K. M. Cariappa vs Qamar Javed Bajwa

Cariappa was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services during World War II. He served in the Burma Campaign and other theaters, commanding troops.

As a senior commander, Cariappa played a key role in the military operations during the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir. He coordinated Indian forces to repel tribal invaders and secure the state's accession to India.

K. M. Cariappa was appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Sir Roy Bucher. This marked the Indianization of the army's top leadership after independence.

After retiring from the army, Cariappa served as India's High Commissioner to Australia. He focused on diplomatic relations and trade, representing India in the Commonwealth.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa was appointed as the 16th Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, succeeding General Raheel Sharif. His appointment was seen as a continuation of the military's anti-terrorism policies, and he was given an unprecedented three-year extension in 2019, making him the longest-serving army chief since Ayub Khan.

General Bajwa launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, a nationwide counter-terrorism operation aimed at eliminating residual terrorist threats and consolidating gains from previous operations. The operation involved intelligence-based raids and border management, further reducing terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

Following the Pulwama attack, India launched airstrikes on Balakot, Pakistan. General Bajwa oversaw Pakistan's military response, including the downing of two Indian aircraft and the capture of an Indian pilot. The crisis de-escalated after Pakistan returned the pilot, but tensions remained high along the Line of Control.

General Bajwa played a key role in facilitating the US-Taliban peace agreement, signed in Doha. Pakistan's military provided logistical support and pressure on the Taliban to negotiate. The deal led to the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and the subsequent Taliban takeover in 2021.