From Nankana Sahib to the Ranks of Glory: Lt. Col. Harcharan Singh Creates History in Pakistan Army

Lahore / Nankana Sahib | 
Nazrana Times | Special Feature
By Ali Imran Chattha
 

Lieutenant Colonel Harcharan Singh has etched his name into Pakistan’s military history by becoming the first Sikh officer in the modern Pakistan Army to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His promotion is being widely hailed as a landmark moment for merit, inclusion, and national unity.
Born in 1987 in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Lt. Col. Harcharan Singh grew up in an environment deeply rooted in spirituality, discipline, and service. In 2005, at the age of 18, he joined the Pakistan Army and was later commissioned on October 27, 2007, from the 116th PMA Long Course, becoming the first Sikh officer to be commissioned in Pakistan after 1947.
Initially serving in the Ordnance Corps, Lt. Col. Singh later volunteered for a combat role and was posted to the 12th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment, where he served in demanding operational and border areas. Over nearly 19 years of service, he earned commendations for professionalism, leadership, and dedication.
His promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, approved after rigorous selection board evaluations in late 2025, reflects the Pakistan Army’s merit-based system where performance alone determines advancement.
In an exclusive conversation with Nazrana Times, renowned academic Dr. Kalyan Singh Kalyan, Assistant Professor at Government College University Lahore and Pakistan’s first Sikh PhD holder in Punjabi, confirmed the promotion.

“This achievement belongs not only to Lt. Col. Harcharan Singh but to every Pakistani who believes in equality and unity,” Dr. Kalyan said. “His journey proves that faith is not a barrier in Pakistan — merit is the only standard.”
Lt. Col. Singh reportedly expressed gratitude to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, acknowledging his inclusive leadership and support for minorities in the armed forces.
Celebrations were held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, where special prayers were offered. Minority rights groups and military analysts have described the promotion as a strong message of inclusion and constitutional equality.
Lt. Col. Harcharan Singh’s rise stands as a powerful symbol of Pakistan’s diversity and shared national identity, inspiring future generations from all faiths to serve the country with pride.