Khadim Hussain Raja facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Khadim Hussain Raja
خادم حسین راجہ
Ambassador of Pakistan to Mozambique, Angola, Swaziland, Lesotho
Managing Director Army Welfare Trust
In office 1972–1977
DG Artillery
In office 12 April 1971 – 1972
GOC 14th Division
Personal details
Born	(1922-11-23)23 November 1922 Haranpur, Jhelum District, British India
Died	9 December 1999(1999-12-09) (aged 77) Islamabad, Pakistan
Education	Central Model High School Government College University, Lahore Indian Military Academy Staff College, Quetta United States Army Command and General Staff College
Military service
Allegiance	British India (1942-47)  Pakistan (1947-71)
Branch/service	British Indian Army Pakistan Army
Years of service	1942–1971
Rank	Major General
Battles/wars	World War II Burma campaign First Kashmir War Second Kashmir War Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

Major General Khadim Hussain Raja was a high-ranking officer in the Pakistan Army. He was born on November 23, 1922, and passed away on December 9, 1999. He played an important part in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. During that time, he was in charge of planning a military action called Operation Searchlight. After his military career, he also served as a diplomat for Pakistan.

Early Life and Education

Khadim Hussain Raja was born in Haranpur, a place in the Jhelum District of what was then British India. His family worked in farming.

He went to Central Model High School in Lahore. Later, he studied at Government College University, Lahore, where he earned a degree with honors in English.

Military Career

Khadim Hussain Raja began his military journey in 1942. He joined the British Indian Army and trained at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

Serving in World War II

During World War II, he served in an infantry group. He was part of the Burma campaign, which was a series of battles fought in Burma (now Myanmar). He continued serving until the war ended.

Joining the Pakistan Army

After British India was divided in 1947, Khadim Hussain Raja chose to join the new Pakistan Army.

He volunteered to fight in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, also known as the First Kashmir War. He saw action in the Kashmir region during this conflict.

Military Training

He continued his military education at important institutions. He graduated from the Staff College, Quetta. After that, he also attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Key Commands

Khadim Hussain Raja commanded the 1st Pakistani Battalion at the Pakistan Military Academy. This battalion is also known as "Quaid-i-Azam's own."

Role in the 1971 War

He was responsible for planning a military operation called Operation Searchlight. This operation began on March 25, 1971. Other generals were also involved in the planning. This military action led to a period of intense conflict and hardship in the capital city of Dhaka.

Retirement from the Army

On April 11, 1971, he was no longer the General Officer Commanding of the 14th Division. He retired from the army later that same year, after serving as the Director General of Artillery.

Later Career

After leaving the army, Khadim Hussain Raja took on new roles. In 1972, he became the first Managing Director of the Army Welfare Trust. He held this position for five years.

Later, he became the Ambassador of Pakistan to Mozambique. He also represented Pakistan in Angola, Swaziland, and Lesotho.

Death and Posthumous Book

Khadim Hussain Raja passed away on December 9, 1999, in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Before he died, he wrote a book. He asked his family not to publish it until after his death. The book was released 13 years later. It was titled A Stranger in My Own Country: East Pakistan, 1969-71. In the book, he shared details about the events of the 1971 war. He also wrote about an incident where he helped find a portable radio-transmitter used by the Mukti Bahini near Rangamati.

Awards and Decorations

Khadim Hussain Raja received several awards for his service. These included medals for his bravery and contributions during different wars and for his long service.

Foreign Awards

He also received awards from other countries, including:

Foreign Awards
UK	Burma Star
	War Medal 1939-1945
	Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal