Athar Abbas
Athar Abbas | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 23, 1955 |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer, diplomat |
| Years active | 1976–2012 |
| Known for | Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Ambassador to Ukraine |
Athar Abbas (born 23 June 1955) is a retired military officer who formerly held the position of Director General at the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He also represented Pakistan as the Ambassador to Ukraine between 2015 and 2018. After completing a distinguished career spanning 35 years, he retired from service in June 2012.
Military career
Abbas was commissioned into the Pakistan Armoured Corps in October 1976 following his graduation from the 54th PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. Throughout his career, he commanded units at various levels including an armoured regiment, brigade, and division. Additionally, he served as a General Staff officer focused on operations across multiple formations. His professional military education includes graduation from both the Command and Staff College, Quetta and the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.
Education
He undertook the Executive Course at the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Hawaii, USA. Abbas also completed the Armed Forces War Course and National Defence Course at Islamabad's National Defence University. His teaching assignments included faculty roles at both the Command and Staff College in Quetta and the National Defence College in Islamabad. He earned master's degrees in War Studies and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Promoted to major general in June 2005, he commanded an armoured division stationed at Kharian until June 2007.
Other office appointments
Prior to his tenure as head of ISPR, General Abbas served as Director General Quartering and Lands within the Quartermaster General's Branch at General Headquarters. Upon his elevation to ISPR leadership, Major General Mohammad Farooq took over his previous responsibilities.
Family
Athar Abbas is married and has three children: one son and two daughters. He has four brothers; among them are three well-known journalists—Azhar Abbas, Mazhar Abbas, and Zaffar Abbas—as well as another brother named Anwer Abbas.