UK Army General hails Pakistani, Muslim Soldiers’ role in Britain’s defence

LONDON, Nov 11 (APP): CBE of the British Army, Major General Karl Harris on Wednesday praised the contribution of Pakistani and Muslim soldiers from the then British India, today’s Pakistan, who served to defend Britain during the First and Second World Wars.

He made the remarks on the eve of Armistice Day while signing the Armed Forces Covenant with Dr Tariq Sheikh, the British Pakistani businessman known as the UK and Europe’s biggest halal meat supplier through Tariq Halal Meats, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said.

The Covenant is the nation’s promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared with other citizens. Dr Sheikh signed on behalf of his company, and General Harris signed for the Ministry of Defence, in support of British military personnel, veterans and their families.

Addressing guests after the signing, General Harris said Remembrance and the anniversary of the Armistice are sobering reminders of how hard the country’s freedoms were fought for. Britain, he said, has one Army, and it belongs to its communities as much as to those in uniform.

“We celebrate the history and heritage that we all share, whether that’s the British Army or people from South Asian heritage,” he said. He noted that his maternal grandfather served in the Indian Army in Burma, in the same theatre of war where relatives of many of those present also served. “My visit here today is about connection, community and celebration,” he added.

Dr Sheikh, who was born in Gujrat, Punjab, said his wife is from Jhelum, a district that sent its sons into the British Indian Army for a century. He said the Pakistan Army was born of that same Army in 1947 and has honoured its inheritance of regiments, discipline and pride.

He urged young British Pakistanis to see the tradition as their own. “This is your country and this is your Army,” he said, encouraging them to serve, join the reserves and send their children to cadets.

Dr Sheikh said more than three million customers visit the company’s shops each year, and all will now see the Covenant displayed, alongside a call to join and support the Armed Forces. He added that the move follows a memorandum of understanding signed in September with the British Asian Trust, the charity founded by King Charles III.

Thaira Sheikh, Chief Financial Officer, said anyone leaving the Forces who applies to work with the company is guaranteed an interview. Reservists will receive paid time for annual training, and partners of serving personnel will have flexibility when a posting comes.

Kunal Patel, CEO of Franchises, said serving personnel, veterans and their families will be welcomed at every counter. Every franchise partner will support cadet units where the shops trade and hold a moment of remembrance each year.

The signing continues a drive to secure pledges of support from businesses founded and led by people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. The initiative was brought together by Arif Anis MBE, who led the signing of the Covenant in November 2019 alongside Rear Admiral Mike Bath, then Naval Secretary.