ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 78th martyrdom anniversary.
“Captain Sarwar set an eternal example of duty, courage, and patriotism by sacrificing his life for the freedom of Kashmir,” said the president, according to a press release issued by President’s House on Monday.
The president said, “Captain Sarwar wrote a chapter in the nation's history that future generations will always remember with respect and pride.”
“The martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the defense of Pakistan are among the nation's most precious assets,” the president said.
President Zardari said, “Captain Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of Pakistan's Nishan-e-Haider, will forever be remembered among the nation's great sons who set an unforgettable example of sacrifice for the country.”
PM pays tribute
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Captain Sarwar on behalf of the entire nation to his bravery, selfless loyalty to the homeland, and extraordinary courage, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday.
“The entire nation pays homage to his unparalleled and supreme sacrifice in the defense of the country,” the prime minister said.
Sharif said, “Captain Sarwar embraced martyrdom on 27 July 1948 during the First Kashmir War, fighting the enemy with historic and exemplary courage in the cause of the liberation of Kashmir.”
“Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed was the first Pakistani to be awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, the nation's highest military gallantry award, in recognition of his sacrifice for the motherland,” the prime minister said.
Sharif said, “Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed made history by confronting the enemy on the battlefield with an exceptional sense of duty, courage, bravery, and outstanding professional military leadership and strategy.”
“Brave sons like Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed are our pride and the guarantee of Pakistan's impregnable defense,” the prime minister said.
Sharif said, “Through his courage, valor, and steadfastness, Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed proved that the entire nation stands united like a wall of steel in the defense of the homeland.”
“Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed's patriotism, devotion to duty, and immortal sacrifice on the battlefield will continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations,” the prime minister said.
“The entire nation is proud of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed and all the brave martyrs who laid down their precious lives in defense of the motherland,” the prime minister said in his message.
Military leadership pays tribute
Pakistan's military leadership on Monday paid tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the country's first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, on the 78th anniversary of his martyrdom, honoring his courage and sacrifice during the First Kashmir War.
In a statement, the military's media wing said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, chief of the Army Staff and chief of Defence Forces, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and the armed forces commemorated the anniversary by paying rich tribute to the fallen officer's "unparalleled courage, unwavering commitment and supreme sacrifice in the defense of the nation.”
The ISPR said Captain Muhammad Sarwar embraced martyrdom on July 27, 1948, during the First Kashmir War at Tilpatra in Azad Kashmir while leading his troops from the front.
He became the first Pakistani to be awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, the country's highest military honor, for displaying extraordinary courage, exceptional tactical brilliance and unwavering devotion to duty.
The statement described his sacrifice as a timeless symbol of courage, resilience and selfless devotion to the nation, saying it continues to inspire present and future generations to uphold the highest principles of duty, honor and patriotism.
“The people and Armed Forces of Pakistan pay profound tribute to his enduring legacy with the deepest respect and gratitude,” the ISPR said.