Lt-Gen and Begum Safdar
Hussain must have prayed a lot for the rains to stop on
the occasion of the wedding ceremony of their son, Captain
Dr Jalal Safdar. Though the sky was cloudy, their prayers
were answered as there was no rain during the Valima reception.
In fact, it started drizzling as guests finished eating
the sumptuous food and took leave from the hosts.
The ceremony started and ended with military perfection.
There were no delays and alternate arrangements had been
made in case of inclement weather. With rains lashing
Peshawar for the past three days, the bridegroom’s
parents had also booked the Peshawar Garrison Services
Club for the Valima and forewarned guests of a change
in venue if the downpour didn’t allow the ceremony
to take place out in the open in their Flag Staff House
residence on Khyber Road.
The doctor-couple seated on the bridal platform was the
cynosure of all eyes. It was a perfect match between two
young doctors, Captain Dr Jalal Safdar and Dr Linah Shahid.
They were equal in terms of their educational qualification,
and so were their respective fathers with regard to their
military rank. Both are Lt-Generals and at the same time
Corps Commanders, with Dr Linah Shahid’s father
Lt-Gen Shahid Aziz holding office of Corps Commander Lahore.
One cannot think of a relationship that is on a more equal
footing than this one.
It would be needless to mention as to who attended the
Valima. Rather it would be easier to tell as to who didn’t
come. Almost every guest made it a point to attend the
ceremony. They came from all over the country and among
them were people from every walk of life. Obviously, military
officers outnumbered the rest. Serving as well as retired
soldiers, all looking good in their smart Western suites.
For once there were no military uniforms, for this was
a social event on a Sunday afternoon. Whatever their deeds
or misdeeds, one must admit that the military men are
a disciplined lot, both in terms of their dress and demeanour.
As expected, security was tight. The Khyber Road, one
of the busiest roads in the city, was closed to traffic.
