Founding Principal’s Entombment: A notable point of debate arose following the passing of the founding principal, Mr. Hugh Catchpole, on 1 February 1997. In his later years, Mr. Catchpole had expressed a wish to be laid to rest within the premises of Cadet College Hasanabdal. After his demise, opinions within the community diverged: one group opposed the idea of having a grave within an academic institution, while others, including then Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Abbas Khattak and several distinguished Abdalians, supported honouring his request. Ultimately, a quiet corner within the campus was chosen as his final resting place.
Placement of the Shuhada Monument: In 2003, the College decided to construct the “Shuhada Monument” to pay tribute to its alumni who had laid down their lives in the defence of Pakistan. The choice of location sparked differing opinions within the Abdalian community. Some proposed replacing the fountain at N. D. Hassan Square, situated in front of the Academic Block, while others objected. After deliberations, the current location near the main gate was agreed upon as a mutually acceptable site.
Association of Alumni with the 2008 Mumbai Attacks: Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the College received media attention due to the alleged involvement of two alumni from the 21st Entry (1974–1979) — David Headley (Syed Daud Gillani) and Tahawwur Rana. Headley, who had faced personal challenges and disciplinary issues during his time at CCH, left the College after three years to join his mother in the United States. Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian resident and immigration consultant in the USA, was later implicated in assisting his friend, reportedly without full awareness of the consequences. This rare and unfortunate case, while widely publicised, does not reflect the values or reputation of Cadet College Hasanabdal, which continues to uphold its standing as one of Pakistan’s leading educational institutions with a global alumni network.
Transition to Cambridge Curriculum and Fee Structure: In recent years, Cadet College Hasanabdal transitioned to offering an exclusively Cambridge curriculum. While the decision was intended to enhance academic standards and global competitiveness, it generated mixed reactions within the alumni community. The shift coincided with an increase in fees, attributed to the discontinuation of the Government of Punjab’s grant-in-aid, creating financial and operational challenges for the College administration.
Display of Military Equipment: Historically, CCH served as a preparatory institution for students aspiring to join the armed forces. Alumni serving in the military later presented decommissioned equipment for display on campus, symbolising the College’s historic ties to the defence services. In recent years, some have questioned the relevance of maintaining such displays given the College’s present-day civilian academic orientation, while others view them as an important part of its heritage.