The Historical Role and Contributions of Christian Communities in Pakistan

In 1947, a wide range of Christian representatives expressed their support for the in partition of India. Many Christian groups stood together as part of this movement, including the Joint Christian Board and the Punjabi branches of the the All-India Christian Association, All-India Christian League, All India Anglo-India Association, and Catholic Association. Large numbers of Punjabi Christians did not, it seemed, want to form part of a broader Hindu India; but, rather, expressed their affinity and solidarity with the Muslim populations of the area. They were – at least according to their representatives – eager Pakistanis.

This sense of national solidarity was reciprocated by Pakistan’s contemporary leadership. The founding father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, once stated that ‘Pakistan will provide its minorities an ample field for the outlet of their genius and they should come forward and play their role as true citizens in making Pakistan one of the greatest nations…’ Indeed, there are many notable Pakistani Christians who have found an outlet for their genius in the country, and have developed, protected and fought for their nation. 

All of these are, of course, extremely valuable contributions to Pakistani national identity, but one of the most striking, from a nationalist point of view, would be those who fought on behalf of their nation, and who were willing to give up their lives for Pakistan. The National Council for Interfaith Dialogue in Pakistan recently published a report by Emmanuel Zafar, which centered on the historical role Christians played in the defence of the country. He lists the most outstanding individuals who fought in the Pakistan Armed Forces including the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy, describing in particular detail the ‘remarkable’ efforts of Christian pilots in defending the country. Some individuals from this long and distinguished list are mentioned below, all of whom have been awarded the the Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage) in recognition of their services to Pakistan.

Air Vice Marshall Eric Gordon Hall enlisted with the Royal Air Force of the British Army in 1943, but, with the partition of the sub-continent in 1947, opted to side with Pakistan and was posted to the airbase of the PAF in Risalpur to help train troops and develop the Air Force. He was promoted first to the rank of Air Vice Marshall, then Deputy Chief of Air Staff and finally Chief of Staff of the PAF, and commanded a number of PAF bases as well as the PAF Staff College.  He was instrumental in the development of the PAF’s bombing capabilities - showing great initiative, he came up with the idea of modifying existing C-130 transports to carry an unprecedented 20,000 Ibs of bombs. He then volunteered to lead the first bombing mission of these unarmed aircraft over enemy territory. The mission’s success – not one plane was lost - had a great impact on future bombing missions and the future of the PAF in general. 

This stalwart courage and dedication to country were qualities shown by many other Christian servicemen in the PAF. Air Commodore Nazir Latif was an exceptionally talented Air Force pilot who - early in his career, at the age of only 23 - was promoted, and entrusted with the duty of dogfighting against enemy planes, with Pakistan’s new Jet fighters.  He flew on many dangerous missions, including successful attacks deep inside Indian territory, and, as a result of his tremendously brave and dedicated actions, was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat. He went on to command three fighter and bomber wings and two PAF bases, hold the post of Director of Operations and Plans at the PAF Air Headquarters.
 

Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat was a brilliant pilot who won a trophy for best performance in ground-based tactics. He was the epitome of an officer and an exemplar of gentlemanly conduct – he developed a particularly close friendship with King Hussein of Jordan - as well as an inspiring leader, adept at keeping the morale of his troops high in challenging and dangerous situations. His end, however, was highly dramatic and tragic - while returning from a successful mission, he was hit by an enemy missile (having already dodged two attempts to shoot him down) and ejected into the shark-infested Gulf of Kutch, just off the Indian coast. He was officially declared’ missing in action’, and then, finally, ‘presumed dead’.  The strong leadership and immense bravery he displayed while in the PAF led to him being awarded the Sitara-i-Jurat, and then a Bar to the Sitara-i-Jurat, both posthumously.

War Hero – Mr.Cecil Chaudhry

Cecil Chaudhry not only defended Pakistan throughout his military career, but also has been involved in the education of many new generations of Pakistani youth, and was an influential figure in Pakistani national life. During the 1965 and 1971 wars, Chaudhry was a very notable PAF pilot. The loss of his mentor Squadron leader Rafiqui, and friend Yunus - shot down in front of him during a mission in the 1965 war- greatly affected Chaudhry, and saw him fight the reminder of the war with a fierce determination and exceptional dedication. While on a mission in December of 1971, Squadron leader Chaudhry’s aircraft was damaged by enemy fire. He escaped with injuries. Nevertheless he managed to fight on valiantly, and after reaching the Sargodha base safely shot down an enemy aircraft in the exact area where he himself was nearly shot down. He went on to command No. 9 squadron, and the Combat Commander’s School. His contributions to Pakistan did not end there, however; he went on to hold the post of Principle at St. Anthony’s School in Lahore where he ‘continued to turn out scores of motivated young men who are bubbling with zeal and enthusiasm to serve their country with dedication, pride and honour’, until his death in April 2012. Even in death, his name lives on – the Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation continued to carry out interfaith and educational work, and his son – Cecil Chaudhry Jr. – continues to be a well-renowned activist in this field.

Squadron Leader William Desmond Harney started his military career as a Navigator in a Bomber squadron, and, during the 1965 war, voluntarily undertook 14 separate missions despite suffering a hand injury. During these missions, Harney (now Squadron Leader) displayed excellent leadership and a great deal of courage. Zafar writes of Harney “His mission planning and execution ….was so meticulous that despite heavy odds, he always reached his targets and contribute significantly to the accuracy of the attacks.” For his unwavering professionalism and the bravery he displayed, Squadron Leader Harney was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat. He went on to fly many more missions during the 1971 war before retiring in 1974.

For the first half of the century of Independence many Christians held prominent positions in government, the armed services and the civil services. For example, Chief Justice Cornelius served several times as Acting President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan etc. Appointed government’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs. He supervised the country’s elections in 1970 and a whole draft for new constitution in 1971, and, throughout his career, worked carefully to balance the roles of Islamic and secular values in the country’s justice system.

It may be controversial to include so many soldiers in a history of Pakistani Christians – after all, war and Christian doctrine often sit uneasily together, and there are surely a wide range of other people who have contributed to their country in less bloody ways. There have been, of course, but there’s something very distinctive about military service. To fight, kill, and die in the service of a country is, whatever we think about it, a very clear sign of one’s dedication. Pakistanis today should remember the diverse heritage of their country; the way that their parents and grandparents joined forces to build the country; for the Pakistan of today to be strong, just, and equal, they should remember this spirit, and carry forward Ali Jinnah’s notion of a state where minorities are liberated, free to live their lives, and, together, able to build a stronger, better, more peaceful country.

Rehman Anwer