Rawalpindi (Web Desk): The 53rd martyrdom anniversary of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed today (Friday).
During the Pak-India war of 1971, Major Shabbir Sharif was tasked with securing a strategically critical high ground near the Sulemanki Headworks.
On the night of December 5-6, he displayed unparalleled courage by engaging in hand-to-hand combat and eliminating Major Narain Singh, the company commander of the 4 Jat Regiment.
He valiantly repelled repeated enemy counterattacks, personally destroying advancing tanks.
Having successfully captured the objective and defended it against successive assaults, Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed embraced martyrdom on this day in 1971.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tributes to Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed on his 53rd martyrdom anniversary.
In their separate messages, they praised the courage and bravery of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed.
The president said the entire nation is proud of brave officers like Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed. He said the nation acknowledges the sacrifices of all martyrs and will never forget them
In his statement, PM Shehbaz said that the love for the homeland and the spirit of sacrificing life for the defense of the country displayed by Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed is an inspiring example for the younger generation.
He said the patriotism and sense of duty of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed rendered the enemy's numerical superiority worthless.
PM Shehbaz said that the nation can never forget the sacrifices of the brave and courageous soldiers of Pakistan Army who laid down their lives for the defense of the homeland.