Saadullah Khan (military officer)
Saadullah Khan | |
|---|---|
| Native name | سعد اللہ خان |
| Born | 1926 (age 99–100) Sargodha, West Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan |
Branch |  Pakistan Army |
Service years | 1951 to 1973 |
Rank |  Brigadier |
| Unit | 2/16 Punjab Regiment |
| Commands | 2/16 Punjab Regiment; 27 Infantry Brigade |
| Awards | Hilal-i-Jur'at; Sitara-e-Khidmat |
Saadullah Khan (Urdu: سعد اللہ خان; born 1926) was a Brigadier in the Pakistan Army who served during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. He commanded the 27 Infantry Brigade during Operation Cactus Lily and was subsequently awarded the Hilal-i-Jur'at for his contributions.[1][2] He also received the Sitara-e-Khidmat for his relief work during the 1970 Bhola cyclone.
Early life and education
Khan was born in 1926 in Sargodha, West Pakistan. He completed his education at Government College Faisalabad and Government College Sargodha. As a student, he was actively involved in the Pakistan Movement.[3]
Military career
Khan was commissioned into the 2/16 Punjab Regiment through the 3rd Pakistan Military Academy Long Course. He was awarded the Sword of Honour for the best overall performance in his course.[4]
In June 1970, Khan was appointed Colonel Staff of the 14th Division, a senior staff position in the Eastern Command.[3] Following the 1970 Bhola cyclone, he travelled to affected areas with a small group of officers and non-commissioned officers to distribute relief supplies and assist the local administration in rehabilitation efforts. For this work, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Khidmat.[3]
During the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, Khan served as Commanding Officer of the 27 Infantry Brigade. He is notably associated with Operation Cactus Lily, the assault crossing of the Meghna River carried out by Indian forces, which took place on the night of 9 to 10 December 1971.[5][6] For his conduct during the war, he was awarded the Hilal-i-Jur'at.[1]
References
- 1 2 "Brig Saadullah Khan, HJ". defence.pk. Pakistan Defence. 21 April 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
- ↑ "Pak Army could resist Indians for 6 months". nation.com.pk. The Nation. 17 December 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
- 1 2 3 Khan, Saadullah. East Pakistan to Bangladesh. Pakistan. ISBN 978-9699368639.
- ↑ "Sword of Honour winners, PMA, Kakul, Abbottabad". thepakistanpage.wordpress.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ↑ "4 Guards crosses the Meghna". salute.co.in. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
- ↑ Abbas, Hassan (26 March 2015). Pakistan's Drift into Extremism: Allah, the Army, and America's War on Terror. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-46328-3.