Firoz Shah - Cadet College Petaro

Cadet College Petaro

Upon his retirement from the Navy, the Board of Governors of Cadet College Petaro chose Shah to relieve Col. J.H.H. Coombes as the Principal of the college on 10 June 1965. He then ruled over Petaro for 7 years until his retirement on 14 March 1972.

Along with his predecessor Col. J.H.H. Coombes, Shah is recognized as a pioneer in the development of Cadet College Petaro and its institutions. During his period the college gained a nationwide reputation and most of its infrastructure was completed. The college also rose up to its heights in academics and nationwide sports achievements.

In terms of infrastructure developments, the Provision of Sui gas to Petaro was a very important event as it made life much easier. Other infrastructure improvements included construction of the boundary wall, main gate, tennis courts, squash courts, expansion of riding club, shooting range, grassy hockey field, extension of dining hall, trees along all roads, orchards, agriculture farm, guest house for visiting parents and VIPs, etc.

With better infrastructure, the number of students increased from 350 to 600 and seventh class was introduced on an experimental basis for Sindhis. Two new houses (Iqbal and Qasim) were built. The Board of Governors permitted introduction of pre-medical classes at the Intermediate level in addition to the pre-engineering section.

Among the greatest achievements was on the sports side. The college won most of its trophies during Shah’s tenure. The "President’s Shield" donated by late President Ayub Khan used to be given to the college winning the ICCST (Inter Cadet Colleges Sports Tournament). Petaro won the shield and the championship for four consecutive years (1968–71), gaining the right to keep the shield permanently.

In terms of career development, the college saw a surge in interest by cadets who wanted to join the armed forces. Selection into Services Academies increased dramatically as a result of special training introduced. A Flying Club was also started with the patronage of PAF who provided a glider and necessary staff.

Shah’s tenure also saw development of Staff and Employees Welfare projects. It led to an increase in staff members, additional House Masters, allowances sanction, courses for higher qualifications in UK, staff club improvements, additional housing, and permission to sons of staff members to join college. Subsidies were given to employee for Sui gas connections, food, transport for colony children attending school in Hyderabad, and a Welfare Fund.

Firoz Shah left Cadet College Petaro while the country was going through a difficult time: Pakistan had just gone through a war with India and was dismembered. With the invasion of East Pakistan by India and the formation of Bangladesh, the country was going through a great shock. A few months later, Shah was forced into retirement from the college on 14 March 1972.

Firoz Shah’s services to the college have been recorded and remembered at every major function held at Cadet College Petaro. Along with Col. J.H.H. Coombes, he is considered to be a legend and a great hero for the sake of education in Pakistan.