New Delhi: In a first, Dr Helen Mary Roberts, a Christian woman, has been promoted to the rank of a brigadier in Pakistan. Roberts was also, until now, the first female surgeon general of the Pakistan Army as well as a senior pathologist within the Pakistan Army Medical Corps for over two decades.
Roberts’ promotion comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions concerning attacks on minority communities in Pakistan, with recent incidents sparking widespread condemnation.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media and public relations wing, lauded her as a shining example of ‘merit and national representation’, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations, emphasising the pride felt by the entire nation. He even acknowledged her as a symbol of excellence and inspiration for thousands of dedicated women from similar backgrounds who serve the nation with distinction.
Other politicians like Pakistan People’s Party’s Sherry Rehman also congratulated Roberts.
Pakistanis on social media deemed Roberts’ promotion a step toward inclusion, diversity and gender equality.
“This August Pakistan turns 77 years old. And its army gets its first female brigadier from Christian community now. Not too late. Perhaps. Congratulations Dr Helen Mary Roberts. Hope you ladies get to the fighting corps and command them soon. Santé. L’chayim!” journalist Marvi Sirmed wrote on X.
‘Heals Christian wounds’
The decision to promote Roberts to brigadier within the Pakistan Army coincides with heightened attacks on minorities in the country. It comes after members of the country’s Christian community protested the lynching of a Christian factory owner in Punjab’s Sargodha district. His residence was damaged and properties were set ablaze due to blasphemy speculations.
One X user wrote that Roberts’ appointment was a step toward healing the wounds of the Christian community in Pakistan.
“It’s not enough to heal their wounds, but it’s still comforting to see this news. More power to them and all the women”, the user wrote.
Dr Helen Mary Roberts has been applauded for breaking gender barriers within the Pakistan Army.
Earlier, in June 2020, Major General Nigar Johar was also celebrated for becoming the first female to be promoted to the lieutenant general rank.
The United Nations in Pakistan also congratulated Roberts for her achievements.
“Congratulations to Helen Mary Roberts, who has just made history as the first-ever Christian and the first-ever woman from a religious minority to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier in the Pakistan Army. She serves in the Army Medical Corps”, the organisation wrote on X.