Embodying traits of kindness, humility, and open-mindedness, Sarfraz gained recognition amongst the people of Balochistan for his understanding of their issues and dedicated focus on their advancement, including women's education, supporting the youth and fostering skill development. Particularly notable was his initiative to establish two women cadet colleges in Quetta, humbly requesting the local media and authorities not to attribute or mention his involvement in the uplifting of Balochistan.[11]
Sarfraz married Arifa Sarfraz, the daughter of Major General Muhammad Arshad Chaudhary. They have two sons Ahmed Ali, Muhammad Ali, and daughter Zainab.[14] Ahmed Ali is also in the Pakistan Army and at the time of his passing was a Captain and Sarfraz's Aide-de-camp. Initially, Ahmed was supposed to be onboard but there were not enough seats.[12]
Just 10 days before the crash, Sarfraz planned his daughter Zainab's wedding ceremony and walked her down the aisle.[15]
Known for leading from the front, Sarfraz received his first Tamgha-e-Basalat in 2005 and second in 2008 for his gallantry in the war against terrorism.[17] He commanded Pakistani units during the Operation Rah-e-Rast and Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
He was appointed Commander of the XII Corps in December 2020, where he served until his death in August 2022.[20]
Commander 111th Infantry Brigade
On 12 January 2012 when Sarfraz was promoted to Brigadier and appointed as the Commander of the 111th Infantry Brigade, the Pakistani Government, Pakistani media and Indian media speculated that a Coup d'état was about to take place due to Sarfraz's posting at a time when Prime Minister Gillani had accused COASGeneral Kayani and DG ISIPasha of violating the constitution by submitting "illegal" replies against Zardari to the Supreme Court on the memogate scandal, which President Zardari sent to the White House begging the American Government to save him from the Pakistan Army.[21] The rumors started by the government and media later turned out to be false as there was no Coup d'état and just a routine change of command.[22]
While commanding the brigade, Sarfraz led the recovery efforts for the Bhoja Air Flight 213 which crashed in Rawalpindi on 20 April 2012.[23]
In July 2016, he was invited to give a speech at the Naval Postgraduate School in California to the students of the schools National Security Affairs, South Asia curriculum. He informed them about the Pakistan Army's campaign against extremism, terrorism, and securing the AFG-PAK border.[25] Sarfraz was also known for being a cook as he would prepare breakfast for fellows/unit officers who arrived from Pakistan and were posted at the embassy.[26]
While serving in this position, he was promoted to Major General on 9 February 2017.[27]
Sarfraz avoided publicity and never took credit for the work he did for Balochistan. In addition, Sarfraz was an avid reader. Moreover, colleagues state that he was humble, open-minded, and easily accessible to civilian leaders.[11]
Sarfraz focused on women's education and their skill development. He also renovated several schools in the area, notably establishing two women cadet colleges in Quetta, and requested the local authorities and media to not credit or mention him for this work.[11]
Lt Col Ahmed Nawaz adds that whenever a Pakistani soldiers funeral was brought, Sarfraz would lead the funeral prayer and his eyes would be filled with tears upon kissing the coffin of the soldier.[12][32]
According to his subordinates, Sarfraz was very kind towards them, always led from the front, and was known for being tough on soldiers who were slacking in their work.[11]
The Janaza of the victims of the crash was offered in Quetta garrison on 3 August 2022, with the COAS, CJCSC, and other high ranking army officers and politicians attending. Sarfraz was buried in Shuhada graveyard in Rawalpindi.[35]
Reactions
Domestic
Pakistan — Chairman PTI, Former Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the families of all the victims on Twitter, stating that he had found Sarfraz to be “a thorough professional and an upright, honest human being.”[36] Khan visited the home of Sarfraz on 6 August 2022 to offer condolences.[37]
Pakistan — Journalist Arshad Sharif tweeted, “Praying to Allah to protect and save the brave sons of Pakistan 🇵🇰 Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, Mj Gen Amjad, Engr Cmdr Brig Khalid, Maj Saeed (Pilot), Maj Talha (Co-Pilot), Naik Mudassir. Allah let there be a miracle to save them. Ameen.”[38]
Pakistan — Prime Minister of Pakistan tweeted, "Nation is deeply grieved on the martyrdom of Lt. General Sarfraz Ali & 5 other officers of Pakistan Army. They were doing a sacred duty of providing relief to flood affectees. Will remain eternally indebted to these sons of soil. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families!" He visited the home of Sarfraz to offer condolences on 17 August 2022.[39]
On 3 November 2022, the first Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Junior Tennis Tournament was held in Lahore which was hosted by tournament director Inam-ul-Haq.[43]
On 13 December 2022, the first Lt. General Sarfraz Shaheed Football Tournament was held in Loralai, Balochistan with the aim of the tournament to promote sports culture in the area.[44]
^"Pakistan's 'memogate' bodes ill for Zardari". 16 December 2011. The scandal revolves around a memo allegedly sent from Pakistan's political leadership via Mr Haqqani to Adm Mike Mullen seeking US help to tame the Pakistani military.
^"Written by Matiullah Jan in memory of his platoon mate Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali". Pro IQRA. 5 August 2022. Since 2014, I saw Brigadier Sarfraz with his men at the entrance of PTV clearing out the protesting crowd. If we talked about him with some mutual friends, everyone would have praised his good manners and hard work.
^"Pakistan Official Defines Challenges in Fighting Extremism". 19 July 2016. Students of NPS' National Security Affairs, South Asia curriculum and others listen to Pakistan Defence and Army Attaché Brig. Chaudhary Sarfraz Ali of the embassy of Pakistan, describe Pakistan Army's campaign against militancy and extremism and its challenges of battling homegrown terrorism as well as securing its porous border with Afghanistan.
^"Promotion of 37 brigadiers approved". dawn.com. 10 February 2017. The brigadiers promoted are Nauman Zakria, Kanwar Adnan Ahmed Khan, Syed Aamir Raza, Tariq Zameer, Tahir Gulzar Malik, Shahid Mahmood, Mohammad Asghar, Khalid Saeed, Ayman Bilal Safdar, Sarfraz Mohammad, Rafiqur Rehman, Inam Haider Malik, Salman Fayyaz Ghani, Sarfraz Ali.
^"Copter with army general on board goes missing". tribune.com.pk. 1 August 2022. General Sarfraz, the commander, southern command, was one of the contenders interviewed by former prime minister Imran Khan for the post of director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in October last year.
^"PM Imran appoints new DG ISI". dawn.com. 26 October 2021. According to experts in defence matters, the procedure for appointment of the ISI director general is neither mentioned in the Constitution nor the Army Act, and all previous appointments were made as per traditions under which the army chief proposes three names to the prime minister who then makes the final decision.
^"A Leader with a Lasting Legacy: Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali Shaheed Lieutenant". Hilal Magazine. 5 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Lieutenant General Sarfraz also held the artists of Balochistan in high regards and was always there to support them. For example, he generously helped the ailing legendary folk singer, Akhtar Chanal whereas Jangi Khan was extended free medical treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Quetta.
^"Imran condoles with family of Lt Gen Sarfraz". thenews.com.pk. 6 August 2022. ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Friday visited the residence of martyred Balochistan Corps Commander Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali and condoled with the family over his martyrdom in a helicopter crash at Lasbela. Imran Khan during the visit condoled with Captain Ahmed, the son of Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali, and other members of the family. The PTI chairman also prayed for departed soul and his higher ranks in Jannah.
^"Pakistan's US mission pays tribute to martyred soldiers". 19 August 2022. He said that besides his sterling professionalism, sagacity and vision as a general, he was an extremely humane and kind-hearted person who always helped the needy. He was equally popular in Washington also, he added. US Defence and State Departments have also expressed their condolence over the loss, the ambassador continued.
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