Nishan-e-Haider
Nishan-e-Haider or Nishan-e-Hyder (Urdu: نشان حیدر, translated as "Emblem of Haider", where Haider is the epithet of Hazrat Ali and means "Lion", abbreviated as NH) is the highest military award given by Pakistan (It is the equivalent to the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Honor under the British Honours System and the United States Honors System respectively). It was established in 1957 after Pakistan became a Republic, however, it was instituted retrospectively from Independence in 1947. It is awarded to military personnel, regardless of rank, for extraordinary bravery in combat. The award is considered to be the highest military award and has only been awarded to those who have sacrificed their life for the country. However, death of the individual during the act of extreme courage is not mandatory for qualification for Nishan-e-Haider.
Of the 11 recipients, 10 have been from the Pakistan Army, one has been from the Pakistan Air Force and no one from Pakistan Navy.
Of the 11 recipients, 10 have been from the Pakistan Army, one has been from the Pakistan Air Force and no one from Pakistan Navy.
Recipients of Nishan-e-Haider
Raja Muhammad Sarwar Khan Bhati - 1st Nishan-e-Haider holder
Raja Muhammad Sarwar Khan Bhati (1910 – 27 July 1948) (Urdu: کیپٹن محمد سرور شہید) was born in Singhori village, Tehsil Gujar Khan, District of Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. Muhammad Sarwar was a captain in the newly formed Pakistani Army. Commissioned in 1944, Punjab Regiment. In 1947, he volunteered to take part in the battalion organised by the Pakistani Army.
During the Kashmir Operations soon after the birth of Pakistan, as Company Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, Captain Sarwar launched an attack causing heavy casualties against a strongly fortified enemy position in the Uri Sector under heavy machine gun, grenade and mortar fire. But on 27 July 1948, as he moved forward with six of his men to cut their way through a barbed wire barrier, he died when his chest was riddled by a burst of heavy machine gun fire.
In recognition for his valor, Sarwar was postmumously awarded the Nishan-E-Haider, Pakistan's highest military decoration.
In addition Sarwar Shaheed College was named after his honor.
During the Kashmir Operations soon after the birth of Pakistan, as Company Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, Captain Sarwar launched an attack causing heavy casualties against a strongly fortified enemy position in the Uri Sector under heavy machine gun, grenade and mortar fire. But on 27 July 1948, as he moved forward with six of his men to cut their way through a barbed wire barrier, he died when his chest was riddled by a burst of heavy machine gun fire.
In recognition for his valor, Sarwar was postmumously awarded the Nishan-E-Haider, Pakistan's highest military decoration.
In addition Sarwar Shaheed College was named after his honor.
Naik Saif Ali Janjua - 2nd Nishan-e-Haider holder
Naik Saif Ali Khan (25 April 1922 – 26 October 1948) (Urdu: نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ) was born in Khandbaz, Tehsil Nakial, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. He was enlisted in the Royal Corps of Engineers in British Indian Army on 18 March 1941. After completing his service in the British Indian Army in 1947, he came back to his native town and started establishing Haidri Force with the support of Sardar Fateh Muhammad Karailvi. On 1st Janaury 1948, Haidri Force was raised as “Sher-e-Riasti Battalion” under the command of Lt. Col. Muhammad Sher Khan. Due to his unflinching devotion and undaunted courage, on the recognition of his dedication and commitment to the cause, he was accoladed with the rank of Naik and was made platoon commander. He set personal examples of gallantry and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy at Bhudha Khanna where his platoon was given the responsibility to defend Budha Khanna where he faced never-ending frontal and crossfire from machine guns. He defended the post with chivalry, which he established with his few jawans and repulsed many aggressive ventures by the enemy and imposed colossal losses on them. The enemy used every mean to capture the post with two companies attack and heavy Arty bombardment but with unwavering determination and passion for Martyrdom bought the enemies on their knees. Despite facing all odds, he led his jawans while setting personal example of bravery and valour and remained steadfast and unmoved on the post. During the course of action, despite being hit on his chest by Arty fire, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault. Due to severe injuries he embraced Martyrdom on 26 October 1948. On 14th March 1949, the Defence Council of Azad Jammu & Kashmir adorned him with Hilal-e-Kashmir (Posthumous) and on 30th November 1995 Government of Pakistan initiated the gazette notification to declare his Hilal-e-Kashmir equilent to Nishan-e Haider.
Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed - 3rd Nishan-e-Haider holder
Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed (1914 – 7 August 1958) (Urdu: طفیل محمد) was born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.
Mohammad was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military award and is the only person to win the award for an action outside the Indo-Pakistan Wars. In 1958, Major Tufail Muhammed was posted to East Pakistan as the Company Commander of a battalion of East Pakistan Rifles a Para military force for border security. During his command, Indian troops violating international borders captured a village in the area of Laskhmipur of East Pakistan. On August 7, 1958 Major Tufail launched an assault to force withdrawal of Indian troops from the village; He divided his men into three groups and attacked Indian troops during the dark hours of August 7. Their groups was able to reach the enemy without being detected but as the firefight started, the group came under heavy fire and Major Tufail received three bullets in his stomach. Despite being shot in stomach, he kept moving and was able to silence the incoming fire from machine gun. By tactically using grenades, Major Tufail was able to destroy key enemy posts. When he saw an enemy commander inflicting heavy casualties to his men he crawled towards enemy posting and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand battle which resulted in the killing of a commander of the Indian Army. He killed him by hitting him with his steel helmet on the face. He continued the operation with his men which resulted in the withdrawal of Indian forces. Despite being heavily injured, he called his junior officer “I have completed my duty; the enemy is on the run.” He was rushed to hospital but he embraced shahadat.
Major Muhammed Tufail was buried with full military honors in his native city Burewala. His native town has been named after him and is now known as Tufailabad. Major Muhammed Tufail was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider and he is the only person to get this award for an action outside the Indo-Pakistani wars.
Mohammad was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military award and is the only person to win the award for an action outside the Indo-Pakistan Wars. In 1958, Major Tufail Muhammed was posted to East Pakistan as the Company Commander of a battalion of East Pakistan Rifles a Para military force for border security. During his command, Indian troops violating international borders captured a village in the area of Laskhmipur of East Pakistan. On August 7, 1958 Major Tufail launched an assault to force withdrawal of Indian troops from the village; He divided his men into three groups and attacked Indian troops during the dark hours of August 7. Their groups was able to reach the enemy without being detected but as the firefight started, the group came under heavy fire and Major Tufail received three bullets in his stomach. Despite being shot in stomach, he kept moving and was able to silence the incoming fire from machine gun. By tactically using grenades, Major Tufail was able to destroy key enemy posts. When he saw an enemy commander inflicting heavy casualties to his men he crawled towards enemy posting and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand battle which resulted in the killing of a commander of the Indian Army. He killed him by hitting him with his steel helmet on the face. He continued the operation with his men which resulted in the withdrawal of Indian forces. Despite being heavily injured, he called his junior officer “I have completed my duty; the enemy is on the run.” He was rushed to hospital but he embraced shahadat.
Major Muhammed Tufail was buried with full military honors in his native city Burewala. His native town has been named after him and is now known as Tufailabad. Major Muhammed Tufail was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider and he is the only person to get this award for an action outside the Indo-Pakistani wars.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed - 4th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (1928 - September 10, 1965) (Punjabi, Urdu: عزیز بهٹی) was a Hong Kong-born Pakistan Army's Staff officer. He moved to Pakistan before it became independent in 1947, living in the village of Ladian, Kharian, Gujrat. There he enlisted with the newly formed Pakistani Army and was commissioned to the Punjab Regiment in 1950.
His father's name was Master Abdullah Bhatti, and his mother's name was Bibi Amna. Throughout his career, he was a brilliant officer and stood out in his class. He did very well at the Academy and was awarded the Sword of Honour best in his year's batch of 300 officers, and the Norman Medal. He received his honours from Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, who was later assassinated.
On 6 September 1965, as a Company Commander in the Burki area of the Lahore sector, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti choose to stay with his forward platoon under incessant artillery and tank attacks for five days and nights in the defence of the strategic BRB Canal. Throughout, undaunted by constant fire from enemy small arms, tanks and artillery. He was reorganizing his company and directing the gunners to shell the enemy positions. In order to watch every move of the enemy, he had to place himself in an elevated position, where he was exposed to Indian fury. He led his men from the front under constant attack from Indian Artillery batteries. Although he tried to counter every Indian offensive in his area, he was hit by an enemy tank shell in the chest while watching the enemy's moves, and embraced martyrdom on 10 September 1965.
He is buried at his village in Ladian in the Gujrat district. Each year, Major Bhatti is honoured in Pakistan on 6 September, also known as Defence Day of Pakistan. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, the nation's highest military award for gallantry for the exemplary courage he displayed.
His father's name was Master Abdullah Bhatti, and his mother's name was Bibi Amna. Throughout his career, he was a brilliant officer and stood out in his class. He did very well at the Academy and was awarded the Sword of Honour best in his year's batch of 300 officers, and the Norman Medal. He received his honours from Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, who was later assassinated.
On 6 September 1965, as a Company Commander in the Burki area of the Lahore sector, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti choose to stay with his forward platoon under incessant artillery and tank attacks for five days and nights in the defence of the strategic BRB Canal. Throughout, undaunted by constant fire from enemy small arms, tanks and artillery. He was reorganizing his company and directing the gunners to shell the enemy positions. In order to watch every move of the enemy, he had to place himself in an elevated position, where he was exposed to Indian fury. He led his men from the front under constant attack from Indian Artillery batteries. Although he tried to counter every Indian offensive in his area, he was hit by an enemy tank shell in the chest while watching the enemy's moves, and embraced martyrdom on 10 September 1965.
He is buried at his village in Ladian in the Gujrat district. Each year, Major Bhatti is honoured in Pakistan on 6 September, also known as Defence Day of Pakistan. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, the nation's highest military award for gallantry for the exemplary courage he displayed.
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed - 5th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (February 17, 1951 – August 20, 1971) (Urdu: راشد منہاس) was a Pilot Officer. Minhas, a newly commissioned officer at that time, is the only PAF officer to receive the highest valour award, the Nishan-e-Haider. He is also the youngest person and the shortest-serving officer to have received this award.
Rashid Minhas was born on February 17, 1951, in Karachi. A member of the established Minhas clan of Jat, he was born to a family that had settled in Gurdaspur from Jammu and Kashmir. After the creation of Pakistan, the family migrated there and lived near Sialkot. Minhas spent his early childhood in Lahore. Later, the family shifted to Rawalpindi. Minhas had his early education from St Mary's Cambridge School Rawalpindi. Later his family shifted to Karachi. Minhas was fascinated with aviation history and technology. He used to collect different models of aircraft and jets. He studied from Saint Mary's Cambridge School, Murree Road, Rawalpindi and completed his O Levels at the age of 16. He also attended St Patrick's High School, Karachi and then attended Karachi University where he studied military history and aviation history.
Having joined the air force, Minhas was commissioned on March 13, 1971, in the 51st GD(P) Course. He began training to become a pilot. On August 20 of that year, in the hour before noon, he was getting ready to take off in a T-33 jet trainer in Karachi, his second solo flight in that type of aircraft. Minhas was taxiing toward the runway when a Bengali instructor pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, signalled him to stop and then climbed into the instructor's seat. The jet took off and turned toward India.
Minhas radioed PAF Base Masroor with the message that he was being hijacked. The air controller requested that he resend his message, and he confirmed the hijacking. Later investigation showed that Rahman intended to defect to India to join his compatriots in the Bangladesh Liberation War, along with the jet trainer. In the air, Minhas struggled physically to wrest control from Rahman; each man tried to overpower the other through the mechanically linked flight controls. Some 32 miles (51 km) from the Indian border, the jet crashed near Thatta. Both men were killed.
Minhas was posthumously awarded Pakistan's top military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider, and became the youngest man and the only member of the Pakistan Air Force to win the award. Similarly, Rahman was honoured by Bangladesh with their highest military award, the Bir Sreshtho.
Minhas's Pakistan military citation for the Nishan-e-Haider states that he "forced the aircraft to crash" in order to prevent Rahman from taking the jet to India. This is the official, popular and widely known version of how Minhas died. Yawar A. Mazhar, a writer for Pakistan Military Consortium, relayed in 2004 that he spoke to retired PAF Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry about Minhas, and that he learned more details not generally known to the public. According to Mazhar, Chaudhry lead the immediate task of investigating the wreckage and writing the accident report. Chaudhry told Mazhar that he found the jet had hit the ground nose first, instantly killing Minhas in the front seat. Rahman's body, however, was not in the jet and the canopy was missing. Chaudhry searched the area and saw Rahman's body some distance behind the jet, the body found with severe abrasions from hitting the sand at a low angle and a high speed. Chaudhry thought that Minhas probably jettisoned the canopy at low altitude causing Rahman to be thrown from the cockpit because he was not strapped in. Chaudhry felt that the jet was too close to the ground at that time, too far out of control for Minhas to be able to prevent the crash.
In his memory the Pakistan Air Force base at Kamra was renamed PAF Base Minhas, often called Minhas-Kamra. In Karachi he was honoured by the naming of a main road, Rashid Minhas Road (Urdu: شاہراہ راشد منہاس). A two-rupee postage stamp bearing his image was issued by Pakistan Post in December 2003; 500,000 were printed.
Rashid Minhas was born on February 17, 1951, in Karachi. A member of the established Minhas clan of Jat, he was born to a family that had settled in Gurdaspur from Jammu and Kashmir. After the creation of Pakistan, the family migrated there and lived near Sialkot. Minhas spent his early childhood in Lahore. Later, the family shifted to Rawalpindi. Minhas had his early education from St Mary's Cambridge School Rawalpindi. Later his family shifted to Karachi. Minhas was fascinated with aviation history and technology. He used to collect different models of aircraft and jets. He studied from Saint Mary's Cambridge School, Murree Road, Rawalpindi and completed his O Levels at the age of 16. He also attended St Patrick's High School, Karachi and then attended Karachi University where he studied military history and aviation history.
Having joined the air force, Minhas was commissioned on March 13, 1971, in the 51st GD(P) Course. He began training to become a pilot. On August 20 of that year, in the hour before noon, he was getting ready to take off in a T-33 jet trainer in Karachi, his second solo flight in that type of aircraft. Minhas was taxiing toward the runway when a Bengali instructor pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, signalled him to stop and then climbed into the instructor's seat. The jet took off and turned toward India.
Minhas radioed PAF Base Masroor with the message that he was being hijacked. The air controller requested that he resend his message, and he confirmed the hijacking. Later investigation showed that Rahman intended to defect to India to join his compatriots in the Bangladesh Liberation War, along with the jet trainer. In the air, Minhas struggled physically to wrest control from Rahman; each man tried to overpower the other through the mechanically linked flight controls. Some 32 miles (51 km) from the Indian border, the jet crashed near Thatta. Both men were killed.
Minhas was posthumously awarded Pakistan's top military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider, and became the youngest man and the only member of the Pakistan Air Force to win the award. Similarly, Rahman was honoured by Bangladesh with their highest military award, the Bir Sreshtho.
Minhas's Pakistan military citation for the Nishan-e-Haider states that he "forced the aircraft to crash" in order to prevent Rahman from taking the jet to India. This is the official, popular and widely known version of how Minhas died. Yawar A. Mazhar, a writer for Pakistan Military Consortium, relayed in 2004 that he spoke to retired PAF Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry about Minhas, and that he learned more details not generally known to the public. According to Mazhar, Chaudhry lead the immediate task of investigating the wreckage and writing the accident report. Chaudhry told Mazhar that he found the jet had hit the ground nose first, instantly killing Minhas in the front seat. Rahman's body, however, was not in the jet and the canopy was missing. Chaudhry searched the area and saw Rahman's body some distance behind the jet, the body found with severe abrasions from hitting the sand at a low angle and a high speed. Chaudhry thought that Minhas probably jettisoned the canopy at low altitude causing Rahman to be thrown from the cockpit because he was not strapped in. Chaudhry felt that the jet was too close to the ground at that time, too far out of control for Minhas to be able to prevent the crash.
In his memory the Pakistan Air Force base at Kamra was renamed PAF Base Minhas, often called Minhas-Kamra. In Karachi he was honoured by the naming of a main road, Rashid Minhas Road (Urdu: شاہراہ راشد منہاس). A two-rupee postage stamp bearing his image was issued by Pakistan Post in December 2003; 500,000 were printed.
Major Shabbir Sharif Rana - 6th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (April 28, 1943 - December 6, 1971) (Urdu: شبیر شریف رانا) was a Pakistani officer who received both the Sitara-e-Jurat and Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery.
Sharif was born April 28, 1943 in Kunjah, Gujrat District to Major(r) Muhammad Sharif. Completed his O Levels from St. Anthony's High School, Lahore and while he was at Government College Lahore that he received a call to join Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army on April 19, 1964 and after successfully completing his training, including a receipt of Sword of Honor, he was posted to the 6th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment.
It was on December 3, 1971, that he was commanding a company of 6 FF Regiment near Sulemanki Headwork when he was assigned the task of capturing the high bund (ground) overlooking the Gurmukh Khera and Beriwala villages in the Sulemanki sector. These points were defended by more than a company of Indian Army's Assam Regiment which was supported by a squadron of tanks.
To attain his objective, Major Sharif had to go through an enemy minefield and swim across a 30-feet wide and 10 feet deep defensive canal, which he accomplished under heavy artillery and automatic fire. Leading his company, he launched a frontal attack and succeeded in driving the enemy out of its fortified trenches by dusk on December 3. A total of 43 enemy soldiers were killed in this well-nigh superhuman action, and another 28 were taken prisoners. Moreover, four enemy tanks were also destroyed.
For the next three days and nights, the enemy launched repeated counter-attacks. These were repulsed by Major Sharif who held his vantage position on the high bund (ground), holding two enemy battalions at bay. During one of the enemy attacks, Major Sharif jumped out of his trench on the night between December 5 and 6, killed the enemy Company Commander of 4 Jat Regiment and recovered important documents from him.
During another attack in the afternoon of December 6, Major Sharif took over an anti tank gun from his gunner, and while engaging enemy armor, he was killed in action by a direct hit from an enemy tank. At the time of his Shahadat he was 28 years old and his only son was a year old.
Sharif was born April 28, 1943 in Kunjah, Gujrat District to Major(r) Muhammad Sharif. Completed his O Levels from St. Anthony's High School, Lahore and while he was at Government College Lahore that he received a call to join Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army on April 19, 1964 and after successfully completing his training, including a receipt of Sword of Honor, he was posted to the 6th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment.
It was on December 3, 1971, that he was commanding a company of 6 FF Regiment near Sulemanki Headwork when he was assigned the task of capturing the high bund (ground) overlooking the Gurmukh Khera and Beriwala villages in the Sulemanki sector. These points were defended by more than a company of Indian Army's Assam Regiment which was supported by a squadron of tanks.
To attain his objective, Major Sharif had to go through an enemy minefield and swim across a 30-feet wide and 10 feet deep defensive canal, which he accomplished under heavy artillery and automatic fire. Leading his company, he launched a frontal attack and succeeded in driving the enemy out of its fortified trenches by dusk on December 3. A total of 43 enemy soldiers were killed in this well-nigh superhuman action, and another 28 were taken prisoners. Moreover, four enemy tanks were also destroyed.
For the next three days and nights, the enemy launched repeated counter-attacks. These were repulsed by Major Sharif who held his vantage position on the high bund (ground), holding two enemy battalions at bay. During one of the enemy attacks, Major Sharif jumped out of his trench on the night between December 5 and 6, killed the enemy Company Commander of 4 Jat Regiment and recovered important documents from him.
During another attack in the afternoon of December 6, Major Sharif took over an anti tank gun from his gunner, and while engaging enemy armor, he was killed in action by a direct hit from an enemy tank. At the time of his Shahadat he was 28 years old and his only son was a year old.
Sawar Muhammad Hussain Janjua - 7th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Sawar Muhammad Hussain Janjua (18 June 1949 - 10 December 1971) (Urdu: محمد حسین) was born in Janjua family of Dhok Pir Bakhsh now Dhok Muhammad Hussain Janjua named after him in commemoration of his Gallantry near Jatli in Gujar Khan on June 18, 1949. He joined Pakistan Army as a driver on September 3, 1966 at a very young age of 17 years. Although he was only a driver he always yearned to participate in active battle.
At the time of 1971 war between India and Pakistan he was attached with an old army unit known as “20 Lancers”. While his unit was engaged in the frontline area of Zafarwal-Shakargarh, he himself never missed an opportunity of taking over a machine-gun and firing on the enemy, unmindful of any danger. It was on December 5, 1971 that while braving intense shelling and direct fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he went from trench to trench delivering ammunition to the frontline soldiers. It was documented by his company men that on the following day, he went out with four fighting patrols and undertook most hazardous missions. However, it was on December 10, 1971 that he spotted the enemy digging in near village Harar Khurd along the minefield laid out by Pakistan Army. He thus immediately informed the second- in-command of his unit. But simultaneously he moved, on his own initiative, from one anti-tank gun to another directing the crew to fire accurately at enemy tanks. On the same day, at 04:00 pm, while directing fire from one of the recoilless rifles, he was hit on the chest by a burst of machine-gun fire from an enemy tank and thus died in action.
Sawar Muhammad Hussain had the distinction of being the first Jawan a rank of foot soldier in Pakistan Army to be awarded Nishan-e-Haider for his gallantry.
At the time of 1971 war between India and Pakistan he was attached with an old army unit known as “20 Lancers”. While his unit was engaged in the frontline area of Zafarwal-Shakargarh, he himself never missed an opportunity of taking over a machine-gun and firing on the enemy, unmindful of any danger. It was on December 5, 1971 that while braving intense shelling and direct fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he went from trench to trench delivering ammunition to the frontline soldiers. It was documented by his company men that on the following day, he went out with four fighting patrols and undertook most hazardous missions. However, it was on December 10, 1971 that he spotted the enemy digging in near village Harar Khurd along the minefield laid out by Pakistan Army. He thus immediately informed the second- in-command of his unit. But simultaneously he moved, on his own initiative, from one anti-tank gun to another directing the crew to fire accurately at enemy tanks. On the same day, at 04:00 pm, while directing fire from one of the recoilless rifles, he was hit on the chest by a burst of machine-gun fire from an enemy tank and thus died in action.
Sawar Muhammad Hussain had the distinction of being the first Jawan a rank of foot soldier in Pakistan Army to be awarded Nishan-e-Haider for his gallantry.
Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed - 8th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Major Muhammad Akram (4 April 1938 – 15th December 1971 ) (Urdu: محمد اکرم) was a Pakistan Army officer. Akram was born in Dinga Village, District of Gujrat, Punjab, while he belonged to the village of Nakka Kalan in the district of Jhelum. Ethnically, he belonged to Awan tribe of Pakistan. In 1959, Akram was accepted in Pakistan Military Academy and graduated from there in 1963. He gained a commissioned in 1963 as part of the Frontier Force Regiment. Akram participated in 1965 Indo-Pak September War as a Captain where he led several successful military operations against Indian Army. Stationed in Lahore, Akram, while commanded, a small company led several decisive operations against the Indian Armed Forces.
In 1969, Akram was promoted as Major. During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the 4th FF Regiment, which Akram commanded, was placed in the forward area of the Hilli district, in what was then East Pakistan. The regiment came under continuous and heavy air, artillery and armour attacks from the Indian Army. For an entire fortnight, despite enemy superiority in both numbers and firepower, Akram and his men repulsed every attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Akram died during this battle.
Major Muhammad Akram was buried in village Boaldar,Thana/Upozila-Hakimpur(Banglahilly),District-Dinajpur. There is a monument, Major Akram Shaheed Memorial, in the midst of Jhelum city. He is called hero of Hilli. Anjum Sultan Shahbaz famous writer and historian has mentioned him in the book Tareekh-e-Jhelum and Shohdai Jhelum.
In 1969, Akram was promoted as Major. During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the 4th FF Regiment, which Akram commanded, was placed in the forward area of the Hilli district, in what was then East Pakistan. The regiment came under continuous and heavy air, artillery and armour attacks from the Indian Army. For an entire fortnight, despite enemy superiority in both numbers and firepower, Akram and his men repulsed every attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Akram died during this battle.
Major Muhammad Akram was buried in village Boaldar,Thana/Upozila-Hakimpur(Banglahilly),District-Dinajpur. There is a monument, Major Akram Shaheed Memorial, in the midst of Jhelum city. He is called hero of Hilli. Anjum Sultan Shahbaz famous writer and historian has mentioned him in the book Tareekh-e-Jhelum and Shohdai Jhelum.
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed - 9th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed (October 25, 1944 - December 17, 1971) was born in Jat family of Pind Malikan now Mahfuzabad in Rawalpindi District on October 25, 1944. Muhammad Mahfuz joined Pakistan Army on October 25, 1962 as an infantry soldier.
At the time of India-Pakistan War of 1971, Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was serving in Company “A” of 15 Punjab Regiment deployed on the Wagah-Attari Sector. On the night of December 17–18, his company was assigned the task of occupying Phul Kanjri village located in the same sector. Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was assigned to Platoon No. 3, which was designated as the forward unit in the assault. Thus this Platoon had to face torrential volleys of enemy fire from concrete Pill boxes. When the entire Company “A” was about 70 yards from the Indian position, it was pinned down by an unceasing frontal and cross fire from automatic weapons. On top of that the enemy artillery also opened up its fire with the break of dawn. Mahfuz, whose machine-gun was destroyed by an enemy shell, charged towards the Indian defences. Muhammad Mahfuz advanced towards an enemy bunker whose automatic fire had inflicted heavy casualties. Even though wounded in both legs by shell splinters, when he reached the bunker he stood up and pounced on the enemy, in the encounter he was hit with a bayonet. Although unarmed, he got hold of the enemy but suffered another bayonet wound while trying to strangle an Indian soldier. Due to serious injuries he died on the night of 17 December 1971. He was buried in his hometown Pindi Malikan with full military honors. He was posthumously awarded Nishan-e-Haider for the supreme sacrificed by him. A garrison of Pakistan Army has been named after in Lahore which is known as Mehfuz Shaheed Garrison.
At the time of India-Pakistan War of 1971, Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was serving in Company “A” of 15 Punjab Regiment deployed on the Wagah-Attari Sector. On the night of December 17–18, his company was assigned the task of occupying Phul Kanjri village located in the same sector. Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was assigned to Platoon No. 3, which was designated as the forward unit in the assault. Thus this Platoon had to face torrential volleys of enemy fire from concrete Pill boxes. When the entire Company “A” was about 70 yards from the Indian position, it was pinned down by an unceasing frontal and cross fire from automatic weapons. On top of that the enemy artillery also opened up its fire with the break of dawn. Mahfuz, whose machine-gun was destroyed by an enemy shell, charged towards the Indian defences. Muhammad Mahfuz advanced towards an enemy bunker whose automatic fire had inflicted heavy casualties. Even though wounded in both legs by shell splinters, when he reached the bunker he stood up and pounced on the enemy, in the encounter he was hit with a bayonet. Although unarmed, he got hold of the enemy but suffered another bayonet wound while trying to strangle an Indian soldier. Due to serious injuries he died on the night of 17 December 1971. He was buried in his hometown Pindi Malikan with full military honors. He was posthumously awarded Nishan-e-Haider for the supreme sacrificed by him. A garrison of Pakistan Army has been named after in Lahore which is known as Mehfuz Shaheed Garrison.
Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed - 10th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (1 January 1970 – July 5, 1999) (Urdu: کرنل شیر خان) was a Pashtun Pakistan Army officer born in Nawan Killi, a village in Swabi District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Karnal is a localised form of Colonel. Karnel Sher Khan's home village of Nawan Kali ("New Village") has now been named after him as Karnal Sher Killi ("Village of Karnal Sher Khan").
After completing his intermediate schooling at the Government College Swabi, he joined the Pakistan Air Force as an airman. On completion of his training, he was appointed electric fitter (aeronautical) at Risalpur. During these years he applied twice for commission in the Pakistan Army as a Commissioned Officer. He succeeded the second time. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, in November 1992 and graduated in the 90th Long Course in 1994. His first posting was at Okara in 27th Sindh Regiment. Always smiling as a devoted soldier, he was fondly called Shera (Lion) and was very popular among his officers and colleagues. In January 1998 he volunteered to serve at the LoC in Kashmir, he was posted in 12 Northern Light Infantry (NLI).
Captain Karnal Sher Khan emerged as the symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control (LoC). He set personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He defended the five strategic posts, which he established with his Jawan's at the height of some 17,000 feet at Gultary, and repulsed many Indian attacks. After many abortive attempts, the enemy on July 5 ringed the post of Capt. Sher Khan with the help of two battalion and unleashed heavy Mortar firing and managed to capture some part of the post. Despite facing all odds, he lead a counter-attack and tried to re-capture the lost parts. But during the course he was hit by the machine-gun fire and embraced Shahadat or martyrdom at the same post. He is the first officer from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province to be awarded with Nishan-e-Haider.
After completing his intermediate schooling at the Government College Swabi, he joined the Pakistan Air Force as an airman. On completion of his training, he was appointed electric fitter (aeronautical) at Risalpur. During these years he applied twice for commission in the Pakistan Army as a Commissioned Officer. He succeeded the second time. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, in November 1992 and graduated in the 90th Long Course in 1994. His first posting was at Okara in 27th Sindh Regiment. Always smiling as a devoted soldier, he was fondly called Shera (Lion) and was very popular among his officers and colleagues. In January 1998 he volunteered to serve at the LoC in Kashmir, he was posted in 12 Northern Light Infantry (NLI).
Captain Karnal Sher Khan emerged as the symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control (LoC). He set personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He defended the five strategic posts, which he established with his Jawan's at the height of some 17,000 feet at Gultary, and repulsed many Indian attacks. After many abortive attempts, the enemy on July 5 ringed the post of Capt. Sher Khan with the help of two battalion and unleashed heavy Mortar firing and managed to capture some part of the post. Despite facing all odds, he lead a counter-attack and tried to re-capture the lost parts. But during the course he was hit by the machine-gun fire and embraced Shahadat or martyrdom at the same post. He is the first officer from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province to be awarded with Nishan-e-Haider.
Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaahed - 11th Nishan-e-Haider holder
Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaahed (1 April 1967 – 7 July 1999) (Urdu: حوالدار لالک جان شہید) was born in Yasin, in the Ghizer District, of the Northern Areas of Pakistan now called Gilgit-Baltistan. After school he joined the Pakistan Army, and reached the rank of Havaldar.
As a junior officer in the Northern Light Infantry, Jan fought against India in the Kargil War of 1999. He volunteered to be deployed on the front lines and drove back a number of attacks by the Indian army. Havaldar Lalak Jan of the Northern Light Infantry (NLI) was one of those many who as a junior leader fought from the forefront to thwart heavy Indian attacks. He volunteered himself to be deployed on the front positions located at the jagged peak in May 1999. Havaldar Lalak driven back many aggressive ventures by the enemy and imposed colossal losses on them. On July 7,1999 Havaldar Lalak sustained serious injuries as enemies pounded the area with heavy mortar shelling. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian Army. On 15 September 1999, the commanding officer of 12th NLI sent two Special Service Group Comando groups to Tiger Hills to recover the body of Lalak Jan. The two forces were designated 'Ababeel' and 'Uqaab' (Eagle). Ababeel provided the fire cover while Uqaab went into the destroyed enemy bunker to retrieve the body of Lalak Jan. When his body was found, Havaldar Lalak Jan had his AK-47 firmly clenched to his chest. Havaldar Lalak was awarded with the Nishan-i-Haider for his dauntless courage and devotion.
As a junior officer in the Northern Light Infantry, Jan fought against India in the Kargil War of 1999. He volunteered to be deployed on the front lines and drove back a number of attacks by the Indian army. Havaldar Lalak Jan of the Northern Light Infantry (NLI) was one of those many who as a junior leader fought from the forefront to thwart heavy Indian attacks. He volunteered himself to be deployed on the front positions located at the jagged peak in May 1999. Havaldar Lalak driven back many aggressive ventures by the enemy and imposed colossal losses on them. On July 7,1999 Havaldar Lalak sustained serious injuries as enemies pounded the area with heavy mortar shelling. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian Army. On 15 September 1999, the commanding officer of 12th NLI sent two Special Service Group Comando groups to Tiger Hills to recover the body of Lalak Jan. The two forces were designated 'Ababeel' and 'Uqaab' (Eagle). Ababeel provided the fire cover while Uqaab went into the destroyed enemy bunker to retrieve the body of Lalak Jan. When his body was found, Havaldar Lalak Jan had his AK-47 firmly clenched to his chest. Havaldar Lalak was awarded with the Nishan-i-Haider for his dauntless courage and devotion.