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Javed Hassan

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Javed Hassan

BornJuly 1949 (Aged 75)
Rawalpindi, Punjab, Dominion of Pakistan
Allegiance Pakistan
Service / branch Pakistan Army
Years of service1968–2000
RankLieutenant-General
UnitInfantry
CommandsForce Command Northern Areas (FCNA), X Corps
Battles / wars
Awards HI(M)
SI
Other workChief Adviser, UMT

Lieutenant General Javed Hassan is a retired Pakistani General of the Pakistan Army, known for his significant role in the Kargil War and his contributions to military literature.[1] He served in various key capacities during his military career, which spanned over three decades, and played a pivotal role in shaping strategic military thought in Pakistan.[2]

Early life and Education

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Javed Hassan was born in Rawalpindi in 1949[citation needed]. He graduated from the prestigious Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul and was commissioned into the Pakistan Army.[3] During his career, he attended various advanced military training courses, including at the Command and Staff College in Quetta,[4] and later at foreign institutions specializing in defense and strategic studies. His academic inclination was evident early in his career, leading to his later focus on military writing and strategic analysis.

Military Career

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Hassan held the position of Force Command Northern Areas in the late 1990s, where he was responsible for the oversight and defense of the sensitive northern frontiers, particularly in the Kargil region. It was during this tenure that the Kargil War unfolded.[5][failed verification]

The Kargil Conflict in May–July 1999 was a high-stakes military operation involving Pakistan’s infiltration into Indian-held territory in Jammu and Kashmir. Javed Hassan was one of the central figures in the planning and execution of the operation. He worked closely with General Pervez Musharraf, Lieutenant General Aziz Khan, and Lieutenant General Mahmud Ahmed.[6]

According to multiple accounts, Hassan expressed confidence in the plan’s success despite its ambitious scope. The operation, however, ended in failure, with heavy casualties and international condemnation. Reflecting on the aftermath, Hassan later acknowledged the challenges faced by the military leadership during the conflict.[7]

Literary Contributions

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Hassan is recognized for his scholarly contributions to military literature. He authored "India: A Study in Profile" in 1990, which was a comprehensive analysis of India's geopolitical and strategic landscape. The book, published by the Services Book Club, remains a significant work for military officers and academics in Pakistan.[8]

The book is often referenced in Pakistan’s defense circles for its in-depth study of India's political, military, and economic systems.

Post-Retirement Activities

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Following his retirement, Javed Hassan has been involved in think tanks and academic circles.[9] He has contributed to strategic discussions and has emphasized Pakistan’s relations with countries like Turkey. Notably, he participated in establishing the Pak-Turkey Studies Center, aimed at fostering stronger bilateral ties.[10]

In interviews and public appearances, Hassan has discussed regional geopolitics, counterterrorism, and Pakistan's evolving defense strategies.

Legacy

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Javed Hassan is remembered for his role in one of Pakistan’s most controversial military operations and for his intellectual contributions to military doctrine. While the Kargil Conflict remains a contentious episode in his career, his dedication to service and scholarship has left a lasting impact on the Pakistan Army.

References

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  1. ^ Kiani, Khaleeq (2013-01-28). "Kargil adventure was four-man show: general". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  2. ^ "UMT". www.umt.edu.pk. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  3. ^ Fair, C. Christine (2012). "Increasing Social Conservatism in the Pakistan Army: What the Data Say". Armed Forces & Society. 38 (3): 438–462. doi:10.1177/0095327X11426254. ISSN 0095-327X. JSTOR 48608975.
  4. ^ Fair, C. Christine (2025-02-11). "Is Pakistan's Army as Islamist as We Think?". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  5. ^ "Pakistani Kargil Planners – How could they be so naïve !!!". 2019-07-26. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  6. ^ "The Kargil Clique – Newsweek Pakistan". 2018-10-12. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  7. ^ "How Pakistani Planners Got Kargil Wrong". The Friday Times. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  8. ^ Hassan, Javed (1990). India: A Study in Profile. Services Book Club. ISBN 978-969-8125-02-8.
  9. ^ "National Defense University Presidents". ndu.edu.pk.
  10. ^ UMTOfficial (2018-04-19). Lt Gen (R) Javed Hassan Highlights the Importance of Pak-Turkey Studies Center. Retrieved 2025-01-21 – via YouTube.
  • "Kargil adventure was four-man show: general." Dawn, January 27, 2013. Dawn
  • "Pakistani Kargil Planners – how could they be so naïve?" Indian Defence Review, July 2, 2011. Indian Defence Review
  • Hassan, Javed. India: A Study in Profile. Services Book Club, 1990.