Mian Ghulam Jilani, Pakistani general (b. 1914)

Major General Mian Gulam Jilani, a distinguished figure whose life spanned from March 1, 1913, to March 1, 2004, was a two-star general officer within the Pakistan Army. His remarkable career and personal journey were marked by military valor, significant diplomatic contributions, and a principled stand for his political beliefs.

Early Military Service and Wartime Survival

Jilani's military career began under the British Raj, where he served as an officer in the Indian Army. A defining and harrowing experience of his early service was his survival of a Japanese Prisoner of War (PoW) camp in Singapore during the tumultuous years of the Second World War. This ordeal undoubtedly forged a deep sense of resilience and determination within him. Following the partition of British India and the establishment of Pakistan, Jilani transitioned his service to the newly formed Pakistan Army, steadily rising through its ranks to achieve the esteemed position of a two-star general. He concluded his active military duty, retiring from the Pakistan Army in 1962, having served his nation through pivotal historical periods.

Diplomatic Engagements and Cold War Alliances

Beyond his command responsibilities, General Jilani played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan's nascent foreign policy and its alignment on the global stage, particularly during the early phases of the Cold War. He was instrumental in the intricate negotiations that led to Pakistan's membership in two significant international alliances: the Baghdad Pact, which later evolved into the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). These pacts were central to Pakistan's strategic efforts to bolster regional security and forge vital international partnerships in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, highlighting Jilani's diplomatic acumen and influence.

Political Beliefs, Imprisonment, and Asylum

An ethnic Pashtun, Major General Jilani's post-retirement life took a dramatic and challenging turn. In 1973, he was arrested and subsequently imprisoned due to his outspoken political beliefs. His incarceration drew international attention, and in 1974, Amnesty International recognized his plight, declaring him a prisoner of conscience. This designation underscored the global concern over his detention and his principled opposition to the prevailing political climate. Demonstrating extraordinary courage and resolve, General Jilani managed to escape from custody in 1975. He then sought and was granted political asylum in the United States, where he lived the remainder of his life, a testament to his unwavering convictions and enduring spirit.