The one trait besides others that really stood out in that description was Air Commodore Raza’s highest level of integrity and no-nonsense approach in his dealings on top of his sublime professionalism. He was by nature a bit reserved and was held in high esteem by his subordinates, colleagues and superiors. Few commanders have been so blessed.
Late Group Captain G.M Siddiqui (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Our course G5 graduated in 1972 and we visited 102 AED where Abid Raza Sahab was the officer commanding. He was a legend and enjoyed very good reputation. We were very junior then and remember him as an icon in the engineering branch.
An officer and a gentleman. Very professional and highly respected!
Though I had not worked directly under him but had a chance to interact with him during FT-5 induction and assembly in 102 AED.
He was a very professional engineer, tough task master but at the same time very considerate with junior officers.
May Allah Subhan Wattala bless his soul.
RIP Sir!
Air Vice Marshal Iftikhar Gul (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Being a junior officer (Flight Lieutenant), I had minimal interaction with Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib (may Allah bless his soul). Most of the time during his tenure at F6RF, I was away for F6 aircraft overhaul course in China. I vividly recall that the seniors at the factory used to speak highly of him and would tell us that he was professionally very sound, a strict disciplinarian and a capable leader. My own impression from limited experience with Raza sahib is that he was a serious officer and pretty strict in ensuring deliverance of required factory goals & objectives. While at the factory one day, I was informed by my superior that the Managing Director (Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza) requires a good young officer to accompany him for some work with the Director General at Rawalpindi. Now, going to the Director General's office was not a problem, however I was apprehensive of travelling with the Managing Director, because of my impression of Raza sahib being a strict officer. In those days because of road condition, it used to take at least 90 minutes to reach Rawalpindi. So I was staring at quite a lot of time all alone with Raza sahib. After about 10 quiet minutes in the car, Raza sahib told me that because of your credentials we have specially selected you for about three days’ work with the Director General. He added “I am sure you will prove equal to the task and will fully satisfy the Director General”. The rest of the journey was comfortable as he put me at ease by asking questions about my past and experience at the factory. When I came back from Rawalpindi Raza sahib called me in the office and complimented me for a job well done. I hope my small write up will serve the purpose and be beneficial in some way.
Best Regards.
Air Commodore Javed Hussain (R), Pakistan Air Force

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My first posting after getting my commission in the PAF as a Flying Officer, was No. 102 MU PAF Base Drigh Road in 1972 which was being commanded by Raza sahib. I had the honor to serve under his command as Flying Officer when he was OC 102MU. He was a true commander and recognized the free spirit of us as young officers. A very caring person who always had helpful advice for newly graduated Aerospace Engineers. We saw that as the junior most officers in the unit.

We as young officers once found out that a senior officer in 102 MU  has bought all the tinned cheese from the CSD and did not give us an opportunity to buy some for ourselves. He kept in his office. We managed to get hold of it and asked the officers mess to make cheese on toast and we served it to all the unit officers including Raza sahib during tea break. The officer was furious and threatened us with dire consequences. Raza sahib called him and us to his office and told him to have a heart and enjoy the joke and the cheese on toast. Even after 50 years, I still remember this 😊.

While Raza sahib was OC 102 MU (as it was known then), the unit was responsible for the Inspection, Repair as Necessary (IRAN) or overhaul of F-86, T-33, B-57 aircraft, and the missile modification on F-6 aircraft. I worked in Aircraft Flight which was responsible for these activities. The unit was also responsible for subleasing for overhaul of the Orenda engines and J-47 engines (used on F-86E, F aircraft) (on which I worked) when I was moved to the Engine Flight and RD-9B engine (fitted on the F-6). It also disassembled and crated the aircraft and sent to China for overhaul, de-crated and assembled them after their return from overall. It was the backbone of the engineering activities of the PAF.

May Allah bless his soul, Ameen!
Air Commodore Javed Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Amongst the prominent professional engineers in the PAF, the high reputation and respect of Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib kept resonating through out my service. Unfortunately, I have had no chance to serve under him. The only time I met him was in 1993-94 while I was posted as Officer Commanding 102MU/AED, Pakistan Air Force Base Faisal, Drigh Road, Karachi. He had retired from active military service by then and had his residence in DHA, Karachi. I was driving through a street in DHA, and I read his name board on one of the houses. I stopped and rang the bell. He was very happy to receive me. He showed me around the house which was custom made with his spouse and was pleased to share the minor details related to it. We sat and talked about PAF, 102 AED etc. etc. I found him, a very fatherly and passionate person. I left with an ever-lasting impression that he belonged to an educated class which sincerely believed in the dreams of Allama Iqbal, deeply appreciated the efforts of Quaid-e-Azam and thus  migrated to Pakistan for the sake of Pakistan.

May God bless him with all His kindness.

May God bless him with His choicest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus.

Ameen!

Air Commodore M. Aslam Ansari (R), Pakistan Air Force

 

 

I had a long and strong bond with Raza Sahib while we were working to build PAC Kamra. I had the opportunity of working under him at 102MU/AED, Pakistan Air Force Base Faisal, Drigh Road, Karachi, followed by F6 Rebuild Factory (now known as Aircraft Rebuild Factory), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, Pakistan in 70s.
Air Commodore Raza was an honest, dedicated and intelligent officer of PAF. Not only was he my superior, but he was also my friend, neighbor and a colleague that one would want to have.
A true gentleman, may Allah bless his soul.
Late Group Captain Syed Muntazir Mehdi Rizvi (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Late Air Cdre Syed Abid Raza was an excellent commander with a lovable personality. I had the pleasure of working under Raza Sahib’s command in the year 1973-74. I was his Officer in Charge, Supply Support Flight at 102 MU, Faisal Base, Karachi. I joined as Flying Officer and then promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. 
Let me share some fatherly deeds of Raza sahib.  As in-charge of the Supply Support Flight, I was required to visit PIA Cargo, Railway Station, and the Market to collect stores for the Unit. No official transport was provided to me. A number of times OC, then Group Captain Raza tasked me for such tasks. Each time I accomplished the job. One day, OC asked me do you have transport for going out of the Unit? I replied in negative. Then he asked how you go to various places to collect supplies. I use your car, Sir, I answered. Surprised, he said how come the car is always with me. Sir, official car is with you, l take your private Opel car. I answered. Raza Sahib then replied, “OMG, and all these times, I was thinking my Opel Record car is consuming more fuel, and I should get the engine tuning done. And he laughed”. 
Raza Sahib was a very strict disciplinarian but very just and sporting also. Myself and then Flying Officer Irshad (late) very naughty but produced 100% results in our profession. Thus, we enjoyed some liberties. Here is another incident in this regard. In those days (1970s), Army Dairy Farms produced limited amounts of cheese. 102 MU was allocated TWO TINS costing Rs 13 per month. Every time our 2nd in Command used to take it without offering it to any other officer. So, I and Late Irshad planned to pinch it away the next time he buys the cheese without giving a chance to others. So the next month, when we learnt that cheese had been purchased by him, we both secretly sneaked in the office of 2nd in Command, in his absence, and took away the two tins.  When the Officer found out the Tins were missing, after carrying out his own inquiry, called PAF Provost, who after doing the investigation, took the Peon of the office in their custody. When we learnt about this, we both dashed in the office of the Officer Commanding, then Group Captain Raza and told him that the Provost has arrested Peon of the 2nd in Command for the loss of cheese. He replied, “yes I know”. We requested, “Sir call back the Peon, he is a poor man.” OC stared at us and said, “oye tum baaz nahi aytay”. The next day, we served cheese toasts and sandwiches in officers' tea break.
Raza Sahib was an outstanding human being! He is daily in my prayers. May ALMIGHTY ALLAH shower His blessings on the late Air Cdre Syed Abid Raza and place him in Jannah among His most beloved ones. Ameen!
Group Captain M. S. Baig (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Raza sahib was my OC (Officer Commanding) at 102 MU. A very caring person who always had helpful advice for newly graduated Aerospace Engineers. He was the first senior officer under whom I served, and that was the time when a young officer learns from his seniors, and there was plenty of advice and guidance from him. He would also state that one is recognized by his ability to work and perform. I am sharing two photographs of mine. The one in coverall is when I was at 102MU, (and the other was when I retired from PAF). Hence, I would mostly be in coveralls, which would make him smile when he saw me. I was at MU from June 1970 to October 1974. When I was at 102 MU we were engaged in repair and overhaul of aircraft and all related mechanical components. So I worked on F-86 Sabre jets, T-33 jet trainer, B-57 Bombers, and F-6 ( The Chinese MIG 19).

May Allah keep him in the highest dargah of Jannat.

Group Captain Shoib Ahmed (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I carry some great memories of Air Cdre Abid Raza  and I remember him as a very upright officer and a hard task master. He was also a colleague and close friend of my father Group Captain G.M Siddiqui in the Engineering Branch. He and my father were next door neighbors in Badaber, and I was also later posted at MRF Kamra when he was MD F-6 RF in 1979. May Allah bless his soul.

Wing Commander Muhammad Murad (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I was lucky to meet Late Air Commodore Raza sahib when he was in Shaheen Foundation, Pakistan Air Force.
A great personality and a down to earth human being. He belonged to the same province as my maternal ancestry. We did talk about it a little, specially, the local cuisine.
May Allah bless his soul. Elahi Ameen!
Air Marshal Mirza Zafar (R), Pakistan Air Force

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My group of retired PAF officers appreciate late Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib’s big personality. They're all praise for him. Some of them had served under him and cherish old days spent with him. Raza sahib had an illustrious career which was highlighted in my article, "Engineering Mirage from Aligarh“, recently published in a local newspaper, “The Khyber Mail”.
کس مٹی کا کس مٹی سے رشتہ ہے معلوم تو ہو     
کتبوں پر یہ بات بھی لکھ دو لوگ کہاں سے آئے تھے
May he rest in eternal peace!
Air Commodore Adnan Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza was a Nafees (decent) human being, and Head of Blue Flash Mission in Paris, where he hosted us in 1969. I recall his daughter’s unfortunate accidental death and remembered condoling it with Raza sahib and his wife in 70s.
Air Commodore Syed Ghulam Mustafa (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Noted Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib was a great person and did his job exceptionally well for Project Blue Flash I (1966-1970). The very experienced engineer, Wing Commander Syed Abid Raza (who later retired as Air Commodore) was selected for the induction of French weapon system “Mirage-III”, by Air Headquarters and project “Blue Flash” was created under his leadership to be based in Paris, France in 1966, to look after the non-combat and non-operational side, including the training of technicians and engineers. The responsibilities also encompassed the coordinating and planning aspects of this project with other branches of the PAF and French officials (from Avions Marcel Dassault). On the flying side, Wing Commander M. M. Alam (who later retired as Air Commodore), the hero of 1965 Indo-Pak war, was made in-charge of all operational aspects including selection of pilots, and their training in France and Pakistan. The idea was to have the best and most experienced pilots which included Wing Commander M. M. Alam as the Squadron Commander, Squadron Leader Hakimullah as the Flight Commander (later retired as Chief of Air Staff), Squadron Leader Farooq F. Khan (later retired as Chief of Air Staff), myself as Squadron Leader at that time, Flight Lieutenant Arif Manzoor Shaheed (later died in Syria in a flying accident) and Flight Lieutenant Akhtar Rao (later retired as a Wing Commander) as the flying instructors to train all other pilots on return to Pakistan. The ferry of the Mirages was well-arranged by the Head of Project Blue Flash I, Wing Commander Syed Abid Raza, and Wing Commander M. M. Alam. By the grace of God, there was no mishap, and everything went on schedule. The dedicated team ensured the delivery of six mirages to Pakistan, and it was decided that No. 5 Squadron of Pakistan Air Force to receive this new weapon system. It is a fact that the credit for making Project Blue Flash I, as envisioned by Late Air Marshal Nur Khan, goes to Late Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza, Late Air Commodore M. M. Alam, and other team members of Blue Flash Project I from all branches of the PAF.
Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I was one of Project Blue Flash's selected pilots for Mirage III (by Dassault Aviation). I, therefore, had the opportunity to meet Raza Sahib during a one-night stop at the Pakistan Embassy Guest House in Paris, France (1968). Raza Sahib was a thorough gentleman and well-respected by all. The tech training of PAF Engineers took about six months, and then three weeks of conversion ground school training for six selected pilots was at Toulouse, south of France. Raza Sahib arranged the PAF Engineers' training seamlessly. After conversion flight training of six PAF pilots at Dijon Air Force Base, under the command of M. M. Alam Sahib, the PAF Engineers team was flown by PAF C-130 with three refueling stops, namely, Brindisi Airport Italy, Ankara Turkish Air Base, and Tehran Airport. Raza Sahib from the Paris Embassy managed the refueling stops. Six Mirage III formations arrived as scheduled at PAF Base Mauripur (now PAF Base Masroor). This is a tribute to Raza Sahib for successfully managing the induction of Mirage III, Mirage III DP, and Mirage III ER. Mirage III has night interception advanced electronics to launch Matra IR and EM missiles; I served in No. 5 Squadron PAF Base Sargodha for four years and the 1971 War operation. The operational status remained at the highest level. To my knowledge, the airborne technical safety record of Mirage Aircraft remained one hundred percent under the supervision of Raza Sahib’s maintenance policies and monitoring. "The biography of Raza Sahib is well crafted and needs to be preserved for generations to come”.
Squadron Leader (Retd) GD(P) M. Akhtar Rao, Sitara-e-Basalat, Pakistan Air Force

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Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza S.Bt., Pak # 844, retired in 1980. Raza sahib was the first Managing Director of F6 Rebuild Factory (now known as Aircraft Rebuild Factory), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, Pakistan.
He retired as an Air Commodore and was primarily responsible for setting up the F6 Rebuild Factory at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, Pakistan.
May he rest in peace!
Air Vice Marshal Hamid Khawaja (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza was an extremely intelligent and sharp officer of Pakistan Air Force.
He was my course mate and dear friend!
Late Air Commodore Irshad Halim Quddusi (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I knew Air Commodore Abid Raza sahib and he was much senior to me. I feel fortunate and proud to have met him and know him at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, Pakistan. I never worked with him, but I know him to be a great officer, very capable and a thorough professional.
Air Commodore Khatibur Rehman (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Raza Bhai was simply unforgettable. A great man he was. He was a dear friend of mine.  Always smiling. A wonderful personality, a good neighbor and a sincere friend. Unforgettable memories. A sweet and sincere friend ever. Oh, my dear friend Syed Abid Raza, you are missed ever since you left to reside in paradise. May Allah bless him in Paradise!
Wing Commander Wajahatullah Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I knew him (Air Commodore Raza) well. He was a Good Engineering Officer. 

Late Air Marshal Azim Daudpota (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza was not only my course mate but a very good friend of mine.
Late Air Commodore Ashfaq Mian (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I always thought very highly of Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza and was Group Captain / Chief Engineer of F6 Rebuild Factory (now known as Aircraft Rebuild Factory), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, Pakistan, when he was Managing Director F6 Rebuild Factory in 1979-1980.
Late Air Commodore M. A. B. Subhani (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I did have the pleasure of working with Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza in F-6RF in 1980. He was a hard task master and got work done.

Wing Commander Kamran Sikander (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Air Commodore Raza was Project Director P 721 from January 77 to June 79 & Managing Director from June 79 to December 80 when the project was upgraded to F6 Rebuild Factory. The factory was renamed as Aircraft Rebuild Factory (ARF) in 2011. It has been documented in PAF books namely, “The Aviation City,” Pakistan Aeronautical Complex: 1998 – 2012, (by Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan & Air Cdre Qadeer Hashmi, Pakistan Air Force) & “MILESTONES: Pictorial Glimpses of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex: 1973 – 2012” (by Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan & Air Cdre Qadeer Hashmi, Pakistan Air Force)
Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Uncle Raza was a dear friend of my father, Wing Commander Wajahat Lodhi Khan and our neighbor in Badaber! I also remember his daughter Shazi and miss her as she was like my younger sister. She was so popular amongst one and all in Badaber and one of the most adorable kids ever. The news of her sudden passing away cast a pall of gloom on the whole camp for weeks on end. I guess she was just too good for this world, so God called her to a place worthy of her. May she rest in peace forever.

Late Squadron Leader Saadullah Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I pray to Allah to bless Uncle Raza’s soul. Our family have fond memories of him and his family hosting us in Paris for two days in 1969 on our way back to Pakistan by road after my father completed Joint Services Staff College in UK. Through this, I want extend my family’s best wishes to his family.

Squadron Leader Syed Kamal Mustafa (R), Pakistan Air Force

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My late father Group Captain Agha Syed Hassan Raza (from Admin branch, known as A.S.H. Raza) always spoke very highly of Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib. He (Group Captain Agha Syed Hassan Raza) used to narrate stories of Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib that how brilliant  and knowledgeable he was especially when Kamara was being built in 1976/1977. He was interacting with Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib a lot, along with Air Marshal Saeed sahib. May Allah bless their souls in heavens.
From Syed Qaiser Raza, son of Late Group Captain Agha Syed Hassan Raza (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Sharing my feedback on Uncle Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza on behalf of my late father, Group Captain Syed Najmuddin (R), Pakistan Air Force. My late father, Group Captain Syed Najmuddin was very close to Uncle Air Commodore Raza. As a PAF family, we were just like relatives. Uncle Raza was a down to earth person. We never felt and he never made us feel that he was at a higher rank to my father.  When we were in Paris (1967-1969) and Badaber (1970-1972) and even after that till he passed away in 2000; Uncle Raza & Aunty were just like part of the family. We had a great time with them and their two sons. Indeed, Uncle was a very lively person. May Allah bless his soul and grant him Janna. Ameen!.
From Dr. Syed Iftikhar Ahmed son of Late Group Captain Syed Najmuddin (R), Pakistan Air Force

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It’s a very strange and nostalgic feeling to sit and pen down about two very close and dear colleagues/friends like a family – (Late) Air Cdre (Retd.) Syed Abid Raza (Pak # 844) and my father (Late) Group Captain (Retd.) M.S.H. Khan (Pak # 925, Signals Branch). I really don’t know how and when their friendship started. I only remember that as far as my childhood memory works- this I’m talking about early 60’s when my father and Uncle Raza were posted in Air Headquarters in Peshawar. Although Uncle Raza has been posted to different other Air Bases as well, but their relationship continued as best colleagues and friends rather I would say we’ve been like a family who stood by each other in every thick and thin situation.
Today when I recall the memorable days’ I feel very proud of the relationship between the two great Officers who have made great contributions in the building of the Pakistan Air Force and to write these few lines for Uncle Raza (as we’ve always called him!) May Allah grant Blessings to the Souls of two great people.
From Fauzia Saddique, daughter of Late Group Captain M. S. H. Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Through what I gathered from my father reminiscing about our Kamra days, Uncle Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza (MD F6 RF) was held in high esteem by my father.
Uncle Raza had a rare combination of high intelligence and equally high levels of integrity according to him. He was a reserved person by nature. May Uncle Raza and my father rest in eternal peace!
From Mrs. Nudrat Sheikh, daughter of Late Squadron Leader Iqbal (R), Pakistan Air Force & wife of Air Commodore Shakil Sheikh (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I was Adjutant 102 MU PAF Base, Drigh Road (now Faisal) from July 1971 to July 1972 and then got posted to PDC at Faisal. At 102 MU, I worked under (then) Wing Commander Atta Elahi Sheikh, who was later replaced by (then) Group Captain Syed Abid Raza. I did not work with Raza Sahib but being on the same Base knew him fully well. A thorough professional and a fine officer who was respected by everyone.

Wing Commander Altaf Ur Rahman Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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I knew him (Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza) well. He was a good engineering officer. Late Air Marshal Azim Daudpota (R), Pakistan Air Force, Chief of Air Staff of Air Force of Zimbabwe, Former Managing Director and Former Chairman of Pakistan International Airlines & Governor of Sindh, Pakistan

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Uncle Raza was a larger-than-life figure in our home. I became aware of him and Auntie when they lost their daughter in a tragic accident at Drigh Road. I distinctly remember that the entire community was gloomy, and my parents were crying. I also remember my father used to talk a lot about some important and sensitive project being handled by his friend Raza in Paris. Later I realized that it was induction of the Mirage Aircraft. When I grew older and my father became more open with me, he used to advise me to seek Uncle Raza’s guidance in matters of life and profession, if he is not there. I had some challenges as an Air Force Officer therefore Uncle Raza used to advise me on this and thus helped me spend 10 years in PAF peacefully. I met Uncle Raza more frequently when he retired and took important assignments in Shaheen Foundation. My father was Base Commander Faisal at that time. I remember overhearing conversations between these two friends on how to handle the civilian side of life. My mother was also awed by Auntie Raza – always praising her and asking my sister to follow her style in homemaking. Few years back, Ahmer (the author and youngest Raza) re-established contact through social media. He reminds me so much of Uncle Raza due to his dedication, helpfulness, and persistence. His efforts to keep the memories of his father alive are a matter of envy for me. The book, he has compiled is an excellent token of love of a son to his father.
Flight Lieutenant Ahmed Saeed (R), Pakistan Air Force, son of
Late Air Vice Marshal M. Saeed (R), Former Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (M), Pakistan Air Force

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The more we hear, more the respect for Baray Mamu (Air Commodore Raza’s) professional competence. I was attending a squash camp in Peshawar and Baray Mamu was there for a day trip. At lunch, I was with him in the PAF Officers Mess, and then Air Commodore M. M. Alam also entered the mess. Soon I saw them talking as intimate friends, disregarding all other officers present there. It puzzled me a bit as they were from different branches. The article “Lightening Blue Flash in Blue Skies” by Ibn-e-Taha, published in The Khyber Mail, January 15th, 2024, on Induction of Mirage Aircraft, cleared that question of their relationship. My mother was just narrating a few days ago, that Baray Mamu (Abid Raza) had come to Karachi with his college football team in the mid-1940s. Upon his return, he told his mother (my grandmother) that he visited the most beautiful city i.e., Karachi and would plan to settle there. The website is a wonderful work in retaining the legacy of Baray Mamu and it has extensively documented everything for posterity. Many details of his professional accomplishments were not known to me. It's time we record the history of our elders for the following generation. Pakistan Air Force displays strength of its system and is still an elite organization by honoring its heroes and retaining its history unadulterated. Prayers for him and the family!
Major General Syed Shakeel Hussain (R), Pakistan Army, Former Director General ANF & High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, son of late Brigadier Syed Zair Hussain (R), Pakistan Army

 

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Group Captain Abid Raza Sahib, being senior most unit commander as OC 102MU, was also acting base commander of PAF Base Drigh Road (Faisal), Karachi, Pakistan as Air Cdre Rana sahib was mostly busy with an assignment in Peshawar, Pakistan. Abid Raza Sahib was more of a friend rather than a boss. Abid Raza Sahib was a very nice man, when he was OC 102 MU in Drigh Road, and I was medical officer there from 1972-1974. He would always stop his car and give me a lift to the hospital. I also remember his young daughter died in an accident. May they rest in peace!

Flight Lieutenant Dr. Jamil Kayani (R), Pakistan Air Force
 

Uncle Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza was a very good friend of my late father Wing Commander Bilgrami (Pak #788) former Director of Ground Maintenance, Air Headquarters, Peshawar.
Wing Commander Fareed Bilgrami (R), Pakistan Air Force, son of late Wing Commander Syed Furqan Ahmed Bilgrami (R), Pakistan Air Force

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The website & biography book of Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza Sahib already seem to be well-organized. It has been a treat to read about Air Commodore Raza Sahib, Hasan Askari Sahib and Ahmer. I have also gone through the remarks given by other PAF officers about Raza sahib, which are very inspiring. I have also been working as an aviation artist for more than forty years and my paintings have been sponsored by the Pakistan Air Force. I have shared the digital copies of my paintings of the eight aircraft namely, MIRAGE-III, F-6, B-57, F-86, T-33, C-130B, Harvard and Tiger Moth (based on the command & staff assignments and projects of Raza sahib) so these paintings can be added to the website and book of Raza Sahib.

What Ahmer is doing is in appreciation of the man who gave his lifetime to the improvements he brought to his service.
Group Captain Syed Masood Akhtar Hussaini (R), Pakistan Air Force & Official Aviation Artist of Pakistan Air Force  

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I did have the pleasure of working with Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza (Managing Director F-6RF) at F-6 Rebuild Factory, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, in 1980. He was a hard taskmaster and got work done!

Wing Commander Kamran Sikander (R), Pakistan Air Force

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Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza, whom we fondly called Baray Mamu/Mama (he always insisted on this instead of Baray Khalu), is a memory deeply cherished. As far back as I can remember, he and Khala Ammi were integral parts of our lives, providing unwavering support and being our sanctuary. Baray Mamu/Mama showered us with love and treats, always spoiling us with his kindness. He served as an esteemed officer in the Pakistan Air Force, and the image of him in uniform still brings a smile to my face and fills me with pride. He also held a significant place in our family, acting as the chief witness at my nikah. His presence was deeply valued by all of us. His passing was a profound loss, and we mourned him for a long time. His love and memories remain etched in our hearts.

Love you always, Baray Mamu/Mama.

You live on in my memory!

Mrs. Sheeba Fatima Akram,

Daughter of Late Rear Admiral Syed Wasi Haider (R), Pakistan Navy 

 

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Abid Bhai was indeed a very handsome, competent and kind person. In 1975, I came to Karachi from Lahore to go to PAF Base Masroor (which is located in the Mauripur area of Karachi). Abid Bhai was Group Captain & Officer Commanding 102 MU, PAF Base Faisal, Drigh Road, Karachi at that time and took me in his official staff car from his Shahrah-e- Faisal residence to PAF Base Masroor on the first day. He did not have to do it as I would have gone on my own, but he just made first day more comfortable for me.
If I recall correctly, my late father Dr. Syed Zulfiqar Haider did his MBBS from Prince of Wales Medical College, Patna in 1948, the same year when Abid Bhai did his Mechanical Engineering from Aligarh University, though he (DOB 1924), was three years older than Abid Bhai. Subsequently he joined Medical department of East Pakistan Railway like Abid Bhai joined Royal Pakistan Air Force in 1948.
The website is a very detailed biography of Abid Bhai covering his family & professional life in addition to career progression of Abid Bhai. Our best compliments to Air Commodore Adnan for paying tributes to our dear Abid Bhai & remembering him in this way. Late Abid Bhai was a thorough gentleman, had a great presence wherever he was, and of course, his role and responsibilities in building up PAF go a long way. May his soul rest in peace.
ALLAH TAALA unkay darjat buland karay aur unko Jannatul Firdous may jaga dae. Ameen!
Syed Zawar Haider, Former CEO of Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), Karachi, Pakistan

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​I was able to depict the career of late Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza sahib, in the recent painting with respect to his postings, ranks, medals, aircraft related technical assignments & projects, and bases.

This project was unique in the sense that I had never made such a detailed painting showing the key & critical appointments and postings of an engineering officer, covering his entire career in RPAF and PAF. I have made paintings for many PAF squadrons and veteran pilots but painting an aircraft with its engine and panels opened involved a lot of detail and accuracy.

Ahmer Raza bhai has done a great job in covering his father’s career in the form of a website. The website (https://www.aircommodoresyedabidraza.com), dedicated digital album on Facebook and forthcoming biography book of Air Commodore Syed Abid Raza are an excellent tribute.
May Allah bless the soul of Air Commodore Raza sahib and thank you Sir for your service!

Mr. Rehan Siraj, aviation artist and son of Late Chief Warrant Officer Siraj ud din (R), Pakistan Air Force

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My interaction with Mr. Abid Raza was brief and many moons ago.  That sadly limits me from giving a detailed narrative.  Time makes you forget a lot about events.   But what surprises me is that time does not make you forget the emotional content of relationships, however brief.  I recall him as a person who commanded respect for the affection, character, competence and uprightness that he displayed.  I too was a minor beneficiary of this gracious spillover.
Mr. Naeem Sadiq, a retired PAF officer
 

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​Air Commodore Abid Raza was an accomplished officer of the maintenance (now called engineering) branch of the PAF. He joined the PAF in its formative stage and very ably helped in building it up to make itself self-sufficient in the aircraft maintenance programmes. Successful induction of Mirages and later the F6 Rebuild Factory at Kamra are the testimonies to support his achievements in the PAF. It is however unfortunate that being in the GD(P) branch, I never got to work with him or under his command. The little personal exposure I had was when I took over Swe-Pak Pharmaceuticals factory (a business unit of Shaheen Foundation, PAF) from him. His achievements in totally an alien field were indeed praiseworthy. Various steps and procedures he had established in the maintenance of the plant and its subsequent successful operation did not require any other evidence to prove his engineering, and production acumen and indeed his achievements went a long way in helping me to maintain the tempo. 
May Allah (swt) rests his soul in peace. Ameen.

Air Commodore Syed Murtaza Ali Khan (R), Pakistan Air Force

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My recall of Air Commodore Abid Raza.

Here are a few humble lines for an engineering officer of distinguished qualities. I had the good fortune to interact with Abid Raza sahib in 1963 when my No. 19 Squadron, moved to Peshawar. He was Officer Commanding (OC) Maintenance Wing, and we were greatly impressed with his credo and work ethics. He was incredibly devoted to his area of responsibility which reflected in the highest serviceability of aircraft by his team of highly motivated officers n technicians. Though he left the Peshawar base much to our chagrin but the spirit of excellence he had imbued in those he commanded manifested remarkably during 1965 war. We hardly were short of aircraft owing to the work ethics of excellence and incredible dedication he had instilled in his team, Squadron Leader A.G. khan, our engineering officer followed the tradition Air Commodore Abid Raza had left behind as legacy. Air Commodore Abid Raza was extremely gentle, humble, but demonstrated intellectual, moral, and professional qualities belonging to high firmament as he later served at Kamra for establishing F-6 Rebuild Factory. In my opinion, he deserved to have risen to highest cadre in his branch, as men of stern honesty and dedication to responsibility to reach the summit of career.
Air Commodore Sayed Sajad Haider (R), Pakistan Air Force

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