A Christian in the highest ranks of the Pakistani Army

The Christian community is celebrating the “historic” appointment of the soldier as a major general. A festive occasion for a prestigious role that is supported by ecclesiastical figures and Muslim intellectuals. Vicar of Faisalabad: the State “has begun to reward the Christian community for its services to the progress of the country.”

Lahore () – Brigadier Julian Muazzam James has been promoted to major general in a historic appointment, becoming the first Christian officer to reach such a high rank in the 76-year history of the Pakistani Army. The news was greeted with joy and enthusiasm by the Christian community and leaders, and is a significant recognition for a member of a minority that is often the victim of persecution and discrimination in the predominantly Muslim Asian country. This week, 22 senior officers were promoted. In a statement issued by his office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his best wishes for Major General James’ career.

Bishop Azad Marshall, Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lahore and Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, celebrated this important milestone on social media. In his message on X (formerly Twitter) he expressed the joy of the community and stated: “It is a day of immense pride for Pakistani Christians, because we celebrate the promotion of a very valuable person.” He, the note continues, is making history “as the first Christian commanding officer in the 76-year history of the Army, a “milestone that fills us with pride.” “This result – it adds – bears witness to the dedication, hard work and commitment of Major General James in his profession. I wish him the richest blessings.”

Raja Saad, a secular Muslim, writer and activist, comments: “This is excellent news for the growth of the Pakistani community and also for the Christian community” because it represents a “positive change” that has been expected “for 76 years” although it should have been done “a long time ago””. “Our Constitution – he adds – does not allow any Christian, Sikh or Hindu to be Prime Minister or President of the country”. That is why there is now renewed hope that “Major General Julian Muazzam is the first step on a long road in this perspective” and that “the decision will be rightly valued by the international community. I hope that Pakistan – he concludes – will become a progressive country in the future and I wholeheartedly congratulate Major General Julian and the entire Christian community”.

Interviewed by Fr Abid Tanvir, vicar general of the diocese of Faisalabad, says that this is “great news” and a sign that the state “has begun to reward the Christian community for its services to the country’s progress in the fields of education and health.” The senior army officer has become “a role model and a hero for our youth. He has paved the way for young Christians to join the Pakistani army with “better opportunities.” Finally, the priest hopes that the Constitution will be amended “so that candidates from minority communities can hold high-level posts such as governor, prime minister and president.”