During the concluding moments of the session, the host remarked that the gathering was not merely a discussion about a book, but a tribute to the white in Pakistan’s flag — symbolising minorities, particularly the Christian community, and their dedicated service to the nation. The entire hall responded with resounding applause. It was not an ordinary moment; it was deeply emotional and historic.
I could feel the flag of Pakistan flying high; the hall was filled with pride, and so was my heart. This powerful scene unfolded at the 17th Karachi Literature Festival during the launch of the book Voices of Valour: A Tribute to Christian Defenders of Pakistan by Ambassador Major General (R) Dr Noel I. Khokhar, HI (M).
The session, held at Beach Luxury Hotel, reflected courage, patriotism, and the often-unheard contributions of Christian defenders who have served Pakistan with unwavering loyalty and sacrifice.
A Distinguished Life of Service
It was a privilege to meet Ambassador Major General (R) Dr Noel I. Khokhar, HI(M) — one of Pakistan’s highest-ranking Christian military officers, a decorated war veteran, diplomat, scholar, and educationist.
A recipient of the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) 2014, he has served Pakistan with distinction in multiple arenas — military command, strategic research, diplomacy and academia.
Dr Khokhar’s illustrious career includes:
- Ambassador of Pakistan to Ukraine
- Executive Dean, Forman Christian College University, Lahore
- Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies Research and Analysis (ISSRA)
- Chief Instructor, National Security College at National Defence University
- General Officer Commanding an Infantry Division
- Chief of Staff of a Corps
He also served as Directing Staff at the Armed Forces War College, Senior Instructor at Command and Staff College Quetta, Platoon Commander at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, and Senior Liaison Officer with the United Nations Mission in Congo.
As Ambassador to Ukraine, he played a critical leadership role during the 2022 war, overseeing complex evacuation efforts and strengthening Pakistan-Ukraine diplomatic relations.
Scholar, Editor, and Thought Leader
Dr Khokhar holds:
- PhD in International Relations
- MA in International Studies from King’s College London
- MSc in War Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad
He is also an alumnus of:
- Royal College of Defence Studies, London
- Armed Forces War College (NDU Islamabad)
- Command and Staff College Quetta
- Inter-Arms Defence College, Paris
- Near East and South Asia Center, National Defense University Washington DC
Currently, he serves as Director of the Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Forman Christian College, where he continues mentoring youth and promoting inclusive national discourse.
The book does far more than narrate inspiring stories; it corrects historical records, documents overlooked sacrifices, and promotes harmony among the people of Pakistan
As an editor and author, his notable works include:
- Voices of Valour: A Tribute to Christian Defenders of Pakistan
- Sharing Experiences in Afghanistan and Pakistan (jointly published with Royal College of Defence Denmark)
- Evolving Dynamics of FATA
- Churches of Pakistan
- Ukrainian Language (2022)
He has also served as Editor and Patron of HEC-recognised journals including NDU Journal, Margalla Papers and ISSRA Papers.
Beyond his official roles, he contributes voluntarily as:
- Member Senate, National Defence University
- Member Advisory Council, Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad
- President, Fazal Foundation named after his grandfather
- Former Board Member, Kinnaird College University Lahore
A Meaningful Conversation
Over a cup of tea, we engaged in a thoughtful and strategic discussion about developing the younger generation, nurturing leadership, and shaping ideas that can contribute to a stronger and more inclusive Pakistan. Conversations like these remind us that nation-building requires diversity, mentorship, and shared responsibility.
Voices of Valour is a timely and historic publication — particularly in an era marked by uncertainty, religious tensions, internal challenges, and the ongoing war against terrorism.
The book does far more than narrate inspiring stories; it corrects historical records, documents overlooked sacrifices, and promotes harmony among the people of Pakistan. It reinforces the message that the white in Pakistan’s flag represents vibrant, loyal, and patriotic minority communities.
Spanning over a century of military history, this richly illustrated coffee-table book chronicles the gallant contributions of Christian officers and soldiers in the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force — from the 1947–48 Kashmir War to the 1965 and 1971 wars, and modern counter-terrorism operations.
It honours decorated war heroes, martyrs, pioneering women in uniform and visionary leaders who strengthened Pakistan’s defence institutions. With endorsements from senior military leaders, religious figures, and academics, the book does not merely document history — it reshapes national memory.
Excellence in Publishing
Beautifully published by Dogar Brothers, the book features premium-quality printing, vibrant illustrations, durable card binding, and 117 pages of carefully documented historical content. It stands as a collector’s edition — worthy of libraries, institutions, and every home that values history and patriotism.
This was not merely a moment of pride for the Christian community; it was a moment of renewed hope and commitment. Recognising Christian contributions at a national platform through the work of one of Pakistan’s most distinguished officers sends a powerful message of unity and inclusion.
I wholeheartedly congratulate Ambassador Major General (R) Dr Noel I. Khokhar, HI(M), on this remarkable achievement. His work honours the past, strengthens the present, and inspires young writers to bring the contributions of the Christian community into the national mainstream narrative.