Cadet College, Hasan Abdal. (2004-5)

Introduction:
The year 2004 marks the "Golden Jubilee Celebrations" of Cadet College, Hasan Abdal. During the last 50 years, this prestigious Institution has produced excellent sons of the soil to serve the cause of Nation. It has provided the Nation with well-groomed and excellent lot of Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, Armed Officers and Civil Servants.

College Campus:

The college is spread over an area of about 98 acres. The buildings comprise a beautiful double-storeyed Education Block (Ayub Block), College Hall (Known as Naeem Hall, in memory of ex-cadet Capt. naeem Akhtar (Shaheed), six hostels called "Wings", two cadets' messes (known as Khatiani Hall and Hussain Shah Hall in memory respectively of ex-cadet Lt. Ahmed Farooq Khatiani Shaheed) and ex-cadet Lt. Hussain Shah (Shaheed), an Open Air Theatre (known as Abid Majid Theatre in memory of ex-cadet), a swimming pool, a sixteen bed Hospital, the Administrative Block, Library (N.D. Hasan Block), Computer Lab having 35 pentium based workstations operating in the Windows NT environment, a workshop, Cafeteria, Post Office, Intercom Exchange, a Hobbies Block, two beautiful squash courts (donated by Founder Principal Mr. Hugh Catchpole, a number of football, hockey, cricket, basketball grounds and a riding school. The college also has residential accommodation for the teaching and administrative staff.

History:
For almost half a century a name has dominated and harboured a legacy of excellence that goes on. and on. Cadet College, Hasan Abdal is not a mere educational institution; it symbolizes a sanctuary of glorious traditions, which are nurtured by time and maintained by its devoted torchbearers. Being the mother institution of a multitude of great achievers, it remains an ideal abode for those who wish to excel in life. Its excellence lies in its perfectly congenial and conducive environment. It plays a vital role in transforming a raw boy into a well groomed, confident, disciplined and academically sound cadet who can carve his bright future successfully.

Cadet College Hasan Abdal is located about 50 kilometres from lslamabad. It is the first Cadet College in Pakistan. It was established in 1954 by Government of the Punjab at the initiative of the then Commander-in-Chief, General Muhammad Ayub Khan to serve as a feeder institution for the Service academies. Mr. Hugh Catchpole was the founder Principal of the College. Later in 1960 the Government constituted a Board of Governors to exercise administrative control over the College. Now almost three generations of Abdalians have been passed out.

Cadet College, Hasan Abdal is a residential institution. It prepares the boys for the Secondary School & Intermediate Examinations conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi & General Certificate of Education "O Levels" & "A Levels" from Cambridge University, UK.

Life of a Cadet at the College is very hectic. It is closely monitored and administered by the Faculty and the Military Staff. The daily routine has been specifically devised to drive the cadets to their full potential and develop punctuality, self discipline and the qualities of true leadership. All these aspects of training and education from curricular to extra curricular activities, are properly organised and defined in terms of time. The physical training is oriented towards preparing the boys for the armed forces. However they are free to pursue any field of study and take up any career after they leave the College.

The College has set high standards and glorious traditions during the past about years. Cadets excel in each examination of the local Board and have even achieved distinctions in London University examinations. College has now commenced GCE 'A' Level classes w.e.f. August 2001.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

The aim of the College is to produce young men imbued with the ideals of lslarn, sound in body and mind and infused with the spirit of service to the nation. The aim is achieved through a program of all-round development of the student's personality; physically, intellectually and morally. The training is oriented to install self- discipline through elementary military training to serve various spheres of national life.

The total strength of Cadets is about 500. Every year 1 00 candidates including Pakistani candidates from abroad are selected through competitive examination. A badge of 100 students passes out every year. The college has well-qualified and experienced teaching staff.

The Old Abdalians have made their mark in various fields of life, as they are a source of pride for the Cadet College, Hasan Abdal. Ex-Cadet Dr. Abdul Mannan is presently serving in NASA. It is pertinent to mention here that the occupies important position in the top brass of "NASA Space Research Organization" of the United States of America. Many of Old Abdalians have been awarded gallantry medals for showing valor, and courage. As much as 16 Old Abdalians have got Sitara-e-Jurrat for sacrificing their lives for the mother land. Air Marshal (Retd.) Abbas Khattak and Air Marshal (Retd.) Syed Qaiser Hussain are the shining stars of the Cadet College, Hasan Abdal for achieving the highest ranks in the Pakistan Air Force. Date of Issue (April 08, 2004)