ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military has paid rich tribute to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider recipient, on his 61st martyrdom anniversary on Saturday, remembering the decorated officer for his exceptional courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice in defending Pakistan during the 1965 war against India.
Major Bhatti was deployed near the Bambanwala-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal on the Lahore front when India launched its offensive in September 1965.
For six days and nights, he remained at the forward position, leading his men and resisting the Indian advance despite intense fighting.
His determination became a defining episode of Pakistan's defence of the Lahore sector during the war.
A day before his martyrdom, Major Bhatti was advised to take some rest after days of continuous fighting. He was told that another officer would be sent to replace him.
He refused to leave his position.
On September 12, 1965, while observing Indian positions, Major Bhatti was struck in the chest by a shot fired from an Indian tank.
He embraced martyrdom while continuing to defend the country's frontline.
He was later awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military gallantry award, in recognition of his supreme sacrifice.
Frontline soldier
Major Bhatti's story has endured in Pakistan's military history not only because of the circumstances of his martyrdom, but because of his refusal to leave his men and position despite the prolonged fighting.
His conduct at the BRB Canal reflected the qualities for which he continues to be remembered: courage under fire, leadership from the frontline and an unwavering commitment to the defence of Pakistan.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with senior army officers, solemnly commemorated the martyrdom anniversary.
“Major Bhatti's selfless devotion to duty, unwavering courage and supreme sacrifice remain an enduring inspiration for generations,” ISPR said.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their steadfast resolve to defend the country’s sovereignty and security with the same courage, determination and spirit of sacrifice that he embodied,” it added.
Presidential tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid rich tribute to Major Bhatti on his 61st martyrdom anniversary, saying the soldier had immortalized his name in history by laying down his life while defending the motherland during the 1965 war.
In his message, President Zardari said Major Bhatti's sacrifice was a shining example of unwavering commitment to the sanctity of the homeland's soil and national defence.
He said the martyr's “matchless sacrifice and unparalleled valour” were a source of pride for the entire nation and a beacon of guidance for younger generations.
The president said Pakistan would always remember the sacrifices of its martyrs, who form the strong foundation of the country's freedom, sovereignty and national security.
He said the nation would continue to cherish the sacrifices of its brave martyrs and salute their unmatched spirit of patriotism and devotion to the country.
President Zardari said the courage and dedication displayed by Major Bhatti while defending Pakistan's frontiers would continue to inspire generations of Pakistanis.
“The entire nation salutes the martyr and all those who rendered sacrifices for the defence and integrity of the motherland,” he said.
PM Shaif lauds
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the entire nation pays heartfelt tribute to Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed.
In a message issued from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Sharif said that Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed’s invaluable sacrifice stands as a shining saga of bravery and courage in the history of the homeland's defense.
"During the 1965 war, he valiantly laid down his precious life for the motherland. In the Lahore-Burki sector, he stood firm like an impenetrable wall against the enemy and embraced martyrdom on September 12, 1965," added the statement.
PM Sharif further said that the entire nation salutes the spirit of patriotism and devotion displayed by all martyrs, especially Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed.
The statement went on to say that the soil of the homeland bears witness that its brave sons are ever ready to lay down their lives for its sanctity and defense.
"An unwavering, firm resolve to protect and defend the country runs through our very veins."
Legacy of the Nishan-e-Haider recipient
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti's name remains closely associated with the defense of Lahore during the 1965 war.
His stand at the BRB Canal and his decision to remain with his troops through sustained fighting have made him one of the most prominent figures in Pakistan's military history.
Six decades later, the Pakistan Army continues to hold up his example as a symbol of duty, courage, leadership and sacrifice.
His martyrdom anniversary is observed each year as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Pakistan's armed forces in defense of the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.