Asghar Khan, Pakistani general and politician

Air Marshal Muhammad Asghar Khan (Retd.): A Life of Service, Dissent, and Principled Leadership

Air Marshal Muhammad Asghar Khan (Urdu: اصغر خان), born on 17 January 1921 and passing away on 5 January 2018, was a towering figure in Pakistan's military, political, and social landscape. Recognised not only as a distinguished Pakistani politician and an insightful autobiographer, he also emerged as a prominent dissident, dedicating his later life to the fervent advocacy of pacifism, peace, and human rights within the nation.

Early Military Career and Rise to Prominence

Born into a family with a strong military heritage, Asghar Khan commenced his illustrious career with a brief but impactful tenure as an officer in the Indian Army. His exceptional capabilities soon led to his deputation to the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) in 1941, where he served as a military adviser. His strategic acumen and leadership qualities were quickly recognised, leading to his drafting into the RIAF as a commanding officer on the crucial Asian front during World War II, specifically involved in operations in the Burma Campaign against Imperial Japan.

Following the monumental Partition of India in 1947, a pivotal moment in South Asian history, Khan made the consequential decision to join the newly formed Pakistan Air Force (PAF). His commitment and vision propelled him rapidly through the ranks. In 1957, at the remarkably young age of 36, he achieved the three-star rank of Air Marshal and was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force. This made him the youngest officer ever to hold a command-level position in the Pakistani military at that time, a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic foresight during the nascent years of the nation's armed forces.

The Stance of Dissent in 1965 and Post-Military Life

Air Marshal Asghar Khan's tenure as Commander-in-Chief was marked by his unwavering commitment to principles and strategic realism. His most notable act of dissent occurred in 1965 when he voiced strong opposition to the contingency plans for "Operation Gibraltar," a covert infiltration into Indian-administered Kashmir, and the subsequent decision to initiate the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Khan's concerns stemmed from a clear understanding of the PAF's capabilities and the potential for a larger, unsustainable conflict without adequate strategic planning and air cover. His principled stand and "vetoing decisions" in crucial strategic meetings with General Musa Khan, the then Army Commander-in-Chief, ultimately led to his replacement by Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan. Despite this, he continued to serve the nation, transitioning to a significant civilian role. From 1965 until his retirement from active military service in 1968, he served as the Chairman of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), where he was instrumental in its growth and modernization.

Transition to Politics and the Tehrik-e-Istiqlal

Upon his retirement from the military in 1968, Asghar Khan embarked on a new chapter, venturing into the tumultuous arena of Pakistani politics. He founded the Tehrik-e-Istiqlal (Solidarity Party), establishing it on a platform that embraced secular and centrist political programs. This ideology positioned his party in direct opposition to the dominant political forces of the time: the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with its socialist leanings and the conservative Pakistan Muslim League (PML). Despite his distinguished background and clear vision, the Tehrik-e-Istiqlal struggled to make a significant impact in the landmark 1970 Pakistani general elections, which were primarily shaped by regional political movements and the push for greater provincial autonomy.

A Period of Agitation and Landmark Legal Battles

Throughout the 1970s and 1990s, Asghar Khan's political career largely focused on what became known as the 'Dharna' or 'politics of agitation' – a strategy involving public protests, sit-ins, and rallies against the elected civilian governments of the day. His commitment to accountability and justice gained widespread notability in the 1990s when he took on a monumental challenge. He filed multiple lawsuits at the Supreme Court of Pakistan concerning the infamous Mehrangate bank scandal. This scandal involved serious allegations that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had distributed funds to various politicians, including those from the PPP and the PML(N), to manipulate the results of the 1990 general elections. The 'Asghar Khan Case' became a landmark legal battle, with the Supreme Court eventually ruling in 2012 that the 1990 elections were indeed rigged and ordering action against those involved, solidifying Khan's legacy as a champion of electoral transparency and accountability.

During this politically charged period, Khan also became a prolific author, penning several political books. His writings were often sharply critical and provided dissenting perspectives on the Pakistan Army's significant and often controversial involvement in national politics, further cementing his reputation as a fearless truth-teller.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

In 2011, demonstrating his enduring commitment to political reform and the consolidation of democratic forces, Air Marshal Asghar Khan made the strategic decision to merge his Tehrik-e-Istiqlal party with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice). This merger represented a passing of the torch and a significant endorsement for a rising political movement advocating for justice and reform.

Air Marshal Muhammad Asghar Khan passed away in January 2018. In recognition of his immense contributions to the nation, both as a military leader and as a principled politician, he was laid to rest with full state honours, a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service, integrity, and the pursuit of justice and peace.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Marshal Asghar Khan

Who was Air Marshal Asghar Khan?

Air Marshal Muhammad Asghar Khan (Retd.) was a highly distinguished Pakistani military officer, politician, and autobiographer. He served as the youngest Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and later became a prominent political dissident advocating for pacifism, peace, and human rights.

What was Asghar Khan's role in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War?

Asghar Khan, then Commander-in-Chief of the PAF, famously dissented against the military's plans for "Operation Gibraltar" and the decision to go to war in 1965, citing concerns about strategic preparedness and the potential consequences of the conflict. His principled opposition led to his replacement before the war.

What was the Tehrik-e-Istiqlal?

The Tehrik-e-Istiqlal (Solidarity Party) was a political party founded by Asghar Khan in 1968. It adopted a secular and centrist political program, aiming to offer an alternative to the dominant political parties in Pakistan at the time.

What was the significance of the Mehrangate scandal in Asghar Khan's career?

The Mehrangate scandal, also known as the Asghar Khan case, was a landmark legal battle initiated by Asghar Khan in the 1990s. He filed lawsuits alleging that the ISI had illegally distributed funds to politicians to rig the 1990 general elections. The Supreme Court of Pakistan's ruling in 2012 validated his claims, marking a significant victory for accountability and electoral transparency in Pakistan.

When did Air Marshal Asghar Khan retire from the military and what did he do afterward?

Air Marshal Asghar Khan retired from the military in 1968. Before his full retirement, he served as the Chairman of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). After leaving military service, he transitioned into active politics, founding the Tehrik-e-Istiqlal party.