Major General Sanaullah Khan Niazi (Shaheed)

A Soldier’s General

A New Chapter of Bravery

A new chapter of bravery was written in the history of Pakistan Army when Major General Sanaullah Khan Niazi, along with Lieutenant Colonel Tauseef and Lance Naik Irfan Sattar, embraced Shahadat at the Pak-Afghan border in District Upper Dir on 15th September 2013. “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

The history of Pakistan Army is replete with examples of resolute bravery, selfless leadership, and supreme sacrifices. Pakistan Army leaders have always taken pride in leading their troops from the front. This tradition of sacrifice has made the casualty ratio between the leaders and the led one of the highest in the world — a matter of immense pride for the nation.

Early Life and Background

Date of Birth: 10th September 1963
Birthplace: Daudkhel, Mianwali
Family Background: Son of DSP Khalas Khan, a legendary and upright police officer who served most of his career in Quetta.

Like his father, Major General Sanaullah was raised with strong values of honesty, discipline, and service. From an early age, he displayed qualities of leadership and compassion that would later define his military career.

Military Career

Joined Pakistan Army in December 1983.
Commissioned in the prestigious Baloch Regiment.
Known as a true infantryman and loved by his troops, earning the eternal title: “A Soldier’s General.”

Education and Training

Graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta.
Attended Armed Forces War Course at National Defence University (Islamabad and China).

Key Appointments

Brigade Major of Infantry Brigade (twice).
General Staff Officer Grade-2 at Chief of General Staff Secretariat.
Director Military Training (Combat) at Military Training Directorate.
Commanded an Infantry Battalion and an Independent Infantry Brigade Group.
Served as a UN Military Observer in Angola and later commanded a contingent in Sierra Leone.
Faculty member at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), School of Infantry & Tactics, and Command & Staff College Quetta.

Visionary Leadership in Swat

In February 2013, he assumed charge as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Infantry Division deployed in Swat.

Worked tirelessly to restore peace and normalcy.
Promoted tourism, economic revival, and business activity in Malakand.
Strengthened civil-military cooperation and emphasized empowering the civil administration.
His efforts significantly changed both local and international perception of Swat, making it a success story of Pakistan Army.

He was respected in both military and civil circles for his compassion, logic, wisdom, and clarity of vision.

Leading from the Front

General Sanaullah strongly believed in setting a personal example. He frequently visited forward posts despite the risks, spending maximum time with his men. Even in the face of threats, he insisted on meeting his troops in person, inspiring them with his courage and humility.

A week before his Shahadat, when a threat to a forward post was shared with him, he expressed his deep desire to be with his soldiers that very night — a reflection of his bond with his men.

Shahadat

On 14th September 2013, Maj Gen Sanaullah left his headquarters for an operational visit of border posts in Chitral and Upper Dir.

After visiting Arandu Post, he stayed overnight at Malatar Post to boost troop morale.
On the morning of 15th September, while traveling to Battalion Headquarters of 33 Baloch, an IED explosion struck his vehicle.
Maj Gen Sanaullah, Lt Col Tauseef, and Lance Naik Irfan embraced Shahadat.

Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice

Maj Gen Sanaullah’s audacious policies prevented terrorists from regaining ground. His Shahadat was a tragic loss, but his vision and contributions continue to inspire.

He will always be remembered as:

A beacon of hope for Swat.
A soldier’s general, loved by his men.
A leader of loyalty, simplicity, and decisiveness.

The terrorists who carried out the attack only exposed their barbarity and enmity towards Pakistan. Their actions cannot erase the sacrifices made by General Sanaullah and countless other heroes of Pakistan Army.

Personal Life

Married, father of two daughters.
Known for his kind heart and humility.
Loved by his family, colleagues, and troops alike.

Major General Sanaullah Khan Niazi (Shaheed) was more than just a senior officer — he was a true son of Mianwali and Pakistan, a leader who lived and died among his men. His name will forever remain inscribed in the golden pages of Pakistan’s military history as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Ameen.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (COAS ) paid rich tributes to the exemplary courage, total commitment to duty and the demonstration of highest leadership qualities by Major General Sana Ullah Khan. The General Officer has set towering example of leading from the front which is hallmark of leadership in Pakistan Army. Acknowledging the General Officer’s ultimate sacrifice for the motherland the COAS said, we all salute his bravery.His subordinates extol him in these words “He was a kind-hearted genius,” He inspired all his men in the division and kept their morale high .