UK honours recipients of Victoria Cross

Three men awarded Britain’s highest award

ISLAMABAD: The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Philip Barton CMG OBE, on Monday, unveiled a plaque in honour of three soldiers from modern-day Pakistan who were awarded Victoria Cross during the First World War.

The ceremony formed part of the UK government’s programme of events to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, during which 175 men from 11 countries were awarded the Victoria Cross.



Following the unveiling of the plaque, the High Commissioner and his chief guest, Pakistan’s Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Alam Khattak, laid a wreath in remembrance of all those who had lost their lives in the First World War and those who have fallen in conflicts since.

The plaque honours the bravery of Sepoy Khudadad Khan - the first South Asian and Muslim recipient of the Victoria Cross - Jemadar Mir Dast and Naik Shahamad Khan, who were all awarded Britain’s highest award for gallantry during the First World War.

A descendant of Khudadad Khan was among those present at the ceremony. Other guests included serving and former members of armed forces from across the Commonwealth and other countries as well as representatives from the international community.

Community members from Dulmial Village, Punjab, also attended the event. Over 450 soldiers from this village fought in the First World War, the largest number from any village in South Asia.

Speaking at the ceremony, the British High Commissioner said that he was proud to host this event in remembrance of those who fought so bravely during the First World War.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2014.