Lahore (Web Desk): The 24th Shahadat (martyrdom) anniversary of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider was observed on Wednesday.
Captain Karnal Sher Khan was born in district Swabi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in 1970. He is one of the ten recipients of country`s highest military award, Nishan-e-Haider.
During the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control (LoC) in 1999, he emerged as the symbol of courage and inflicted heavy losses on the Indian forces while defending the five strategic posts at the height of 17,000 feet in Gultray.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, Commander Peshawer Corps along with Inspector General Frontier Corps (North) and Commander Force Command Northern Areas laid floral wreath at Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed’s mausoleum in his native town Swabi.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour.
People from different walks of life, civil and military officials and relatives of ‘Shuhada’ attended the wreath-laying ceremony.
PM Shehbaz, Armed Forces, CJCSC and Services Chiefs pay tribute to Capt Karnal Sher Khan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Armed Forces of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and Services Chiefs on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to Capt Karnal Sher Khan shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 24th martyrdom anniversary.
Paying tribute to the Kargil war hero, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed was such a brave son of Pakistan whose courage, valour and bravery were confessed by the enemy itself.
In a statement issued by the PM office the premier said that the nation salutes to all the martyrs including Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed.
"Captain Karnal Sher Khan turned into a lion like his name and pounced on the enemy chasing it away from the borders of the motherland," the premier said.
He said Captain Sher Khan paid his duty of safeguarding the country at 17000 feet height and sacrificed his life for the sake of the country.
"The nation is indebted to its martyrs and it will continue to pray for the elevation of ranks of their souls", he said.
PM Shehbaz said that Captain Karnal Sher Khan along with his soldiers defended the border of Pakistan despite being outnumbered by the enemy, the prime minister added.
He deplored that on May 9, black history was written by desecrating the memorials and statues of Captain Karnal Sher Khan and other martyrs.
PM Shehbaz asked the young generation to get full awareness of the martyrs’ great sacrifices, bravery and undying love for the motherland.
The prime minister said the 9th May incidents conveyed the message, particularly to the enemy that we did not respect our martyrs.
“The whole nation will protect the sanctity and honour of the martyr who sacrifices his life while defending the country, and will punish the criminals.”
The prime minister said Captain Karnal Sher Khan was the first Nishan-i-Haider who belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
He also prayed for the martyred and grant of courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement said,
Paying tribute to Capt Karnal Sher Khan, His stellar leadership and courage beckon us to defend Pakistan at all cost.
"Capt Kernal Sher, Kargil War Hero, wrote history with his blood displaying utmost valour, commitment and unwavering allegiance to defend the country against all odds," the military's media wing said.
The statment said that Capt Karnal Sher Khan’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of Pakistan to defend the motherland.
"Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of our motherland. The nation is proud of its gallant sons," the ISPR said.