Gen Nigar becomes first-ever female Col Commandant of Medical Corps

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in break with precedent has installed Lt General Nigar Johar “as first-ever female general to be appointed as Colonel Commandant of Army Medical Corps (AMC)”, military said.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement issued on Friday said that the army chief visited AMC Centre in Abbottabad and laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha on arrival.

“[The] COAS pinned the badges of rank to formally install Lieutenant General Nigar Johar as first-ever female general to be appointed as Colonel Commandant of AMC,” it added.

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Speaking at the occasion, Gen Qamar lauded the contributions of AMC in ensuring high standards of healthcare during peace and war.

“AMC has always answered the call of duty during natural calamities, both inland and abroad. Our doctors and paramedic staff have been frontline warriors against Covid-19 and displaying exemplary commitment and resolve for safety and well-being of the people of Pakistan,” the COAS was quoted as saying.

Installation of the first-ever three-star female general officer of Pakistan Army as Colonel Commandant of AMC is indeed a matter of immense pride for Pakistan Army and the country, he added.

Gen Qamar, as per the military’s media wing, said, “Keeping pace with rapid advancements in medical science is imperative for the doctors and paramedics to keep themselves at par with modern militaries and best global practices in healthcare.”

Who's Gen Nigar

Before becoming the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general owing to her spectacular performance in different leadership and administrative roles last year, Gen Nigar served as commandant Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi.

She has an illustrious career in the Army Medical Corps spanning almost three decades with a rich and diverse experience in management and leadership appointments in the armed forces. She holds Membership of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (MCPS) degree in family medicine, MSc in Advance Administration and a Masters’ Degree in Public Health in addition to multiple courses. She is also the national instructor of Hospital Preparedness for emergencies.

Gen Nigar is also a recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal for her meritorious services in Army Medical Corps from the prime minister.

Born in Panjpir village in Swabi district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to a Pashtun family, Nigar received her early education from the Presentation Convent Girls High School, Rawalpindi in 1978 and graduated from the Army Medical College in 1985.

She is from the 5th MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) course of the Army Medical College and has served as female Company Commander at the same college.

In 2017, she also became the third female officer in the history of Pakistan to reach the rank of major general. She also served as vice principal of the Army Medical College.

She served as the first-ever female deputy commandant of the Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi in 2015.

In 2010, she completed the examination for membership of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.