[4] He participated in World War II on the side of the United Kingdom and opted for Pakistan as an aftermath of the partition of British India in 1947.

[7] Nur Khan, however, is regarded for his sharp intelligence and outstanding management skills that largely benefited the Pakistan's military and the organizations that he presided over.

[2] Malik Nur Khan was born the son of Malik Mihr Khan, an honorary army captain and Subedar-Major of the British Indian Army in the Tamman town located in the vicinity of Talagang District in Punjab Province, British India on 22 February 1923.

[10] He served in France and Belgium with the 15th Lancers from 23 September 1914 to January 1916 (during which time he was awarded the Indian Order of Merit, 2nd class) when the regiment was transferred to Mesopotamia.

[8] Upon returning in 1942–43, he was sent to participate in the Burma campaign with the RIAF on the side of the United Kingdom, and served against the Imperial Japan in 1945.

[8] His career in the Air Force progressed well as he was posted at the AHQ in Rawalpindi as the Director of Organizations, which he remained till 1951.

He served as a F-86 Sabre program director where he oversaw the induction of the jet fighter as he played an influential role in the opposition against acquiring the F-84 Thunderjet.

[15] Before posting at the AHQ in Rawalpindi as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Air Operations) in 1957, his last field assignment included his role AOC of No.

[8] From 1958 to 1965, he served on the deputation as chairman of civilian organizations and his three-star appointment was approved by President Ayub Khan in 1965.

[clarification needed][17] However, there were suspicions regarding the secret operations undertaken by the army in the Air AHQ due to subsequent skirmishes in the eastern border.

"[17] During the war with India in 1965, Nur Khan became a national hero when he maintained an aerial supremacy against Indian IAF despite its shortcomings.

In 1967, Nur Khan volunteered to serve in the allegiance of Arab countries' Air Forces against Israel during the Six-Day War.

After the halcyon days of management at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), he made a show of his talents in sports administration.

[2] He has been widely recognized to have been a significantly positive impact on the airline, establishing the carrier on firm and profitable financial terms, while keeping it out of the Pakistan's turbulent political arena.

[23][24] During his tenure, PIA inducted its very first jetliner (a Boeing 707 leased from Pan Am) into its fleet, and by the end of his second year, had already started all-Pakistani crew flights using B707 aircraft, while simultaneously entering financial profitability for the first time in its history.

In 1974, Nur Khan was specially requested by the government of Pakistan to resume control of PIA, which further heralded relative success for the airline.

PIA's fleet expanded further to include wide-body DC-10s and Boeing 747s, and the airline's iconic Green & Gold livery was introduced.

He served as president from 1980 to 1984 and in this capacity, he helped win the hosting rights for the 1987 Cricket World Cup with India.

"[30] From 1951 to 1963, Pakistanis achieved remarkable success in Squash winning the most coveted title, the British Open, all those thirteen years.

All this led to a surfeit of world class Pakistani players in the 70s: Qamar Zaman, Gogi Allauddin, Hiddy Jahan, Mo Khan Junior and others.

[36] Nur Khan, however, was appointed Governor of West Pakistan on 1 September 1969 who made radical reforms in country's political and educational structure.

[4]: 106 [37] He supported the devolution of controversial One Unit program and oversaw its termination in 1970.: 51–52 [34] He also announced new labour and educational policy to limit the role of politics in the universities.

: 122–123 [34][38] Nur Khan was later unexpectedly replaced by Lieutenant-General on 1 July 1970 after witnessing the termination of One Unit program and tendering resignation from his renewed term in 1970 over mutual disagreement with President Yahya.