LAHORE: The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) applauds the initiative taken by the government of Pakistan to rename a portion of Lawrence Road Lahore to “Cecil Chaudhry Road”.
Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry (SJ, S Bt and President’s Award for Pride of Performance) was a national hero, a highly decorated war veteran, a legend of the Pakistan Air Force, an acclaimed human rights activist, and an inspiration for all Pakistanis. He was bestowed with numerous honours from gallantry awards to equally high peace time citations for his bravery and courage.
A grand and befitting ceremony was organized by the Pakistan Air Force in which Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan paid glowing tributes to all the aspects of Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry’s life by honouring him as an ace fighter pilot of the PAF, an accomplished educationist and an acclaimed human rights activist. He ended his tribute by stating “I leave you with one last thought; there is a Cecil Chaudhry in every Pakistani, so let us bring him out in our spirits, so that the nation may reap the harvest of his courage and goodness. ”
Michelle Chaudhry, President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation and eldest among Cecil Chaudhry’s four children said, “We appreciate this initiative taken by the Chief Minister Punjab for recognizing and honouring the services rendered by our father Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry. Lawrence Road holds great significance in the life of our father as this is the road where St Anthony’s High School is located and he not only received his schooling from this school but also served as Principal of this institute for fourteen years.”
A citation was read out recognizing the services of the Group Captain to the Air Force and the country at large besides the tribute documentary by Pakistan Air Force. A plaque was unveiled by the Chief Guest which was later fixed on to prominent portion of the road. The CICF President also expressed her deep gratitude to the Pakistan Air Force for organizing the event.
