Pakistan is observing Defence Day today to pay tribute to the martyrs of the country and to their sacrifices in defending its borders.
Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military gallantry award in Pakistan. It is conferred upon soldiers who perform acts of great heroism in circumstances of extreme danger and to those who demonstrate the bravery of the highest order.
Here is the list of eleven recipients of Nishan-e-Haider.
Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed
Captain Sarwar was the first person to receive Nishan-e-Haider in the history of Pakistan. He served as a Company Commander in the Uri Sector in Kashmir. He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for laying down his life during the first Pakistan-India war in 1948.
Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed
Born in 1922 in Khandbaz Tehsil Nakial (Azad Jammu & Kashmir), Naik embraced martyrdom during a battle on 26 October 1948 for which the Defence Council of Azad Jammu & Kashmir adorned him with Hilal-e-Kashmir (posthumous) the next year. In1995, the government of Pakistan declared his Hilal-e-Kashmir equivalent to Nishan-e Haider.
Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed
In 1958, the Indian Army troops occupied the Lakshmipur area in East Pakistan. Major Tufail was tasked with recapturing the occupied area. In the line of his duty, the Major launched an attack on Indian infiltrated troops and set an example of bravery and leadership. During the operation, he embraced martyrdom.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed
Born in 1928 in Hong Kong, Major Raja embraced martyrdom while defending the country during the 1965 war with India.
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed
He was commissioned as a pilot in Pakistan Air Force in 1971. The same year Pilot Officer Minhas stopped his plane from entering Indian territory. He tried to regain control of the plane but was unable to do so. Knowing that it meant certain death, he damaged the controls and forced the aircraft to crash thirty-two miles short of the border for which he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider.
Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed
Major Shabbir Sharif embraced martyrdom fifty years ago on December 6 at Sulemanki Sector during the 1971 war.
Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed
During the 1971 war, Sowar took an active part in every battle with the unit. During the battle, he was hit in the chest with machinegun fire and embraced martyrdom on 10 December 1971.
Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed
Major Akram was leading an anti-tank party in front of the forward defended locations and destroyed three tanks of the enemy. During the battle, he was hit in the chest and embraced martyrdom on 5 December 1971.
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed
During the 1971 war, Naik participated in the famous Pul Kunjry operation and captured the area. He was stabbed with bayonets and embraced martyrdom on the night of 17 December 1971. The next morning ceasefire was ordered and the enemy commander himself praised the Lance Naik while handing over his dead body wrapped in the Pakistani flag.
Captain Karnal Sher Shaheed
During Kargil War, the Captain set up personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He also chased the enemy and conducted many raids in the enemy area. During one of those raids, he went inside the enemy camp where he inflicted heavy losses. During the battle, he was hit in the chest and embraced shahadat (martyrdom) on 5 July 1999.
Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed
Like Captain Karnal Shaheed, the Havaldar embraced martyrdom during Kargil War. On 7 July 1999, he sustained serious injuries as enemies pounded the area with heavy mortar shells. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault.
