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By Nisar Ul Haq

The Afghan war has become the longest and the costliest war in the US history, with no end in sight. Therefore, its easy for the US government to blame Pakistan being the front-line state. Pakistan with over 70,000 men, women and children killed and several times that number injured has suffered more than any other country in the world.

Yet, the US government continues to repeat “do more” mantra on one hand, and on the other has been decorating Pakistan’s senior military commanders with medals for distinguished and outstanding service in the War on Terror? No other country has received so many US medals for outstanding contribution in the global War on Terror.

The United States “Legion of Merit” medal is awarded for meritorious service and outstanding achievement to the members of the US armed services and it has been awarded to a few outstanding foreign military leaders. The first recipient of this distinguished medal was Lt. General Kenneth Anderson, British Army, on June 18, 1943 for his outstanding leadership in both World Wars. Other distinguished recipients have been Field Marshal Montgomery, British Army, and General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander and later President of USA.

Pakistan Army Generals, Pakistan Navy Admirals and Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal have been recipients of this distinguished medal a record eight times. 1) Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman became the first PAF Air Chief to receive the US Legion of Merit medal on March 10, 2018. This was in recognition of his outstanding and courageous leadership, sagacity and vision. His demonstration of superb resolve, commitment and dedication to the global war on terrorism. All this had enhanced the historic 70-year relationship between the Pakistan Air Force and US Air Force.

2) Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on March 17, 2017. His unwavering dedication to Global War on Terror has been exemplary. Despite Pakistan Navy’s small size, the PN has led the UN mandated Combined Task Force (CTF-150), with HQ Bahrain, several times on rotation for securing safe sea lanes from the Pakistan coast to the Strait of Hormuz down to Somalia. Navies of USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Japan etc. are also members of this important Naval task force.

3) General Raheel Sharif was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on November 19, 2014. In recognition of his courageous leadership and efforts in the Global War on Terror. He led from the front and succeeded in destroying the epicenter of world terrorism, in the Pakistan-Afghan mountainous border region. He earned world admiration and respect for his exemplary leadership and achievement.

4) Admiral Noman Bashir was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on March 18, 2010. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and efforts for regional security against maritime terrorism, and strengthening of cooperation between the two navies in the US 5th Fleet area of responsibility and deployment.

5) General Ashfaq Kayani was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on January 2, 2009. In recognition of his exemplary leadership in the  Global War on Terror. He led with unwavering commitment despite great sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, for regional stability and world peace. Pakistan Army’s bold strategy and outstanding success has been applauded and is taught in War colleges around the world. 6) Lt. General Tariq Khan was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on December 9, 2007. In recognition of his outstanding service in the Global War on Terror based at CENTCOM Qatar, during Operation Enduring Freedom. His extraordinary dedication and contribution was recognised by all the coalition military commanders. His important contribution made Pakistan Army proud.

7) Admiral Afzal Tahir was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on January 23, 2006. In recognition of his outstanding effort for securing regional sea lanes against terrorist attacks. His commitment and hard work was recognised by all naval commanders deployed in the region fighting piracy and terrorism. Terrorist attack on USS Cole, guided missile frigate in Aden waters with 17 US sailors killed and 39 injured was not lost on them.

8) Admiral Shahid Karimullah was awarded the US Legion of Merit medal on July 21, 2004. His courageous leadership was exemplary at a time when the world faced uncertainty and challenge in the War on Terror. His steadfast support of Pakistan – US naval partnership and cooperation was recognised by all the naval commanders for regional stability and world peace.

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