Precious Gems of Our Nation: Minorities Who Built Pakistan

By Sheikh J. Hussain
London
Jawadkhayal@icloud.com

As we celebrate the month of independence, we raise our green flag with pride and we remember that the white stripe in our flag represents our beloved minorities. They are not guests in this land; they are the sons and daughters of this soil. They helped build Pakistan from its very first day, served it with devotion, and defended it with unmatched courage. Their names may not always be spoken as often as they deserve, but their contributions are written in gold letters in the history of this nation.

Let us begin at the very beginning. When Pakistan came into being in 1947, Quaid‑e‑Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah appointed Jogendra Nath Mandal as Pakistan’s very first Minister for Law and Labour. A respected leader from the Hindu community, he stood beside the Quaid and helped lay the foundations of our laws. He proved from day one that Pakistan belongs equally to all who call it home. Then there was Jagannath Azad, a learned scholar who wrote Pakistan’s very first national anthem. Long before our present anthem was officially adopted, his words praising this sacred land and its glory echoed across the country. A Hindu Pakistani gave Pakistan its first voice.

The Christian community has served Pakistan with extraordinary distinction. Chief Justice A.R. Cornelius rose to become the Chief Justice of Pakistan the highest position in our judiciary. He helped shape our legal system and also played a key role in establishing Pakistan cricket. He showed that talent and integrity can take you to the highest offices in the land. Air Vice‑Marshal Eric Gordan Hall used his brilliant mind to devise new strategies in the Rann of Kutch, achieving remarkable success. Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry fought bravely in both the 1965 and 1971 wars, earning gallantry awards. He later spent his life in education and service, saying simply: “By faith I am a Christian, but my religion is humanity.” Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat flew 17 dangerous missions in the 1965 war. And in the historic defence of May 2025, Squadron Leader Kamran Bashir Masih became a household name a Christian officer whose bravery won the hearts of the entire nation.

When Pakistan embarked on its journey to become an atomic power, minority scientists stood tall at Kahuta and elsewhere. Dr. Rana Bhagwan Das, a distinguished Hindu scientist, made valuable contributions in the fields of engineering and research, serving Pakistan’s scientific advancement with dedication. He is recognised for his innovations and technical excellence. Dr. Tasneem Shah, a brilliant mathematician, worked alongside Dr. A.Q. Khan at Kahuta Research Laboratories. He solved some of the most complex mathematical and hydrodynamic problems in centrifuge design problems that others thought impossible and played a vital role in making Pakistan’s atomic programme a success. Mr. J.B.H. Kazi, another respected scientist, contributed his expertise to the atomic programme from its early days, helping build the scientific foundation at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. These men proved that Pakistan’s scientific strength belongs to every citizen, regardless of faith.

Pakistan’s Sikh community also holds a special place in our history. The beautiful Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib stands in our land, a symbol of peace and shared heritage. Pakistan built the Kartarpur Corridor a gift to the Sikh faith that no other nation has given. Our Sikh citizens serve in government, business, and society, carrying forward centuries of tradition and service.

Deep in the mountains of Chitral live the Kalash people one of the oldest communities in our land, with their own language, culture, and way of life. Pakistan protects their unique heritage, and they remain a cherished part of our national family. They remind us that Pakistan is built on diversity that many colours make one beautiful flag.

These names are not exceptions. They are proof of what Quaid‑e‑Azam promised: that in Pakistan, you are free to go to your temples, your churches, your gurdwaras and you are free to serve this nation with all your heart. Our minorities are not second‑class citizens. They are law ministers, chief justices, air force officers, scientists, diplomats, and heroes. They are the pride of Pakistan.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us pledge something, we will not only remember these heroes, we will honour them. We will ensure that every Pakistani, regardless of faith, enjoys equal respect, equal rights, and equal opportunity. Because a nation becomes truly great not by how it treats its majority, but by how it honours its minorities. They are our precious gems hidden no longer, but shining bright for all the world to see.

Pakistan Zindabad.