UK Military General Praises Role of Pakistani Soldiers Who Defended Britain

UK – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – A UK military general praises role of Pakistani and Muslim soldiers who fought for Britain in the First and Second World Wars. Major General Karl Harris CBE of the British Army spoke about their service in what was then British India, today’s Pakistan.

He made these remarks on the eve of Armistice Day. The event was the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant with Dr Tariq Sheikh, a British Pakistani businessman. Dr Sheikh is known as the biggest halal meat supplier in the UK and Europe.

The Covenant is the nation’s promise to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. It also covers their families. It says they should face no disadvantage compared with other citizens.

Dr Sheikh signed for his company. General Harris signed for the Ministry of Defence. The deal aims to help soldiers, veterans and their families. It could open new job chances for them. It may also help veterans move into civilian careers. The company will give greater recognition to military service as well.

After the signing, the general spoke to the guests. He said Remembrance and the Armistice anniversary remind us how hard Britain’s freedoms were won. He added that Britain has one Army, and it belongs to its communities as much as to those in uniform.

General Harris spoke about his own family. “We celebrate the history and heritage that we all share, whether that’s the British Army or people from South Asian heritage. My maternal grandfather served in the Indian Army in Burma, and your relatives similarly served in that same theatre of war,” he said. He called his visit a day of connection, community and celebration.

Dr Sheikh also shared his roots. He was born in Gujrat, in the Punjab, in Pakistan. His wife comes from Jhelum, nearby. He said anyone who knows the British Army knows those names. For a hundred years, Jhelum sent its sons into the British Indian Army.

He noted that the Pakistan Army was born from that same Army in 1947. Its regiments, discipline and pride are an inheritance, and it has honoured that inheritance ever since.

Dr Sheikh then spoke to young British Pakistanis. He told them this tradition is theirs. This is their country and their Army. He urged them to serve, join the reserves and send their children to the cadets.

The Covenant will hang in his shops across the country. Beside it will be a message to customers: join the Forces, and support them with pride.