There is a long-standing tradition in the military that when any of its men pass away, their graves are laden with flowers brought and sent by officers of all ranks and ages. The tradition was followed at the grave of Gen Rahimuddin Khan, who passed away on August 22 and was laid to rest at the Cavalry Ground graveyard.

Born on July 21, 1926, in Kaimgang (Qaimganj) in Farrukabad district of the United Provinces in British India, Rahimuddin Khan was educated at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia College, founded by his uncle Zakir Husain. His father, Mahmud Husain, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Movement, moved to Pakistan.

Gen Rahimuddin Khan joined the army and was commissioned in the Baluch Regiment on November 25, 1948, a year after the independence. He was from the 3rd Post War Regular Course. From the day he joined service, he exhibited the traits required to not only become a general one day but also step into a political role when it was asked of him. Reportedly, he was injured during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

After his posting at the School of Infantry TAC from 1966 to 1968, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier in 1970. He later became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee in March 1984. Khan refused to continue for a year in service when the extension was offered by Zia. He retired in 1987.

His days as an officer and governor are well-documented. Very few, however, actually knew the man underneath the uniform. Serving the country was important to him. This approach helped him tackle the political issues he faced during his time as the governor of Balochistan and then Sindh.

His days as an officer and governor are well-documented. Very few, however, actually knew the man underneath the uniform. Serving the country was important to him. This approach helped him tackle the political issues he faced during his time as governor of Balochistan and then Sindh.

Known as an upright person and for having a witty, intellectual side, Khan has left behind many memories for his friends and colleagues.

In Armoured Corps, Gen Rahim Ud Din Khan's coursemates included Lt Col Waheed Qadir, Lt Gen Fazale Haq of Guides Cavalry, Razaul Haq of 6th Lancers, Sayeed Ahmed Khan and Brig Arshad Mahmud Javed of Probyn's Horse and 6th Lancers, Lt Col Hamid Mukhtar of 11th Cavalry and Lt Gen Ejaz Azim of Guides Cavalry. For him, his coursemates were like brothers, and their families were his family.

An issue from his days of service that still remains relevant is the Afghan war and the resulting refugee crisis. It was during the ’80s, the time of the Afghan-Soviet war, when Pakistan began to see an influx of cross–border smuggling of weapons and drugs. It was under Khan's watch that preventative measures limited the distribution of illegal items in the rest of the country. Balochistan saw some stability, and development projects picked up during his term.

At 96, the retired officer turned politician had resigned from all work. Gen Rahimuddin Khan is survived by his wife and children. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy within the military that he called his other family.

The writer is an independent media and foreign policy analyst. She tweets @MsAishaK