Daily Times

Sir: This is in reference to the article, “The death of a Pakistani Christian war hero”, written about Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry by Mr Ishtiaq Ahmed (Daily Times, April 22, 2012). Mr Chaudhry was a person endowed with many qualities. He was an excellent human being, an outstanding pilot, and a true patriot. May God bless his soul and may he rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Mr Ahmed has written beautifully about Mr Chaudhry; however, the fact that he was denied promotions or opportunities because he was a Christian is not true. Let me say that he was first a Pakistani and was proud to be one. As a group captain, he was deputed as Air Advisor to the London High Commission. This was a great acknowledgement of his abilities. At that time, Group Captain G K Green, another Christian, was serving on a high post in the Pakistan Embassy in Paris. Other celebrated Christians include Air Vice-Marshal Michel J O’Brien, Air Commodore Eric G Hall SJ, and Wing Commander Middlecoat. The list goes on.

The Christians in the forces were never discriminated against because of their religion in Pakistan. We have served equally well, shoulder to shoulder, with other Muslin Pakistanis. The tone of the article will make things worse for the nation, already in deep water as far as minorities are concerned. Nobody can deny the contribution of the Christian community in educating their children. We are proud of our brothers. We Christians have served at the highest posts. I am proud of the PAF and the way it bids farewell to its heroes.

AIR VICE-MARSHAL (RETD) JAVED H MALIK

Islamabad