Helen Mary becomes first Christian woman brigadier in Pakistan army

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Dr Helen Mary Robert has made history as the first Christian woman to be promoted to the rank of brigadier from colonel in the Pakistan army.

A pathologist in the Pakistan army Medical Corps, she has dedicated 26 years to serving her country. Helen considered it an honour to serve the country and the nation while living in the Pakistan army.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) lauded her achievement, stating, she is a living example of merit without distinction in the Pakistan army. Her promotion has been seen as a beacon of hope for the Pakistani Christian community.

The ISPR noted that she exemplifies the principles of merit and national representation within the military. The Pakistan army has long upheld the vision of the nation’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

In his address to the First Constituent Assembly on Aug.11, 1947, Jinnah declared, “You are free; whatever religion, caste or creed you belong to has nothing to do with state affairs.” On another occasion, Jinnah affirmed, “Minorities shall be deemed to be citizens of Pakistan without distinction of caste, colour, religion or creed and shall enjoy all their rights and privileges and the rights of citizenship.” The Pakistan Army embodies Jinnah’s vision, making decisions without religious, linguistic, or gender discrimination.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shahbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Dr Helen Mary Robert on her promotion to the rank of Brigadier in the Army Medical Corps. He said that the entire nation, including himself, extends felicitation to her.

“Brigadier Roberts, a member of the Pakistani Christian community, has made history by becoming the first woman from a minority background to achieve this prestigious rank,” he said, praising Roberts for her hard work and dedication, and also proving Pakistani women could excel in any field.

“The entire nation is proud of Brigadier Roberts and the thousands of hardworking women like her from minority communities who are serving the country with distinction,” Shahbaz said.

Before Brigadier Roberts, Major General Nigar Johar had broken gender barriers in June 2020 by becoming the country’s first female officer to be promoted to the rank of Lt General to become the first female Surgeon General of the Pakistan army.