Julian Muazzam James: a Christian at the head of Pakistan's army
The Christian community celebrates the 'historic' appointment of the soldier as a division general. An occasion of celebration for a prestigious role also shared by ecclesiastical personalities 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 (AsiaNews) - In a historic appointment, Brigadier Julian Muazzam James has been promoted to the rank of division general, becoming the first Christian commando officer in the 76 year history of the Pakistani army to reach such a prestigious rank.
This news was greeted with joy and enthusiasm by the Christian community and leaders, and is a significant recognition for a member of a minority not infrequently the victim of persecution and discrimination in the largely Muslim Asian country.
During the week, 22 senior officers received promotion in rank. In a statement issued by his office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his best wishes for the career of Major General James.
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 the X, hex Twitter, he expressed the community's joy, emphasising: 'This is a day of immense pride for Pakistani Christians as we celebrate the promotion of a great personality'.
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 one with pride". "This achievement," it adds, "testifies to Lieutenant General James' dedication, hard work and commitment to his profession. I wish him the richest blessings'.
Raja Saad, a secular Muslim, writer and activist, comments: "This is great news for the growth of the Pakistani community and also for the Christian community" because it brings a "positive change" that has been awaited "for 76 years" even though it should have been done "long ago".
"Our Constitution," he added, "does not allow any Christian, Sikh or Hindu to become prime minister or president of the country. That is why there is now renewed hope that 'Lieutenant General Juliam Muazzam will be the first step on a long road towards this prospect' and that 'the decision will be greatly appreciated by the international community. I wish Pakistan,' he concludes, 'to become a progressive country in the future and I heartily congratulate Major General Julian and the entire Christian community'.
Interviewed by AsiaNews, Fr. Abid Tanvir, vicar general of the diocese of Faisalabad, speaks of "great news" that is a sign of a State that "has begun to reward the Christian community for its services to the progress of the country in the fields of education and health".
The senior army officer has become 'a role model and hero for our Christian youth. He paved the way for young Christians to join the Pakistani army' by granting them 'better opportunities'. Finally, the priest calls for changes to the Constitution 'so that candidates from minority communities can hold high-level positions such as governor, prime minister and president'.
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25/11/2022 11:46
