KARACHI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Fri­day pinned the badges of rank to formally install Lie­utenant General Nigar Johar as Colonel Commandant of Army Medical Corps (AMC).

The first and only woman in Pakistan to reach the rank of three-star general has also become the first-ever female colonel commandant of the AMC. She earlier served as surgeon general of Pakistan Army.

The installation ceremony was held at AMC Centre in Abbottabad.

Speaking on the occasion, the COAS lauded contributions of AMC towards ensuring high standards of health care during peace and war, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Gen Bajwa said AMC had always answered the call of duty during natural calamities, both inland and abroad. “Our doctors and paramedic staff have been frontline warriors against Covid-19 and displaying exemplary commitment and resolve for safety and well-being of the people of Pakistan,” he remarked.

He said installation of the first-ever three-star female general officer as colonel commandant of AMC was indeed a matter of immense pride for the army and the country.

He said keeping pace with rapid advancements in medical science was imperative for the doctors and paramedics to keep themselves at par with modern militaries and best global practices in health care.

Earlier, on his arrival at Abbottabad, the COAS laid wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada and offered Fateha.

The military’s media wing stated Lt Gen Johar hails from Panjpeer village in Swabi district.

According to a media rep­ort, she is daughter of Col Qadir, who had served in the Inter-Services Intelli­gence and niece of retired major Mohammad Aamir who also had served in ISI. Both her parents had died in a car accident over three decades ago.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2021