Abdul Rahim Khan

World War II and Air Force Career

Abdul Rahim Khan was born in Rawalpindi, Punjab, British India on 25 July 1925. He hailed from a Punjabi-Pathan family.

He joined the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) and gained commissioned as F/O in 1943. He participated in the RIAF's bombing missions against Japan in the Burma theater in World War II. After the independence of Pakistan as a result of partition of India on 14 August 1947, he opted for Pakistan and joined the newly established Pakistan Air Force while taking up the instructor position in the Air Force Academy. In 1950s, he was sent to United Kingdom where he attended the Imperial Defense College where he graduated with a staff course degree. He later went to the United States to attend the staff college and underwent to complete a pilot's training on the jet aircraft.

In 1952, he earned distinction and notability when he broke the sound barrier; thus becoming the first Pakistani pilot to fly at a speed faster than sound. Upon returning to Pakistan, he was given the command of No. 11 Squadron Arrows, the only squadrons composed with jet fighters. In addition he also commanded the No. 9 Squadron Griffins.

His command assignment included his role as commandant of the Air War College and AOC of Masroor Air Force Base in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

In 1965, Air Cdre Khan was appointed as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff of Air Operations (ACAS(Ops)) and participated in detailing the air operations during in the second war with India.

Air Commander-in-Chief

On 1 September 1 1969, Air Cdre Khan was promoted to three-star rank, Air Marshal, was appointed Commander in Chief of Pakistan Air Force, serving under President Yahya Khan. During this time, he paid a visit to China to strengthened military relations between two nations.

In 1971, AM Khan led the PAF during the third war with India, and is noted for making leading the air force in making minimum aerial contact with the Indian Air Force. About the aerial missions, AM Khan reportedly marked: "Well, I suppose we did not commit any major blunders." He issued directives of banning the Bengali pilots flying for the bombing missions after a one pilot attempted to defect to India, but the attempt was made unsuccessful by the second pilot.

After the Indian Navy's second attack on Karachi, AM Khan refused to make further retaliation against the Indian Navy and reportedly told the Pakistan Navy's Commander in Chief Vice-Admiral Muzaffar Hassan: "Well, old boy, this happens in war. I am sorry your ships have been sunk. We shall try to do something in the future."

Air Mshl Khan played a critical and pivotal role in turning over the President Yahya Khan's administration and helped Zulfikar Ali Bhutto assuming the presidency on 20 December 1971. Air Mshl Khan became to known and gained reputation as the strongest military influence in the country.

On 2 March 1972, President Bhutto dismissed Air Mshl Khan and Lt.Gen Gul Hassan Khan from their respective commands in an allegations of obstructing the hearings of the Hamoodur Rahman Commission. President Bhutto leveled charges on him of "Bonaparte" actions, and replaced with him Air Marshal Zafar Chaudhry who was appointed as first chief of air staff– thus making him the last commander in chief of the air force.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Spain

On 11 March 1972, President Bhutto, instead, posted him in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and appointed him as the designated Pakistan Ambassador to Spain, alongside with Lieutenant-General Gul Hassan Khan who was sent as Ambassador to Austria.

He presented his diplomatic credentials to Juan Carlos I in Barcelona but his tenureship remained until 13 April 1977 when he resigned in protest against the allegations of riggings during the general elections held in 1977. He immediately appealed and called for Pakistani military to forcefully removed Prime Minister Bhutto.

Death, personal life, and image

After the military takeover of civilian government by General Zia-ul-Haq, the Chief of Army Staff, Abdul Rahim left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and moved to United States, obtaining a Green Card for the permanent settlement. He bought a house in Potomac, Maryland and lived until his death due to the Kidney failure on 28 February 1990, where he was buried.

Abdul Rahim Khan was married to Princess Mehrunissa Khan, the only child of the beloved but unofficial third queen of the Nawab of Rampur. They were married in London when Rahim Khan was serving in the Air Force as Group Captain (Col.).

Abdul Rahim Khan was described as "soft‐spoken" and was fond of golf and polo, having fond of Indian culture, and avoided making slighting remarks about his Indian adversaries.