As a young officer, attended professional courses at Pakistan Army’s School of Armour, Infantry School and Command & Staff College, Quetta. In 1989-90, attended the Armed Forces War Course at Nation Defense College (later designated as National Defense University) and
qualified for the award of MSc degree in strategic studies from the Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

Served for 41 years in Pakistan Army on various instructional, operational staff and command assignments. Rose to the rank of a four star general officer when appointed as the Vice Chief of Army Staff in October 2004. Retired from service October 2007.