Forgotten Champions: Exploring the Crucial Role of Pakistan Army’s MEO and MFRO Operations during 1947-49

Abstract

The Indian partition of 1947 had significant repercussions on both the newly formed India and Pakistan. One of the major challenges that emerged was communal rioting and mass migration, leading to a refugee crisis in both countries. Pakistan, in particular, faced a daunting task as it had to accommodate a larger number of refugees compared to India, given the overwhelming Muslim population that opted for Pakistan. To address the refugee situation, the Pakistan Army took the initiative and established the Military Evacuation Organisation (MEO). The primary objective of the MEO was to clear isolated pockets of stranded Muslim evacuees in regions like East Punjab and other Muslim minority provinces. Soon after, India followed suit and created its own MEO to cope with the escalating humanitarian crisis. Remarkably, both MEOs collaborated, working jointly to execute relief and rescue operations across the borders. As part of the partition process, Muslim soldiers who chose Pakistan had to be resettled on a priority basis in areas like West Punjab and other designated regions. To safeguard the rights of these refugee soldiers and their families, the General Headquarters (GHQ) obtained permission from Quaid-i-Azam M.A. Jinnah and established the Military Families Resettlement Organisation (MFRO). This organization played a crucial role in providing support and protection to the refugee soldiers and their accompanying families. Under the guidance of the MFRO, the army launched an ambitious project known as the Thal Project. The goal was to establish military colonies in barren lands and facilitate refugee families in making these lands cultivable. The Thal Project proved to be immensely successful in transforming once barren areas into thriving agricultural lands, providing a new sense of hope and livelihood for the refugees. The present study aims to acknowledge and document the remarkable efforts undertaken by both the MEO and MFRO in extending rescue and relief operations to Muslim refugees, including the refugee soldiers and their families. Their collaborative work and dedication significantly eased the burden of the partition and offered a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity. By recognizing and appreciating their endeavors, this papaer shed light on the importance of humanitarian efforts in times of crisis and emphasize the significance of joint initiatives in addressing complex challenges.