Lieutenant General Chaudhary Sarfraz Ali[6] HI(M) TBt & Bar[a][5] (nwsc, psc, fsc(Sy), (l)qsl) (Urdu: چوہدری سرفراز علی; 1 December 1968 – 1 August 2022) was a Pakistani three-star rank general who was serving as Corps Commander Quetta since December 2020 and Commander of the Azad Kashmir Regiment since December 2021 until his death in a helicopter crash on 1 August 2022.[7][8][9]
Embodying traits of kindness, humility, and open-mindedness, Sarfraz gained recognition amongst the people of Balochistan for his understanding of their issues and dedicated focus on their advancement, including women's education, supporting the youth and fostering skill development. Particularly notable was his initiative to establish two women cadet colleges in Quetta, humbly requesting the local media and authorities not to attribute or mention his involvement in the uplifting of Balochistan.[10]
Early life
editChaudhary Sarfraz Ali was born in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan on 1 December 1968 to Squadron Leader Chaudhary Dewan Ali, who served in the Pakistan Air Force at PAF Base Sargodha and as an instructor at PAF College Sargodha.[11][12] Sarfraz has four siblings, two brothers and two sisters. During the time of his death, it was reported that his mother was alive.[11]
Personal life
editSarfraz married Arifa Sarfraz, the daughter of Major General Muhammad Arshad Chaudhary. They have two sons, Ahmed Ali, Muhammad Ali, and daughter Zainab.[13] At the time of Sarfraz's death, Ahmed Ali, an officer in the Pakistan Army, held the rank of Captain and served as his Aide-de-camp. Though he was initially meant to be onboard, a lack of available seats prevented him from traveling with his father.[11]
Just 10 days before the crash, Sarfraz planned his daughter Zainab's wedding ceremony.[14]
Military career
editAt the age of 20, Sarfraz was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in the 6 Azad Kashmir Regiment after completing the 79th Pakistan Military Academy course in March 1989.[15]
Known for leading from the front, Sarfraz received his first Tamgha-e-Basalat in 2005 and second in 2008 for his gallantry in commanding Pakistani units during Operation Rah-e-Rast and Operation Zarb-e-Azb.[16]
From 2012 to 2014, he commanded the 111th Infantry Brigade. He served as Pakistan's defence attaché to Washington, D.C. from 2014 to 2017.[17] In January 2018, he was appointed as Commandant of Command and Staff College Quetta.[18] On 25 October 2018, he was appointed Director General of Military Intelligence.
He was appointed Commander of the XII Corps in December 2020, where he served until his death in August 2022.[19]
Commander 111th Infantry Brigade
editOn 12 January 2012 when Sarfraz was promoted to Brigadier and appointed as the Commander of the 111th Infantry Brigade, the Pakistani Government, Pakistani media and Indian media speculated that a Coup d'état was about to take place due to Sarfraz's posting at a time when Prime Minister Gillani had accused COAS General Kayani and DG ISI Pasha of violating the constitution by submitting "illegal" replies against Zardari to the Supreme Court on the memogate scandal, which President Zardari sent to the White House begging the American Government to save him from the Pakistan Army.[20] The rumors started by the government and media later turned out to be false as there was no Coup d'état and just a routine change of command.[21]
While commanding the brigade, Sarfraz led the recovery efforts for the Bhoja Air Flight 213 which crashed in Rawalpindi on 20 April 2012.[22]
During the 2014 Azadi March, he led a team of officers to disperse protestors from the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who were demonstrating outside the Pakistan Television Corporation headquarters against Nawaz Sharif and his government.[23]
Defence attaché
editSarfraz served as Pakistan's Defence attaché to Washington from 2014 to 2017.
In July 2016, he was invited to give a speech at the Naval Postgraduate School in California to the students of the schools National Security Affairs, South Asia curriculum. He informed them about the Pakistan Army's campaign against extremism, terrorism, and securing the AFG-PAK border.[24] Sarfraz was also known for being a cook as he would prepare breakfast for fellows/unit officers who arrived from Pakistan and were posted at the embassy.[25]
While serving in this position, he was promoted to Major General on 9 February 2017.[26]
DG ISI and Army Chief prospect
editIn October 2021, Sarfraz was among three generals interviewed by Prime Minister Imran Khan for the post of Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence.[27][28]
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad stated on an interview that Imran Khan wanted to appoint Sarfraz, as COAS after Qamar Javed Bajwa's retirement.[29]
Legacy
editSarfraz avoided publicity and never took credit for the work he did for Balochistan. In addition, he was an avid reader and his colleagues state that he was humble, open-minded, and easily accessible to civilian leaders.[10]
Sarfraz focused on women's education and their skill development. He renovated several schools in the area, notably establishing two women cadet colleges in Quetta, and requested the local authorities and media to not credit or mention him for this work.[10]
He helped notorious Baloch folk singers Akhtar Chanal Zahri and Jangi Khan get free treatment in Combined Military Hospitals, Quetta.[30]
Lt Col Ahmed Nawaz adds that whenever a Pakistani soldiers funeral was brought, Sarfraz would lead the funeral prayer and his eyes would be filled with tears upon kissing the coffin of the soldier.[11][31] His subordinates recall that Sarfraz was very kind towards them, always led from the front, and was known for being tough on soldiers who were slacking in their work.[10]
Helicopter crash
editOn 1 August 2022, Pakistan Army Aviation Corps Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil carrying six officers, including Sarfraz, Director General Pakistan Coast Guards Brigadier (approved Maj Gen) Amjad Hanif, Brigadier Muhammad Khalid, Pilot Major Saeed Ahmed, Co-Pilot Major Muhammad Talha Manan and Naik Mudassir Fayyaz (helicopter crew) went missing during flood relief operations in Balochistan, Pakistan.[32] On 2 August 2022, the wreckage of the helicopter was found with no survivors.[33][8]
Funeral
editTheir Janaza was offered in Quetta garrison on 3 August 2022, with the COAS, CJCSC, and other high ranking army officers and politicians attending. Sarfraz was buried in Shuhada graveyard in Rawalpindi.[34]
Reactions
editDomestic
edit
Pakistan — Chairman PTI, Former Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the families of all the victims on Twitter, stating that he had found Sarfraz to be “a thorough professional and an upright, honest human being.”[35] Khan visited the home of Sarfraz on 6 August 2022 to offer condolences.[36]
- Pakistan — Journalist Arshad Sharif tweeted, “Praying to Allah to protect and save the brave sons of Pakistan 🇵🇰 Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, Mj Gen Amjad, Engr Cmdr Brig Khalid, Maj Saeed (Pilot), Maj Talha (Co-Pilot), Naik Mudassir. Allah let there be a miracle to save them. Ameen.”[37]
- Pakistan — Prime Minister of Pakistan tweeted, "Nation is deeply grieved on the martyrdom of Lt. General Sarfraz Ali & 5 other officers of Pakistan Army. They were doing a sacred duty of providing relief to flood affectees. Will remain eternally indebted to these sons of soil. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families!" He visited the home of Sarfraz to offer condolences on 17 August 2022.[38]
International
edit
United Arab Emirates — On 5 August 2022, a statement released by the United Arab Emirates Army's media wing stated the President of the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed "his deepest condolences of the tragic loss of precious lives due to the crash."[39]
Saudi Arabia — On 6 August 2022, Chairman of the General Staff of Saudi Arabia Fayyadh Al Ruwaili, expressed his "deepest condolences" on a phone call with military leadership.[40]
United States — On 19 August 2022, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan, told reporters that the United States Department of Defense and Department of State expressed their condolences over the losses. He went on to say that Sarfraz was an extremely humane and kind-hearted person who always helped the needy and was also popular in Washington.[41]
Memorials
editOn 3 November 2022, the first Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Junior Tennis Tournament was held in Lahore which was hosted by tournament director Inam-ul-Haq.[42]
On 13 December 2022, the first Lt. General Sarfraz Shaheed Football Tournament was held in Loralai, Balochistan with the aim of the tournament to promote sports culture in the area.[43]
Awards and decorations
edit
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| Hilal-i-Imtiaz
(Military) (Crescent of Excellence) (2020) |
Tamgha-e-Basalat & Bar[a]
(Medal of Valour) (2005 & 2008)[5] | ||
| Tamgha-e-Baqa
1998 |
Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan
2002 |
Tamgha-e-Azm
(Medal of Conviction) (2018) |
10 Years Service Medal |
| 20 Years Service Medal | 30 Years Service Medal | Tamgha-e-Jamhuriat
(Democracy Medal) 1988 |
Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha
(Resolution Day Golden Jubilee Medal) 1990 |
| Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan
(Independence Day Golden Jubilee Medal) 1997 |
Command and Staff College Quetta
Student's Medal |
United Nations
UNMIH Medal (2 Deployments) |
Commendation Medal
(USA) |
Foreign decorations
edit| Foreign Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
 United Nations
|
UNMIH Medal |
|
 USA
|
Commendation Medal |
|
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Meeting with Maj. Gen. Sarfraz Ali, IG FC (South)". 19 May 2020.
- ^ "Diplomatic Book" (PDF). 18 March 2016.
- ^ "Command and Staff College: Commandant Sarfraz Ali". Archived from the original on 7 July 2018.
- ^ "Commander 111 Brigade changed". Geo News. 24 January 2012. Archived from the original on 24 January 2012.
- ^ a b c "No PR-17/2008-ISPR". Inter-Services Public Relations. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ "Diplomatic, Consular & Other Representatives in Canada" (PDF). p. 129. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2023.
- ^ "Corps commander among six military personnel martyred in copter crash". The News International. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Corps Commander General Sarfaraz among six military officers killed as helicopter crashes in Balochistan". 2 August 2022.
- ^ "Army chief appoints Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali as Col Commandant AK Regiment". The Express Tribune. 1 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d "How Gen Sarfaraz touched hearts, impacted Balochistan". The News International. 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Bright memories of General Sarfaraz Ali Shaheed". Daily Parliament Times. 11 August 2022.
- ^ Raja Shaheryar Khan [@_rsk910] (2 August 2022). "I knew Lt Gen Sarfaraz & MG Amjad. Lt Gen Sarfraz's Father Sqn Ldr Dewan Ali, exceptionally dedicated, upright Officer, was our instr at PAF College Sargodha. Gen Sarfraz was a true copy of his father. Few know his daughter got married last week" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 August 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali: a thorough professional with an impeccable personality". Daily Pakistan. 2 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "PHOTOS: Memories of Shaheed Lt General Sarfaraz Ali from his daughter's wedding". showbizpk.com. 6 September 2022.
The wedding ceremony of his daughter was organized 10 days before his shahadat.
- ^ "Corps commander among six military personnel martyred in copter crash". The News International. 3 August 2022.
- ^ "A Leader with a Lasting Legacy: Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Lieutenant". Hilal Magazine. 5 September 2022.
Leading from the front was his instinctive trait evident from the gallantry award Tamgha-i-Basalat (TBt & Bar) bestowed upon him for his daring actions during the war against terrorism in 2005 and 2010.
- ^ "Military operation to continue: defence attaché". Dawn. 6 October 2015.
- ^ "COMMANDANT, COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE OF PAKISTAN PAYS COURTESY CALL ON CDS". Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka). 28 May 2021.
- ^ Siddiqui, Naveed (2 August 2022). "Wreckage of missing Pakistan Army helicopter found, 6 officers, soldiers aboard martyred: ISPR". Dawn.
- ^ "Pakistan's 'memogate' bodes ill for Zardari". 16 December 2011.
The scandal revolves around a memo allegedly sent from Pakistan's political leadership via Mr Haqqani to Adm Mike Mullen seeking US help to tame the Pakistani military.
- ^ "When a Pakistani officer's posting fuelled coup rumour". India Today. 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Pakistan Probes Air Crash, 127 Confirmed Dead". naharnet.com. 21 April 2012.
Brigadier Sarfraz Ali, who is heading recovery efforts.
- ^ "Written by Matiullah Jan in memory of his platoon mate Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali". Pro IQRA. 5 August 2022.
Since 2014, I saw Brigadier Sarfraz with his men at the entrance of PTV clearing out the protesting crowd. If we talked about him with some mutual friends, everyone would have praised his good manners and hard work.
- ^ "Pakistan Official Defines Challenges in Fighting Extremism". 19 July 2016.
Students of NPS' National Security Affairs, South Asia curriculum and others listen to Pakistan Defence and Army Attaché Brig. Chaudhary Sarfraz Ali of the embassy of Pakistan, describe Pakistan Army's campaign against militancy and extremism and its challenges of battling homegrown terrorism as well as securing its porous border with Afghanistan.
- ^ "Written by Matiullah Jan in memory of his platoon mate Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali - Pro IQRA News". proiqra.com. 5 August 2022.
One fellow said that during his deployment as a defense attache in Washington, he would prepare breakfast with his own hands for fellow fellows or unit officers coming from Pakistan.
- ^ "Promotion of 37 brigadiers approved". Dawn. 10 February 2017.
- ^ "Copter with army general on board goes missing". The Express Tribune. 1 August 2022.
General Sarfraz, the commander, southern command, was one of the contenders interviewed by former prime minister Imran Khan for the post of director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in October last year.
- ^ "PM Imran appoints new DG ISI". Dawn. 26 October 2021.
According to experts in defence matters, the procedure for appointment of the ISI director general is neither mentioned in the Constitution nor the Army Act, and all previous appointments were made as per traditions under which the army chief proposes three names to the prime minister who then makes the final decision.
- ^ "Imran did not want to appoint General Faiz Hameed as army chief: Sheikh Rashid". Aaj English TV. 20 October 2022.
- ^ "A Leader with a Lasting Legacy: Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Lieutenant". Hilal Magazine. 5 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023.
Lieutenant General Sarfraz also held the artists of Balochistan in high regards and was always there to support them. For example, he generously helped the ailing legendary folk singer, Akhtar Chanal whereas Jangi Khan was extended free medical treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Quetta.
- ^ "A Leader with a Lasting Legacy: Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Lieutenant". hilal.gov.pk. 5 September 2022.
He would personally lead funeral prayers of the martyrs, presenting them his tears and signaling a solemn oath to carry on their mission.
- ^ "Pakistan Army aviation helicopter goes missing". The News International. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
- ^ "Corps commander among six military personnel martyred in copter crash". The News International. 2 August 2022.
- ^ "COAS attended funeral prayers of helicopter crash martyrs". The Express Tribune. 3 August 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
- ^ Imran Khan [@ImranKhanPTI] (2 August 2022). ""Tragic news about the army aviation helicopter crash & the martyrdom of all six on board. My condolences & prayers to the families of the martyrs. I had the privilege of knowing Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali whom I found to be a thorough professional & an upright, honest human being."" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 August 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Imran condoles with family of Lt Gen Sarfraz". The News International. 6 August 2022.
- ^ Arshad Sharif [@arsched] (1 August 2022). "Praying to Allah to protect and save the brave sons of Pakistan 🇵🇰 Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, Mj Gen Amjad, Engr Cmdr Brig Khalid, Maj Saeed (Pilot), Maj Talha (Co-Pilot), Naik Mudassir. Allah let there be a miracle to save them. Ameen" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 August 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "PM visits Lt General Shaheed Sarfaraz Ali's house to offer condolences". 17 August 2022.
- ^ "UAE president, Saudi top general condole with Pakistan army chief over helicopter crash deaths". arabnews.com.pk. 6 August 2022.
"His Highness (President Al Nahyan) expressed deepest condolences over the tragic loss of precious lives due to the helicopter crash in Lasbela," a statement from the military's media wing said on Friday.
- ^ "UAE president, Saudi top general condole with Pakistan army chief over helicopter crash deaths". arabnews.com.pk. 6 August 2022.
Chief of General Staff KSA expressed deepest condolences over tragic loss of precious lives due to helicopter crash in Lasbela.
- ^ "Pakistan's US mission pays tribute to martyred soldiers". The Express Tribune. 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Salar wins Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Jr Tennis Tournament". nation.com.pk. 3 November 2022.
- ^ "All Balochistan Lt. General Sarfraz Shaheed Football Tournament held in Loralai". Quetta Voice. 13 December 2022.