Nur Khan

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

K. M. Azhar
Succeeded byLt. Gen. Safdar Butt
Personal details
Born
Malik Nur Khan

(1923-02-02)2 February 1923
No.1 Tactical Operations Group
Battles/wars
  • Second World War
    • Burma Campaign
  • Indo-Pakistani War of 1947
  • Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
    • 1965 Air War

Six-Day War

Military awards
Sitara-e-Pakistan
Order of Independence
Order of Orange-Nassau
Order of the Cedar

Malik Nur Khan Awan

commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Air Force from 1965 to 1969. He later served as the sixth governor of West Pakistan
from 1969 to 1970.

Born into Punjabi

second war with India in 1965 as well as noted for his aerial skills when he participated on Six-Day War on behalf of Arab countries fighting against Israel. After retiring in 1969, he started his career in national politics and served as Governor of West Pakistan under President Yahya Khan as well as serving cabinet minister in Yahya administration from 1969 till 1970 when resigning over mutual disagreements.[2][5]

During his career in the Air Force and the politics, he took charge of country's sportsmanship when he served as president/chairman of cricket, hockey, and squash where he introduced sport tactics and ideas that helped sporting performances and gained attention at the international venues.[1][6] In addition, he also lobbied and pushed for the establishment of the Asian Cricket Council.[7] Nur Khan, however, is regarded for his sharp intelligence and outstanding management skills that largely benefited the Pakistan's military and the organizations that he presided over.[2]

Biography

Background, early life and World War II

Malik Nur Khan was born in the Tamman town located in the vicinity of Talagang Tehsil, Chakwal District in Punjab Province, British India on 22 February 1923.[2][8] He belonged to an Awan family which had a notable military tradition. The family carried the title of "Malik" (lit. Ruler), a title which is mostly used by Awan families.[8]

His father, Subedar-Major and honorary army captain Malik Mihr Khan,

Persia on the East Persia Cordon, where he was promoted Ressidar and awarded the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. He was promoted Risaldar 3 September 1918 and remained in the army when on the 21 September 1920 the 14th Murray's Jat Lancers and the 15th Lancers amalgamated to form the 20th Lancers.[10] He was promoted Risaldar-Major of the 20th Lancers on 27 May 1927, an appointment he was to hold until 1 May 1928 when he was appointed ADC to the General Officer Commanding, Eastern Command in India.[11] He held this appointment until he retired on the 28 January 1936. He was admitted to the Order of British India 4 June 1935.[12] He had been appointed Honorary Lieutenant 1 August 1931 and the Honorary Captain 1 August 1935.[13]

His family roots traces back to the family of

Nawab of Kalabagh Amir Mohammad Khan.[8]

Completing his education from the famed Aitchison College, he was accepted to join the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) at Dehra Dun where he secured his graduation. He perform exceptionally well in RIMC where his British principal once noted as:

An excellent military family from a very military center. The boy has been well educated and is more advanced than many Awans of his age. He is physically fit and should make an officer anyhow, he is the right type.[8]

Upon graduation, the family paid for his flying lesson to learn to fly the

Imperial Japan in 1945.[8]

In 1946, Nur Khan was made commanding officer of the

opted for Pakistan and joined the newly formed Pakistan Air Force (PAF) where he was the base commander of the PAF Base Lahore.[2]

Commander-in-Chief and between wars

In 1948, he was elevated as base commander of the

PAF Base Chaklala but later posted as air attaché at the High Commission of Pakistan in the United Kingdom.[2] However, this position was short-lived when he was asked to return to Pakistan to be posted as commandant of Pakistan Air Force Academy
(then PAF college) in Risalpur, Punjab, also the same year.[8]

His career in the Air Force progressed well as he was posted at the

No. 1 Group stationed in PAF Base Peshawar as an Air Commodore.[8]

From 1958 to 1965, he served on the deputation as chairman of civilian organizations and his appointment to three-star appointment was approved by President Ayub Khan in 1965.

Air Marshal.[8]

During 1964–65, the

Navy Commander in Chief Vice Admiral Afzal Rahman Khan and briefly wrote: "Rumours about an impending operation were rife but the army had not shared the plans with other forces."[16]
During the
C-130 Hercules for that purpose in support to the army advances.[18] His actions of valor and efforts won him the praise in all over the country after the war; he was credited with turning the tide of the war in his country's favor that gained air superiority in the first 24 hours.[3][19]

After the war, he was publicly honored and was famed figure in the country. In 1967, Nur Khan volunteered to serve in the allegiance of Arab countries' Air Forces against Israel during the Six-Day War.[20] He served in many aerial missions and witnessed the dogfight with Israeli IAF whose pilots noted his aerial skills during the conflict.[20] In fact, the Israeli IAF's fighter pilot, Major-General Ezer Weizman, the former Israeli President (1993–2000) and Defence Minister (1977–80), wrote in his autobiography that: "He was a formidable fellow and I was glad that he was Pakistani and not an Egyptian".[20][21]

After the Six-Day conflict, Nur Khan returned to Pakistan to complete his tenure as Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Air Force under President Ayub Khan and retired in 1969.[2][21]

Civilian and sports management

Nur Khan was gifted with administration skills. After the halcyon days of management at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), he made a show of his talents in sports administration. Nur Khan, who at one time headed national sports bodies of hockey, cricket, and squash, enabled Pakistan to reach the top in all these games.

Pakistan International Airlines

He was also known to turn around Pakistan International Airlines into a profitable and recognised entity[22][23] In 1960, PIA's very first jetliner (a Boeing 707-321 leased from Pan Am) took a gentle turn under the command of Malik Nur Khan. Nur Khan was PIA's chairman from 1959 to 1965.[2] His success in establishing PIA on a firm and profitable financial basis in six years is now a fact of airline history. Under his charismatic and inspirational leadership, PIA became one of the leading and respected airlines of the world. During his tenure, PIA became the third Asian airline to operate jet aircraft after India and Japan. The airline inducted modern Boeing 720 B jet in its fleet. PIA started flying to China and flights to Europe via Moscow were also launched during this period. In 1973, Nur Khan was specially requested by the government of Pakistan to resume control of PIA. During his second term as airline's head, PIA became operator of wide-body DC-10s and Boeing 747s. Popular Green & Gold aircraft livery was introduced, plus many more achievements were made by the airline under Nur Khan's leadership. He kept PIA out of Pakistan's turbulent political arena and returned it to a sound commercial basis. Nur Khan was a dynamic leader and believed in innovation and new ideas. He served as minister of Communications, Health, Labour and Science and Technology in Yahya Khan's cabinet.[24]

On 20 January 1978, a PIA plane (while at Karachi) carrying 22 passengers was hijacked by a gunman and asked to be flown to India. The then chairman of PIA, Air Marshal (Retd) Nur Khan boarded the plane to negotiate with the hijacker. He was hit by a bullet while trying to disarm the hijacker but still managed to overpower him. [25]

Hockey

Nur Khan was handed the reins of

Champions Trophy
, an annual hockey tournament, was his brain child that was realised in 1978 by his endeavours.

On his personal initiative, the FIH introduced the World Cup Tournament and the Champions Trophy Tournament, which are now rated amongst the major international tournaments, alongside the Olympics.

Being President Pakistan Hockey Federation, he donated World Cup Trophy and Champions Trophy to the International Hockey Federation. During his tenure Pakistan hockey team performed a grand-slam. The World Cup and Champions Trophy are the toughest events in Hockey.[27]

He made valuable and tremendous contributions in Hockey in Pakistan. During his first tenure (1967–1969) that Pakistan hockey team won the Mexico Olympics and in second tenure (1976–1986) Pakistani team won Los Angeles Olympics.[28]

Cricket

In 1980, he was also brought in as President of Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan (BCCP; currently known as Pakistan Cricket Board) to manage the disarrayed cricket affairs. He served as president from 1980 to 1984. In this capacity, he helped win the hosting rights for the 1987 Cricket World Cup with India. He was also part of the organising committee of the 1987 World Cup and was credited with bringing some of the World Cup matches to Pakistan.[29]

Omar Noman, in his history of cricket in Pakistan, said: "Nur Khan was an exceptional administrator. He did not know much about cricket, but his efficiency and vision had a positive effect on the development of hockey, squash, and cricket."[30]

Squash

From 1951 to 1963, Pakistanis achieved remarkable success in Squash winning the most coveted title, the British Open, all those thirteen years. Thereafter, it was a barren period. Any Pakistani failed to land the title over the next decade except one Aftab Javaid who managed to reach the final. Nur Khan took over the charge of Pakistan International Airlines for the second time in 1973. He immediately took revolutionary steps. He initiated the PIA Colts scheme. Young promising boys were spotted and given a monthly stipend. They were coached and sent to participate in international tournaments with PIA bearing the travel expenses. Whosoever performed well on the international circuit was given permanent employment in PIA. The incentives didn't end there. If any of the players achieved some major success in prime events, he was rewarded with a departmental promotion. All this led to a surfeit of world class Pakistani players in the 70s: Qamar Zaman, Gogi Allauddin, Hiddy Jahan, Mo Khan Junior and others. There used to be six to seven Pakistanis among the top 10 in the world rankings.[31]

In 1975, on Nur Khan's request, legendary Azam Khan, four-time winner of British Open (1959–62), who was running a squash club in England, prepared Qamar Zaman and Mohibullah Junior for the British Open. Qamar Zaman brought back the title to Pakistan after 12 years. He gave the Squash World Jahangir Khan, a pure PIA colts product who became the greatest squash player of all time. Pakistan Open initiated in 1980 became a prestigious tournament and the country also hosted World Open.[32][33]

Politics and governorship

In 1969, Nur Khan retired from his military service and his prestige led him to secure an appointment in Cabinet led by President Yahya Khan; but it was short-lived due to his demands for reforms.: 49–50 [34] His tenure was renewed and his retirement was overturned by President Yahya who appointed him as Deputy CMLA under his administration.[35]

In Yahya administration, he was inducted as cabinet minister of communications, health, labour, and science in August 1969.[36]

Nur Khan, however, was appointed as Governor of West Pakistan on 1 September 1969 who made radical reforms in country's political and educational structure.[4]: 106 [37]

He supported the devolution of controversial

One Unit program and oversaw its termination in 1970.: 51–52 [34] He also announced new labour and educational policy to limit the role of politics in the universities.: 122–123 [34][38] Nur Khan was later unexpectedly replaced with Lieutenant-General on 1 July 1970 after witnessing the termination of One Unit program and tendering resignation from his renewed term in 1970 over mutual disagreement with President Yahya.: 83 [34]

In 1985, he decided to enter in

Constituency NA-44 on a PPP's platform in the general elections held in 1988.[2] He conceded his defeat and eventually retired from the politics in 1988.[2]

Legacy and Commemoration

In commemoration of his services rendered to Pakistan Air Force, PAF Base Chaklala was renamed as PAF Base Nur Khan in 2012. Considered the hero of the 1965 air war - the man who led the Pakistan air force achieve parity over the three times larger Indian air force on the very first day of the 1965 war - a man widely respected not only for his integrity but also for his sharp intelligence and outstanding management abilities.

Awards and decorations

Hilal-e-Jurat

(Crescent of Courage)

1965 War
Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam

(HQA)

Sitara-e-Pakistan

(SPk)

Sitara-e-Khidmat

(SK)

Tamgha-e-Diffa

(General Service Medal)

1965 War
Clasp

Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War

(War Star 1965)

Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War

(War Medal 1965)

Pakistan Tamgha

(Pakistan Medal)

1947

Tamgha-e-Jamhuria

(Republic Commemoration Medal)

1956

1939-1945 Star
 Burma Star Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-1945
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal

(1953)

Order of Independence Order of Orange-Nassau National Order of the Cedar

Foreign decorations

Foreign Awards
 UK
1939-1945 Star
Burma Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-1945
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
 Jordan Order of Independence
 Netherlands Order of Orange-Nassau
 Lebanon National Order of the Cedar

Notes

  1. Urdu
    : ملک نور خان

References

  1. ^ a b Obituary, daily The Nation
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Obituary, The Tribune.
  3. ^ a b Haider, PAF, Air Commodore (retd) S. Sajjad (29 December 2011). "Man of Steel". Air Commodore (Retired) Syed Sajad Haider pays tribute to the blunt and brilliant Air Marshal Nur Khan, who passed away last week. Vol. XXIII, no. 45. The Friday Times, S.S. Haider. The Friday Times. Retrieved 1 November 2016.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ a b Khan, R., 1999, The American Papers: Secret and Confidential India-Pakistan-Bangladesh Documents, 1965–1973, Oxford University Press, p.265.
  5. ^ Obituary, daily The News
  6. ^ A tribute to Nur Khan, The Dawn.
  7. ISBN 9789382951018
    . Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "PAKISTAN AIR FORCE – Official website". www.paf.gov.pk. Air Force ISPR. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  9. ^ Indian Army List January 1915
  10. ^ Supplement to the Indian Army List January 1930
  11. ^ Indian Army List January 1931
  12. ^ Indian Army List Supplement January 1939
  13. ^ London Gazette 2 October 1931 and 25 October 1935
  14. ^ a b PAF's Chief of the Air Staffs Archived 28 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine, a thumbnail sketch, PAF Falcons website
  15. ISBN 9789693510805
    . Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d Editorial publication (6 September 2005). "Nur Khan reminisces '65 war". DAWN.COM. Dawn newspapers, Editorial. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  17. ISBN 9781472927330
    . Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  18. ^ "PAF entire C-130 fleet used as bomber aircraft in 1965 war | SAMAA TV". Samaa TV. Samaa TV. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  19. ^ WHITEnGREEN.com. "Indo-Pak War of 1965 Late Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan – Unequalled". WHITEnGREEN.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  20. ^ a b c Ezer Weizman, On Eagles' Wings: The Personal Story of the Leading Commander of the Israeli Air Force. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1977 (Weizman was former Air Force chief and President of Israel.)
  21. ^ a b Obituary, daily the Pakistan Today
  22. ^ "Lifting PIA: the Nur Khan way - Newspaper - DAWN.COM". 31 January 2012.
  23. ^ "Herald Exclusive: Plane truths - Pakistan - DAWN.COM". 26 March 2014.
  24. ^ "1965 war hero Air Marshal Nur Khan passes away | Pakistan Today". Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  25. ^ "Video". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  26. ^ Presidents of Pakistan Hockey Federation Archived 3 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine PHF official website
  27. ^ a b "Field Hockey Visionary, Air Marshal M. Nur Khan Leaves Legacy | HockeyGods".
  28. ^ "Great Nur Khan Country's best sports administrator passed away". Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2014.
  29. ^ "Former Pakistan board president Air Marshal Nur Khan dies aged 88".
  30. ^ Omar Noman, Pride and Passion: An Exhilarating Half Century of Cricket in Pakistan, OUP, Karachi, 1998, p. 59.
  31. ^ "Sports, NOS, The News International". jang.com.pk. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  32. ^ "Azam Khan, the Greatest?".
  33. ^ "Pakistan squash4". Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  34. ^
    ISBN 9781349195299
    . Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  35. ISBN 0-19-547329-9
    .
  36. ^ Dr. GN. Kazi (21 May 2008). "Pakistan's Smallest Cabinet". Dr. GN. Kazi. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  37. ISBN 9780674419773
    . Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  38. ISBN 9780230599048
    . Retrieved 1 November 2016.

External links
Military offices
Preceded by
Commander-in-Chief, Pakistan Air Force

1965–1969 		Succeeded by
Abdul Rahim Khan
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of West Pakistan
1969–1970 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nur_Khan&oldid=1219696753"