Meet AJ Singh. New Pakistani Wagah Border Guard

[FunkyGen]

This is the Pakistan i am looking forward too...

 

[Zibago]

Actually, there are plenty of Christians already inside Pakistan's military and other institutions. Some of the prestigious schools and hospitals are actually Christian / Church owned (St. Mary's, St. Peters, UCH, etc). I've been to events there through these organizations a long time ago.

But generally speaking, more minorities should join the armed forced. Its their country. In fact, there should be a quota set by the government to recruit at the least 20-30% of minorities.

30% qouta for 3-5% of our population

The COAS. There is no ranking stop based on religion. I used to have a contact who was a Christian and an ex-Lt. General in the Pak Army. He actually commanded a brigade for years around Himalayas on high peaks against India and had been injured seriously a couple of times. There was the Chief Justice recently, who was a Hindu, just to give you a couple of examples. Military service is based on one's patriotism, religion literally has no place in it, unless the entire society is religion crazy like the fukking Taliban / RSS / BJP, etc.

Pakistan is a very secular country by nature. Its the Taliban mess that had them down in the dirt with those fools and the entire nation looked bad. But that's over so a new image has started to emerge.

That's one of the reason why having a civilian government matters so much, the current government has established Pakistan's image and PR abroad, see their relationships fostering from the US to Russia, India to Sri Lanka and in many other places.

His name was General Noel Israel Khokar

 

[Paksanity]

Out of total 70 Sitara e Jurat won by PAF in 1965 war, 7 were won by Christian officers. Two of most dreaded squadrons were commanded by Christian officers. F-104 equipped 9 Squadron was commanded by Squadron leader Middlecoat. B-57 Squadron that bombed India relentlessly in 65 war was commanded by Wing Commander Nazir Latif who was also hit twice by anti aircraft shells over India but made it back. Daring C-130 missions over Kashmir and unusual bombing runs over Indian artillery positions were also piloted by Christian pilots of PAF. There is a long list and not enough space here.

 

[Maarkhoor]

First Sikh Doctor of Pakistan

We met with one of the brightest examples of religious diversity in Pakistan with perfect harmony. We believe that not only his relevant religious community should be very proud of him but it is our strongest belief that entire Pakistani nation should also be proud of him. He is Dr. Mimpal Singh, who is the first ever Sikh MBBS doctor in the history of Pakistan. Holding the degrees of MBBS, RMP, DCH, MCPS, MD and PGD Nutrication, Dr. Mimpal Singh is working as Consultant Pediatrician; Neonatologist (Child Specialist) and Registrar Peads Medical Ward at Mayo Hospital in Lahore. He is also running his private clinic (Sardar Ji Child Health Clinic) in the vicinity of Shad Bagh, Lahore. Due to shortage of sufficient time, we asked a few questions associated to his personal and professional life.

Question: It has been observed that the general public of Pakistan (the one in majority) has a special kind of comfort level with Sikh community; though, a number of communities associated with different sects and religions are residing in Pakistan but generally, people do not share such comfort level with them. Are you also agreed with the fact that such comfort level helped you establishing yourself and building your career?

Dr. Mimpal Singh: You are quite right. You won’t believe that we (Sikhs) are being loved by the public of Pakistan more than anyone else. When I was in university and was doing MBBS degree, I was the only Sikh student in the class… and even in the university. In majority of Muslim students, I was the one who was most favourite to all teachers and being a prominent and hardworking student, I was selected as a ‘class representative’ (which was certainly an honour for me). When I joined Mayo Hospital in Lahore, I was the only Sikh doctor in entire hospital but still I got so much attention and popularity. And finally, when I started my own clinic, I achieved the trust and confidence of local residents in a very short time. I believe it was the special blessing of almighty Allah, who supported me in every field of life. As far as myself is concerned, I am proud of my nationality. I am a proud Pakistani and I believe that everything I achieved in my life was only because of my beloved Pakistan. Of course, I could never get all those distinctions in case I could be an Indian. I certainly have so many opportunities to work abroad, but it is my love and affection towards my Pakistan that I can never even think about leaving Pakistan only to earn more money. It was only my Pakistan because of which I am standing on such strongest footing today. And let me also share a fact about my family’s understanding towards my profession; they never pray Allah for any kind of increase in my business. They only pray for more Shifa and good health for my patients.

Question: During last few years, we have noticed Sikh youth achieving brilliant milestones. You made history and became the 1st Sikh MBBS doctor of Pakistan. Capt. Harcharan Singh joined Pakistan Army. Gulab Singh became a traffic warden. Maninder Singh became a banker. Many Sikh youngsters are doing MBA degrees and many Sikhs are joining police department. What is your message to the Sikh youth of Pakistan?

Dr. Mimpal Singh: All those trend-setters from Sikh youth are achieving such milestones only because of higher education. If you review your own question, you will surely realize that all those prominent Sikhs got popularity in the sectors of medical science, army, police department and banking only due to good education. Though, Pakistan has a big number of rich and wealthy Sikh families but not even a single Sikh from those families is popular due to his wealth. Education is a real jewel and wealth that can never be stolen. It polishes your skills and develops your character. I therefore convey my message to entire Sikh nation to educate their children. Secondly, I request entire Sikh youth to work more efficiently and gently in order to represent their nation as the best one because Sikhs working in all those sectors (medical, trade, police, army and politics etc.) are actually the ambassadors of their Sikh nation.

Question: What is your message to entire Pakistani nation?

Dr. Mimpal Singh: I have a sincere advice to all Pakistanis, to understand and realize your individual responsibilities. We have an ancient habit to blame our government and our politicians but before blaming anyone else, we should have to realize the fact that what we actually have given to our country. Secondly, I also request all my Pakistani brothers and sisters to educate their children which is really mandatory for complete awareness in our society and I believe that 75% of our problems can be resolved with this single step. Further, I have a request to the millions of Pakistani Muslims to help the poor and needy people through Zakat (which is one of the most prime duties of every Muslim as per the teachings of your religion, Islam). Believe me, by proper payment and distribution of Zakat, the problem of poverty will be vanished within a short span of time and it will certainly decrease many other crimes in our society which are basically produced due to poverty. I am not talking about Khairat, Sadqa or any other modes of charities. I am specifically talking about Zakat only which is mandatory to pay.

Dr. Mimpal Singh also disclosed many facts about his services for social welfare and we really wanted to share all those things right here but upon special request of Dr. Mimpal, we are not adding those details in this short interview because he doesn’t want to disclose all those facts for any kind of publicity or advertising. We believe that it is another aspect of the greatness of his personality that he keeps his name hidden in all those welfare activities. We also observed another beautiful thing while reading the letter heads of Dr. Mimpal Singh… the name of Allah and Howashafi was mentioned on the top of the letter heads. Dr. Mimpal Singh told me that while writing any prescription I just watch the name of Allah and I believe that all the Shifa in the medicines I suggest are then granted by almighty Allah and my patients never submit any complaint.

It was one of the best discussion-sessions arranged by our Pakistan Peacekeeping Mission as there were no unanswered questions, doubts, or confusions. We believe that our society really needs such courteous and kind people. At the end of our meeting, Dr. Mimpal Singh shared the mementos which will certainly remind us our great discussion and the most pleasant visit to ‘Sardar Ji Child Health Clinic’. We thank Dr. Mimpal Singh for his kind hospitality, as well as, for the most friendly and beautiful discussion. Also special thanks to Shazi Ahmed Photography for detailed coverage of entire meeting and discussion session.

This interview was conducted by Farhan Wilayat Butt who is a Senior Relationship Manager at
Bank Alfalah Ltd. in Lahore. He represents the Pakistan Peacekeeping Mission, which has been formed to make peace, unity and brotherhood among all Pakistanis, regardless of any differences of their religions, castes, colours and ethnic origins. No matter what is your regional identity (Punjabi, Saraiki, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Pashtun, Hazara, Baloch etc.)… No matter what are your religious beliefs (whether you are Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Sikh, Hindu etc.); no matter what is your colour/ caste… The main fact behind all those differences is… You are a Proud & Peaceful Pakistani and we all Pakistanis have to get united for a peaceful environment in our Pakistan.

@WAJsal @waz

 

[Dubious]

so...... pakistan has a decent sized hindu, sikh and christain population there. sooner or later they will join the army. it shows that they stand with their country even if its a minority. even in the uk and the usa and all over the world, you will find muslim,hindu sikh etc solider's/engineers. even if the religion is a minority. even israel, they have muslim soliders

true but MANY people were after Pakistan and how it treats its minorities....these images counters off such bad press....showing that not all is black or white as mentioned in media sometimes!

 

[Maarkhoor]

 

[Icarus]

is there any restriction on sikhs and others to get the top job in armed forces like restrictions to become PM or President of the country.
Whats the maximum rank they can reach.

There is absolutely no law barring any member of a minority community from joining the Armed Forces, in fact, the Christian Community has a fine history of raising excellent soldiers. There are hundreds of Christian Officers and Men in Pakistan Army. There are a couple of Hindus in the Medical Corps but Sikh soldiers are a relatively new addition.

 

[Skywalker]

Out of total 70 Sitara e Jurat won by PAF in 1965 war, 7 were won by Christian officers. Two of most dreaded squadrons were commanded by Christian officers. F-104 equipped 9 Squadron was commanded by Squadron leader Middlecoat. B-57 Squadron that bombed India relentlessly in 65 war was commanded by Wing Commander Nazir Latif who was also hit twice by anti aircraft shells over India but made it back. Daring C-130 missions over Kashmir and unusual bombing runs over Indian artillery positions were also piloted by Christian pilots of PAF. There is a long list and not enough space here.

Don't forget Cecil chaudhry.

 

[T-72M1]

isn't being muslim a requirement for joining the Pak rangers ?

 

[Icarus]

isn't being muslim a requirement for joining the Pak rangers ?

No

 

[shah1398]

is there any restriction on sikhs and others to get the top job in armed forces like restrictions to become PM or President of the country.
Whats the maximum rank they can reach.

No restriction at all. I have myself come across Christian Generals in PA. As per constitution there is no bar on their maximum rank.

 

[arbit]

Awww, cup cake, I hurt your little feelings!!!! Now GFY .. I didn't even mention India in my post....

He didn't want to derail the thread, which is otherwise a welcome news. Also you did mention BJP. Anyway.

@Icarus Its interesting to note that in half a million plus army there are sikhs and hindus that can be counted on fingers. I once watched a video posted by a high ranking member wherein the soldiers were shouting slogans in the name of Allah before leaving for a mission (I guess).
How does that affect the non muslim combatants in your army? Do they sit silent? Are they expected to sit silent or can raise religious slogans of their own?
Also your army being islamic in nature, don't the regular soldiers look at kafirs suspiciously, especially hindus? Is this inherent contradiction the reason why there are no hindus in combatant roles in pakistani army?

Too many questions i know, but any clarification will be welcome.

 

[Icarus]

@Icarus Its interesting to note that in half a million plus army there are sikhs and hindus that can be counted on fingers.

That has more to do with the fact that:

1. Hindus and Sikhs represent a very small fraction of the population.
2. Hindus are mostly associated with the medical profession in Pakistan whereas Sikhs usually choose to pursue business.

I once watched a video posted by a high ranking member wherein the soldiers were shouting slogans in the name of Allah before leaving for a mission (I guess).
How does that affect the non muslim combatants in your army? Do they sit silent? Are they expected to sit silent or can raise religious slogans of their own?

"Allahu Akbar" is the standard war cry of the Army but there are a number of other variations. Many Regiments with history have their own Ep Ep, Kai Kai, Haidri, Powindah are just some of the more famous ones. There is no set criteria that soldiers are bound to shout a particular phrase in battle, Shia soldiers prefer to say Ya Ali Madad but I have never seen or heard someone being reprimanded for it. The same extends for non-Muslims as well. Christians usually use the word Allah so Christian soldiers shout Allahu Akbar as well.

Also your army being islamic in nature, don't the regular soldiers look at kafirs suspiciously, especially hindus? Is this inherent contradiction the reason why there are no hindus in combatant roles in pakistani army?

The military serves an Islamic Republic but is an inherently secular institution. There are strict standards of discipline that must be met and no one would dare challenge them, in a regiment the men live, sleep and fight together so it doesn't matter what god they believe in, there are stronger bonds of camaraderie between them.

 

[Viper0011.]

You don't have to add RSS and BJP in to it.. Though RSS is a Hindu organization, it does not go around across the nation, spraying bullets all over the places.. And about BJP, you don't know anything..

I don't know if you read my posts. Just because I wrote a post and obviously, reading your lengthy post above, it tells me you are one of the supporters and it hurts you, doesn't automatically qualify me to be a Pakistani or a Sri Lankan or whatever else you hate.

I always write the truth and my stance is, "Organized Religion" is a destruction to a democratic system designed for all. Organized religion, at some point, becomes too violent and then it starts to kill others. So these fools from the BJP/RSS/Shiv Sena, may not be global yet, but they are spreading terrorism inside India, killing minorities or forcefully changing them. That is "the definition" of terrorism, when any religion's followers force it onto others and turn violent, and in this case, millions have been killed over decades.

BJP and RSS followers don't go into others countries (YET), BUT, they are killing minorities in their OWN country for decades. A recent example, your OWN world famous actros were threaten to NO speak against the religious terrorism and oppression being conducted inside your country. BJP and RSS and Shiv Sena have kiled people for eating BEEF (for God's sake, didn't you find a better reason to kill human beings??). But, while, there is billions of Beef exports through businesses, which the SAME BJP leaders are partners in. SO they'll kill Muslims and Christians because they eat beef inside India, but the same barbaric religious nutt jobs will slaughter millions of cows to send beef to the West to make hundreds of millions of dollars in profits??

I don't want to derail the thread. I wrote this much, just to counter your argument on how "great, minoritiy loving and peaceful" the BJP, RSS and Shiv Sena are. Their hands have bloods of millions of minorities kiled across decades under the name of Hinduism. This is a proven historical fact. Not any made up claim. You can even youtube and google "Hindus killing minorities in India" and see results and numbers for yourself.

Do me a favor, I wrote based on the evidence that I have and I have a right to write whatever I want to, based on evidence. If you have an issue with the truth, let's not derail this thread. Open up a new thread and I'll debate with you there.

@Irfan Baloch @Slav Defence : This is my first message on the topic as a response to the message from our member drunken-monke. Please watch for derailment. The next step (as always) will be name calling, personal insults and all, so that I can respond in kind and the entire India (related to the fractions listed above), can then ask you guys that I "insulted" them. Which isn't the case as I am just writing the truth. So please watch and stop further derailment of this thread.

 

[Blue Marlin]

There is absolutely no law barring any member of a minority community from joining the Armed Forces, in fact, the Christian Community has a fine history of raising excellent soldiers. There are hundreds of Christian Officers and Men in Pakistan Army. There are a couple of Hindus in the Medical Corps but Sikh soldiers are a relatively new addition.

i did not not say the army only allows muslims only, you misinterprated my quote