Lieutenant Colonel Haroon Islam Shaheed

Lieutenant Colonel Haroon Islam
Lieutenant Colonel Haroon Islam was a colonel in the Pakistan Army's Special Service Group (also known as Black Storks) who embraced Martydom during Operation Silence. He was a commanding officer of the Operation Sun Rise while commanding the Zarrar Anti Terrorist Unit. He was killed in a fierce fighting which took place inside the Red Mosque Complexwhile leading a small force of 150 SSG members. The Special Service Group successfully took over the complex. On March 23, 2008, he was posthumously awarded the second high civilian award, Hilal-e-Shujaat (Crescent of Bravery) by the President of Pakistan.



Haroon was born into a military family. His father himself was a deputy commisioner who had also participated in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. His elder brother is an Assistant Director in the FIA while another brother, Major Ehtisham-ul-Islam, is a retired Army Officer. Haroon Islam possessed many God-gifted qualities; like, he was an extremely witty and lively person with an inspiring and charismatic personality. Any body meeting him once would never forget him ever in his life. He was a thorough professional and knew the art and science of Anti terrorist operations. Apart from professional virtues, he also encompassed the elements of hospitality, generosity and magnanimity in his personality.He joined and gained commission in the 3rd Battalion of the Sindh Regiment of Pakistan Army in 1988. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta in 1993 and joined Pakistan Army's elite special forces branch SSG (Special Service Group) in 1993. He had a successful military career and according to some military sources a soldier of his calibre was bound to be aGeneral. In 1998, his unit was deployed in Kargil, and had participated in Kargil War where he had led successful military operations.

In recognition of his services, he was awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal. During his career with the SSG, he commanded the elite Zarrar Company (The anti-terrorist unit of the SSG).