided to press the Control Alt
I decided to press the Control Alt
I decided to press the Control Alt Delete button so that I could reset my
Delete button so that I could reset my
Delete button so that I could reset my life completely
life completely
life completely and the watchword for this were
breaking loose from the rut
breaking loose from the rut and challenging existing norms
and challenging existing norms
and challenging existing norms so this is what I’ll be talking about is
so this is what I’ll be talking about is
so this is what I’ll be talking about is not about what I have achieved rather
not about what I have achieved rather
not about what I have achieved rather my messages what can you achieve if you
my messages what can you achieve if you
my messages what can you achieve if you take any cue from what I’ll be talking
take any cue from what I’ll be talking
take any cue from what I’ll be talking about after retirement I had a number of
about after retirement I had a number of
about after retirement I had a number of options there were hobbies and
options there were hobbies and
options there were hobbies and activities for which I never had the
activities for which I never had the
activities for which I never had the time while I was in the Air Force a very
time while I was in the Air Force a very
time while I was in the Air Force a very busy life but after time and I thought
busy life but after time and I thought
busy life but after time and I thought I’ll attempt all of these hobbies sort
I’ll attempt all of these hobbies sort
I’ll attempt all of these hobbies sort of a multitask and some of these
of a multitask and some of these
of a multitask and some of these involved self tutoring learning new
involved self tutoring learning new
involved self tutoring learning new things that I had never done before
here are some of the options
here are some of the options that I looked at
they are a bit way off some of them
they are a bit way off some of them might seem a bit eccentric
might seem a bit eccentric
might seem a bit eccentric what I decided to do all of them during
what I decided to do all of them during
what I decided to do all of them during my post retirement is about 12 years now
my post retirement is about 12 years now
my post retirement is about 12 years now I shall cover these one by one
I shall cover these one by one
or subject here in cessful genetics
or subject here in cessful genetics about which none of us perhaps would
about which none of us perhaps would
about which none of us perhaps would know much about and I had no clue about
know much about and I had no clue about
know much about and I had no clue about what was this except for the fact that
what was this except for the fact that
what was this except for the fact that this is about finding your roots I
this is about finding your roots I
this is about finding your roots I wanted to know where we came from
wanted to know where we came from
wanted to know where we came from who are we which I’m sure all of you
who are we which I’m sure all of you
who are we which I’m sure all of you must be wanting to know for this i
must be wanting to know for this i
must be wanting to know for this i tooted myself about genetics
tooted myself about genetics
tooted myself about genetics human migration patterns
human migration patterns
human migration patterns I got myself DNA tested found out my
I got myself DNA tested found out my
I got myself DNA tested found out my paternal line and my maternal line it
paternal line and my maternal line it
paternal line and my maternal line it was a surprise for us to discover that
was a surprise for us to discover that
was a surprise for us to discover that my father’s line was from Central Asia
my father’s line was from Central Asia
my father’s line was from Central Asia and her mother’s line was from Anatolia
and her mother’s line was from Anatolia
and her mother’s line was from Anatolia and Caucasus region and then yet another
and Caucasus region and then yet another
and Caucasus region and then yet another comprehensive ethnic origins test which
comprehensive ethnic origins test which
comprehensive ethnic origins test which shows
shows
shows my ethnic Constitution the idea to put
my ethnic Constitution the idea to put
my ethnic Constitution the idea to put this across to you is that for a novice
this across to you is that for a novice
this across to you is that for a novice like me who was into military flying
like me who was into military flying
like me who was into military flying this was a totally new subject but I
this was a totally new subject but I
this was a totally new subject but I thoroughly enjoyed it our family enjoyed
thoroughly enjoyed it our family enjoyed
thoroughly enjoyed it our family enjoyed it our friends enjoyed it I have roped
it our friends enjoyed it I have roped
it our friends enjoyed it I have roped in a number of my friends and we’ve all
in a number of my friends and we’ve all
in a number of my friends and we’ve all been able to derive very useful
been able to derive very useful
been able to derive very useful information about this so that was one
information about this so that was one
information about this so that was one of my first interests
archeology is yet another subject that I
archeology is yet another subject that I was interested in avoiding interest
was interested in avoiding interest
was interested in avoiding interest actually why levels and service are read
actually why levels and service are read
actually why levels and service are read a lot about Indus Valley Civilisation
a lot about Indus Valley Civilisation
a lot about Indus Valley Civilisation and I was lucky enough to go to posny
and I was lucky enough to go to posny
and I was lucky enough to go to posny whereas Gordon used to deploy every year
whereas Gordon used to deploy every year
whereas Gordon used to deploy every year just north of person about 20 kilometers
just north of person about 20 kilometers
just north of person about 20 kilometers none of it as a site called softe whoa
none of it as a site called softe whoa
none of it as a site called softe whoa so after midday when there used to be a
so after midday when there used to be a
so after midday when there used to be a dust storm everyday and we had nothing
dust storm everyday and we had nothing
dust storm everyday and we had nothing to do there was no cable TV there was
to do there was no cable TV there was
to do there was no cable TV there was nothing actually I started looking for
nothing actually I started looking for
nothing actually I started looking for this site this is an unexplored site
this site this is an unexplored site
this site this is an unexplored site discovered but not excavated
this is a picture of that site taken
this is a picture of that site taken from a mirage aircraft and I decided to
from a mirage aircraft and I decided to
from a mirage aircraft and I decided to carry out surface exploration of this
carry out surface exploration of this
carry out surface exploration of this area
area
area because actual degree is not allowed by
because actual degree is not allowed by
because actual degree is not allowed by the Directorate of archaeology I did a
the Directorate of archaeology I did a
the Directorate of archaeology I did a computer-aided reconstruction
computer-aided reconstruction
computer-aided reconstruction econometrics reconstruction of this site
econometrics reconstruction of this site
econometrics reconstruction of this site and this is what the village looked like
and this is what the village looked like
and this is what the village looked like and I’m proud to say that this is being
and I’m proud to say that this is being
and I’m proud to say that this is being used by quite a few scholars its
used by quite a few scholars its
used by quite a few scholars its reconstruction because this site is
reconstruction because this site is
reconstruction because this site is actually very inaccessible in a
actually very inaccessible in a
actually very inaccessible in a difficult area and we have security
difficult area and we have security
difficult area and we have security issues we’re quite a few scientists and
issues we’re quite a few scientists and
issues we’re quite a few scientists and explorers can not visit
explorers can not visit
explorers can not visit during these surveys which was spread
during these surveys which was spread
during these surveys which was spread over almost 20 years and about six or
over almost 20 years and about six or
over almost 20 years and about six or seven visits to this place I was able to
seven visits to this place I was able to
seven visits to this place I was able to discover a jar which is about two and a
discover a jar which is about two and a
discover a jar which is about two and a half feet a storage jar which was
half feet a storage jar which was
half feet a storage jar which was presented to the direct regional
presented to the direct regional
presented to the direct regional archeology mr. Ravi Koval in 1996 and
archeology mr. Ravi Koval in 1996 and
archeology mr. Ravi Koval in 1996 and proud to say that this lies in the
proud to say that this lies in the
proud to say that this lies in the National Museum Karachi
then in 2004 interestingly I found a
then in 2004 interestingly I found a heart shape fragment of a seal this was
heart shape fragment of a seal this was
heart shape fragment of a seal this was a copper shield shown on the right side
a copper shield shown on the right side
a copper shield shown on the right side which interestingly also was in the 14th
which interestingly also was in the 14th
which interestingly also was in the 14th of February which is the Valentine’s Day
of February which is the Valentine’s Day
of February which is the Valentine’s Day in 2004 this was handed over to the
in 2004 this was handed over to the
in 2004 this was handed over to the director of Harappa research project and
director of Harappa research project and
director of Harappa research project and he told me that it actually was a square
he told me that it actually was a square
he told me that it actually was a square seal and this is one of the rarest seals
seal and this is one of the rarest seals
seal and this is one of the rarest seals found in a postal site both in India and
found in a postal site both in India and
found in a postal site both in India and Pakistan this was then sent to the
Pakistan this was then sent to the
Pakistan this was then sent to the University of wisconsin-madison by dr.
University of wisconsin-madison by dr.
University of wisconsin-madison by dr. ken O’Hare
ken O’Hare
ken O’Hare and they determine that this site was
and they determine that this site was
and they determine that this site was about 4000 years old that’s dr. caner
about 4000 years old that’s dr. caner
about 4000 years old that’s dr. caner who speaks actually hoodoo in punjabi as
who speaks actually hoodoo in punjabi as
who speaks actually hoodoo in punjabi as good as any one of us he’s been here in
good as any one of us he’s been here in
good as any one of us he’s been here in Pakistan visiting in Pakistan for last
Pakistan visiting in Pakistan for last
Pakistan visiting in Pakistan for last 30 years he is a sort of a mentor to me
30 years he is a sort of a mentor to me
30 years he is a sort of a mentor to me on Indus Valley subjects
I also had interest in astronomy in
I also had interest in astronomy in space since my childhood but like I said
space since my childhood but like I said
space since my childhood but like I said we never had the time and resources busy
we never had the time and resources busy
we never had the time and resources busy in night flying through the no question
in night flying through the no question
in night flying through the no question of carrying out astronomy at night but
of carrying out astronomy at night but
of carrying out astronomy at night but after retirement I joined astronomy club
after retirement I joined astronomy club
after retirement I joined astronomy club close to my house which is Lahore
close to my house which is Lahore
close to my house which is Lahore astronomy Society 30 of us have very
astronomy Society 30 of us have very
astronomy Society 30 of us have very advanced telescopes
advanced telescopes
advanced telescopes we deliver monthly lectures on difficult
we deliver monthly lectures on difficult
we deliver monthly lectures on difficult subjects on space and I’m one of the
subjects on space and I’m one of the
subjects on space and I’m one of the regular ones over there
regular ones over there
regular ones over there I also setup astronomy club one of the
I also setup astronomy club one of the
I also setup astronomy club one of the most advanced astronomy clubs in
most advanced astronomy clubs in
most advanced astronomy clubs in educational institution my alma mater
educational institution my alma mater
educational institution my alma mater carat College Hassan Abdal
this picture shows a solar telescope II
this picture shows a solar telescope II during daytime W the Sun
this is a unique capture from my
this is a unique capture from my telescope off the planet mercury
telescope off the planet mercury
telescope off the planet mercury transiting the Sun this is once in a
transiting the Sun this is once in a
transiting the Sun this is once in a hundred years or so the next time you
hundred years or so the next time you
hundred years or so the next time you see such a event after a hundred twenty
see such a event after a hundred twenty
see such a event after a hundred twenty years
I’ve been writing for on defense
I’ve been writing for on defense subjects for various international
subjects for various international
subjects for various international magazines and travel logs in Pakistani
magazines and travel logs in Pakistani
magazines and travel logs in Pakistani newspapers so I thought the next step
newspapers so I thought the next step
newspapers so I thought the next step after doing all that for several years
after doing all that for several years
after doing all that for several years was to write a book myself and my first
was to write a book myself and my first
was to write a book myself and my first book great air battles of Pakistan Air
book great air battles of Pakistan Air
book great air battles of Pakistan Air Force was published in 2005 and it is
Force was published in 2005 and it is
Force was published in 2005 and it is still in print after 13 years
three months ago I published my second
three months ago I published my second book
book
book in the ring and on its feet which you
in the ring and on its feet which you
in the ring and on its feet which you see on the right of the first one this
see on the right of the first one this
see on the right of the first one this is about the air war of 1971 and then
is about the air war of 1971 and then
is about the air war of 1971 and then I’ll switch subjects and from the
I’ll switch subjects and from the
I’ll switch subjects and from the military war stuff my next book which is
military war stuff my next book which is
military war stuff my next book which is coming out this year is offbeat Pakistan
these are my personal travels to some of
these are my personal travels to some of the rail offbeat areas in the country
the rail offbeat areas in the country
the rail offbeat areas in the country so in shall I should be out by the end
so in shall I should be out by the end
so in shall I should be out by the end of this year
being a pilot I never got a chance to do
being a pilot I never got a chance to do paragliding I happen to be in Chitra
paragliding I happen to be in Chitra
paragliding I happen to be in Chitra where a taxi driver asked me what was my
where a taxi driver asked me what was my
where a taxi driver asked me what was my profession when I told him of the pilot
profession when I told him of the pilot
profession when I told him of the pilot he said have you done paragliding and I
he said have you done paragliding and I
he said have you done paragliding and I said no so he suggested that we have a
said no so he suggested that we have a
said no so he suggested that we have a paragliding gliding Club in chitral so
paragliding gliding Club in chitral so
paragliding gliding Club in chitral so that’s where I did my paragliding which
that’s where I did my paragliding which
that’s where I did my paragliding which is quite different from aeroplane flying
having been up in the air and on land
having been up in the air and on land and being a good swimmer I done all
and being a good swimmer I done all
and being a good swimmer I done all three but never been underwater so I did
three but never been underwater so I did
three but never been underwater so I did my scuba diving course this is a
my scuba diving course this is a
my scuba diving course this is a certified parts professional association
certified parts professional association
certified parts professional association of drive instructors course that are
of drive instructors course that are
of drive instructors course that are certified for and planned to do my
certified for and planned to do my
certified for and planned to do my advanced scuba diving course which also
advanced scuba diving course which also
advanced scuba diving course which also makes me the oldest scuba diver active
makes me the oldest scuba diver active
makes me the oldest scuba diver active scuba diver of Pakistan
scuba diver of Pakistan
scuba diver of Pakistan [Applause]
here is extreme cycling that I’ve been
here is extreme cycling that I’ve been doing for the last about six years
doing for the last about six years
doing for the last about six years although this picture shows a bit of a
although this picture shows a bit of a
although this picture shows a bit of a picnic and when the ladies here might
picnic and when the ladies here might
picnic and when the ladies here might recognize herself in this picture or
recognize herself in this picture or
recognize herself in this picture or perhaps you can dismiss her now right in
perhaps you can dismiss her now right in
perhaps you can dismiss her now right in the center about four years ago in 2013
the center about four years ago in 2013
the center about four years ago in 2013 me in a friend of mine who’s doing a top
me in a friend of mine who’s doing a top
me in a friend of mine who’s doing a top trade in public administration in USA an
trade in public administration in USA an
trade in public administration in USA an Air Force chap both of us decided that
Air Force chap both of us decided that
Air Force chap both of us decided that every year we will take extreme cycling
every year we will take extreme cycling
every year we will take extreme cycling rights expeditions just the two of us to
rights expeditions just the two of us to
rights expeditions just the two of us to the northern areas of Pakistan and the
the northern areas of Pakistan and the
the northern areas of Pakistan and the first trip was to the northernmost
first trip was to the northernmost
first trip was to the northernmost latitude of Pakistan at 16,000 feet snow
latitude of Pakistan at 16,000 feet snow
latitude of Pakistan at 16,000 feet snow clad without oxygen
clad without oxygen
clad without oxygen we don’t know the way
this involved camping all the way about
this involved camping all the way about nineteen days
you can see the fence here across that
you can see the fence here across that fence is China there’s not funny lob
fence is China there’s not funny lob
fence is China there’s not funny lob pass this is the nozzle most latitude of
pass this is the nozzle most latitude of
pass this is the nozzle most latitude of Pakistan called kill it pass
that’s my friend in myself at the border
that’s my friend in myself at the border post 16,000 feet just about 16,000 feet
there’s no north of Pakistan beyond this
there’s no north of Pakistan beyond this point
this trip was so successful no headache
this trip was so successful no headache no puncture no problem at all we done
no puncture no problem at all we done
no puncture no problem at all we done 500 kilometres with a pack of about 25
500 kilometres with a pack of about 25
500 kilometres with a pack of about 25 kilograms on our cycles a bedroom on
kilograms on our cycles a bedroom on
kilograms on our cycles a bedroom on wheels a kitchen on wheels a pharmacy on
wheels a kitchen on wheels a pharmacy on
wheels a kitchen on wheels a pharmacy on wheels
wheels
wheels a workshop on wheels work perfectly so
a workshop on wheels work perfectly so
a workshop on wheels work perfectly so we’d hurried we’ll do it every year next
we’d hurried we’ll do it every year next
we’d hurried we’ll do it every year next year we decided to go from Skardu to
year we decided to go from Skardu to
year we decided to go from Skardu to believe me sea urchin glacier here we
believe me sea urchin glacier here we
believe me sea urchin glacier here we are on a way to search in glacier
are on a way to search in glacier
are on a way to search in glacier and these three gentlemen two of us
and these three gentlemen two of us
and these three gentlemen two of us wearing military uniforms and army
wearing military uniforms and army
wearing military uniforms and army captain who was there this is a place
captain who was there this is a place
captain who was there this is a place called GRE where unfortunately they were
called GRE where unfortunately they were
called GRE where unfortunately they were our launch one of the most ferocious
our launch one of the most ferocious
our launch one of the most ferocious avalanches 140 soldiers were martyred
avalanches 140 soldiers were martyred
avalanches 140 soldiers were martyred and you can see the path of the Evelyn
and you can see the path of the Evelyn
and you can see the path of the Evelyn just behind us it was a massive one
in 2014 I did a solo trip because my
in 2014 I did a solo trip because my partner could not join me for one of the
partner could not join me for one of the
partner could not join me for one of the other reason so this was from Gilgit to
other reason so this was from Gilgit to
other reason so this was from Gilgit to Chitral one way 500 kilometers
in 2016 we decided to do something
in 2016 we decided to do something different there’s a Facebook post that I
different there’s a Facebook post that I
different there’s a Facebook post that I put up
put up
put up starting from source from job – Gurgaon
starting from source from job – Gurgaon
starting from source from job – Gurgaon – Gary Arkin and Houghton competing
– Gary Arkin and Houghton competing
– Gary Arkin and Houghton competing exactly 1,000 kilometers into China
exactly 1,000 kilometers into China
exactly 1,000 kilometers into China two brave hearts unstoppable my age at
two brave hearts unstoppable my age at
two brave hearts unstoppable my age at that time was 62 in fact both of us were
that time was 62 in fact both of us were
that time was 62 in fact both of us were 62
62
62 20 days of camping in the wild snow
20 days of camping in the wild snow
20 days of camping in the wild snow leopard country snakes scorpions wolves
leopard country snakes scorpions wolves
leopard country snakes scorpions wolves in pathological desert
and we actually made it
and we actually made it this is
this is Musa Dagh one of the tallest
this is Musa Dagh one of the tallest mountains in Shenzhen province
mountains in Shenzhen province
mountains in Shenzhen province on a way this is Taklamakan desert which
on a way this is Taklamakan desert which
on a way this is Taklamakan desert which is ferocious notorious for travelers of
is ferocious notorious for travelers of
is ferocious notorious for travelers of the Middle Ages who actually died of
the Middle Ages who actually died of
the Middle Ages who actually died of heat and thirst we were hit by
heat and thirst we were hit by
heat and thirst we were hit by sandstorms we were hit by a flood we
sandstorms we were hit by a flood we
sandstorms we were hit by a flood we survived that we had a typical Pakistani
survived that we had a typical Pakistani
survived that we had a typical Pakistani style police encounter we survived that
style police encounter we survived that
style police encounter we survived that and eventually and we survived on this
and eventually and we survived on this
and eventually and we survived on this particular day six punctures I don’t
particular day six punctures I don’t
particular day six punctures I don’t know what went wrong for 19 days we had
know what went wrong for 19 days we had
know what went wrong for 19 days we had no puncture and this particular day we
no puncture and this particular day we
no puncture and this particular day we had six in the next day we had four more
had six in the next day we had four more
had six in the next day we had four more and we’re just at our limits but we made
and we’re just at our limits but we made
and we’re just at our limits but we made it to Pathan this is one of the pictures
it to Pathan this is one of the pictures
it to Pathan this is one of the pictures on the way
this is the CPAC route at that time from
this is the CPAC route at that time from China was under construction so this was
China was under construction so this was
China was under construction so this was a really rough ride
a really rough ride
a really rough ride 80 kilometers in gravel and upslope
sampling watermelons films watermelons
sampling watermelons films watermelons of photon and this is something like a
of photon and this is something like a
of photon and this is something like a Pakistani halwa poori there’s a diorama
Pakistani halwa poori there’s a diorama
Pakistani halwa poori there’s a diorama in OMG
and
and for this year we’re planning a 1,200
for this year we’re planning a 1,200
for this year we’re planning a 1,200 kilometers right from gaspin Sea to the
kilometers right from gaspin Sea to the
kilometers right from gaspin Sea to the Black Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to
Black Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to
Black Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to Batumi in Georgia
Batumi in Georgia
Batumi in Georgia my hope we can pull this off ladies and
my hope we can pull this off ladies and
my hope we can pull this off ladies and gentlemen the idea of showing you all of
gentlemen the idea of showing you all of
gentlemen the idea of showing you all of this was bluntly put if I can do it why
this was bluntly put if I can do it why
this was bluntly put if I can do it why can’t you do it all of these things or
can’t you do it all of these things or
can’t you do it all of these things or some of these things they’re all very
some of these things they’re all very
some of these things they’re all very different they’re way off but like I
different they’re way off but like I
different they’re way off but like I said it can be done so that was really
said it can be done so that was really
said it can be done so that was really the message from my side I started from
the message from my side I started from
the message from my side I started from a tri cycle
[Music]
[Music] [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] and
and
and I flew again after 30 years to the f16
I flew again after 30 years to the f16
I flew again after 30 years to the f16 last month so you can sleep tight Buxton
last month so you can sleep tight Buxton
last month so you can sleep tight Buxton Air Force is awake
Air Force is awake
Air Force is awake [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] [Music]
[Music]
[Music] that was last month
that was last month
that was last month and here is GoPro image while flying the
and here is GoPro image while flying the
and here is GoPro image while flying the 16 couple of days back a couple of weeks
16 couple of days back a couple of weeks
16 couple of days back a couple of weeks back actually
back actually
back actually so the first takeaway of this lecture
so the first takeaway of this lecture
so the first takeaway of this lecture that I’d like to share with you is that
that I’d like to share with you is that
that I’d like to share with you is that without the challenge in life you are as
without the challenge in life you are as
without the challenge in life you are as good as a fossil
good as a fossil
good as a fossil so you have nothing to leave behind when
so you have nothing to leave behind when
so you have nothing to leave behind when you’re gone and the second most
you’re gone and the second most
you’re gone and the second most important takeaway is that set yourself
important takeaway is that set yourself
important takeaway is that set yourself impossible goals and make them possible
impossible goals and make them possible
impossible goals and make them possible like we tried and we’ve done it thank
like we tried and we’ve done it thank
like we tried and we’ve done it thank you very much
you very much
you very much [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] [Music]
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