Education He was born in
Rawalpindi on 2 February 1982. Bilal Zafar got his early education from St. Paul's Cambridge School, Rawalpindi and
Government College University,
Lahore.
Military Background He belonged to a prominent family with a military background. His father, Zafar Tajamul, is a retired captain. His grandfather, Colonel Tajammal Hussain was a commissioned officer in the
British Indian Army. Colonel Hussain also fought in
World War II and remained a
Prisoner of war. Later on, he joined the
Indian National Army and after Independence, he opted for the
Pakistan Army. He volunteered for the war of the independence of Kashmir (
Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948). He raised and commanded the first Bagh Brigade and fought on the Poonch front. For his valour and bravery, he was awarded the medal of
Hilal-e-Kashmir. He was the Defence Secretary of the Azad Kashmir government. Later on, he raised the Civil Defence Department in the Azad Kashmir government. The great-grandfather of Captain Bilal, Subedar Lal Khan, fought in
World War I. He lost his life in action. For his death in combat, he was awarded the
Indian Order of Merit - the second-highest military award. Captain Bilals' brother, Captain Zarrar, is also a commando officer in the Pakistan army and has participated in many operations. ==Military career==