**First Sikh officer in Pak army **
Islamabad, April 16
A man hailing from the birth place of Guru Nank yesterday became the first Sikh in Pakistan to be commissioned into the army.
Wearing a blue turban and sporting a traditional beard, Hercharan Singh of Nanakana Sahib, marched to the military tunes at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul and was formally commissioned into the army at a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. “I am proud to be a Pakistani and to join the Pakistani army,” state run APP quoted Harcharan Singh as saying.
Being the eldest son, his mother was initially hesitant to send him for military training. “But now she is proud of me,” he said.
He had earlier joined the National College of Arts, but opted to serve as an officer in the army later. The Pakistani armed forces have some Christian officers but Harcharan Singh is the first Sikh.
Addressing the parade, Mr Aziz said Pakistan was opposed to arms race in the region and was pursuing a national security strategy to secure its national integrity, solidarity and economic sovereignty. Stressing that the Kashmir issue should be resolved, he said, “all of us need to demonstrate courage, flexibility, magnanimity and above all passion for a solution.” **— PTI **
Re: sikhs in pak army !!!!!
Congrats to officer Hercharan Singh. He has made his family and the whole Pakistani nation proud.
Re: sikhs in pak army !!!!!
Instead of rejoicing, I think its a time to seriously introspect for Pakistan. I couldnt believe that this was the first Sikh officer for Pakistan in 60 years. Why the resentment or hesitation for all these years ?
I know that Sikhs are citizens of Pakistan, and that they can also join its army to serve it. Having said that (and I dont mean to start a flame war) but a Sikh joining the Pak army still appears odd in the socio-politico-historic plane (it is similar to a Jew joining the SS).
Re: sikhs in pak army !!!
Mirza Ruswaa pls provide link to this report.
As far as i know this Sikh cadet, who indeed is the first Sikh to be selected into the PMA, is a first termer. The passing out parade held few days ago was of the 112 or 113 LC.
Dawn Photo
KAKUL - April 15, 2006: Cadets participate in a parade at the passing out ceremony of 113 PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy here on Saturday.—APP
Dawn Photo
KAKUL - April 15, 2006: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz shakes hand with under-training cadet Herchran Singh at the 113th passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy here on Saturday.—-Dawn
Re: sikhs in pak army !!!!!
There have been Hindu/Christian officers as well as Other Ranks in the Pakistan Armed forces since the begining.
There was a lot of discussion about why Sikhs stayed away. It's not entirely clear yet whether it was done purposely or if it was a coicidence.
Whatever the case, Harchran Singh is a patriotic Pakistani and has established and initiated Sikh/Minorities' recruitment in the forces, and may God be with him throughout his training and career in service of his nation.
Re: sikhs in pak army !!!!!
It is such a wonder a sikh has joined Pak army because it is so rare. But please don't be so impressed. Indian army has had muslim soldiers for a long time. In fact one of the first Paramveer chakra given in Kargil war by Indian army was to a muslim soldier.
Re: sikhs in pak army !!!!!
cograts to Hercharan Singh. i think changing is coming like flood in president musharif era