Pakistan pays tribute to Major Tufail Muhammad on his 67th martyrdom anniversary

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): The 67th martyrdom anniversary of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed today.

Born on July 22, 1914, in Hoshiarpur, a city in East Punjab, Major Tufail Muhammad devoted his life to defending his country.

In August 1958, during a tense period in the Lakshmipur sector of what was then East Pakistan, Major Tufail was assigned a vital mission to counter Indian military intrusion. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he led his men in a bold and strategic attack against the enemy positions.

Despite suffering serious injuries in the heat of battle, Major Tufail pressed on, refusing to retreat or relinquish command.

His courage and determination inspired his troops and played a decisive role in the success of the operation. He continued to engage the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds, having completed his mission with honour.

In recognition of his remarkable heroism and ultimate sacrifice, Major Tufail Muhammad was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military decoration.

His legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike, standing as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the depth of national loyalty.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid rich tribute to Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on his 67th martyrdom anniversary, lauding his bravery and sacrifice to safeguard the motherland.

In their separate messages, the president and the premier said that the entire nation saluted its heroes whose sacrifices guaranteed the national safety and security.

“67 years ago today, Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) sacrificed his life for the motherland while bravely fighting the enemy. The entire nation salutes his sacrifice and bravery which is a role model for the nation,” President Zardari remarked.

He said that Pakistan was safe today due to the sacrifices of these great sons and the nation paid tribute to its great heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s security.

“The nation will always remember the sacrifices of its martyrs. Pakistan is proud of its brave armed forces, which courageously confront the enemy on every front,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz, also paying tribute to Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed, said that the entire nation saluted his sacrifice and bravery.

“We pay tribute to our great heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s security. The nation will always remember the sacrifices of its martyrs. Pakistan is proud of its brave armed forces, which courageously confront the enemy on every front,” Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, along with the Armed Forces of Pakistan, solemnly commemorate the 67th martyrdom anniversary of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty while courageously engaging the enemy in the Lakshmipur sector of erstwhile East Pakistan.

“Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed displayed extraordinary bravery and unwavering resolve as he led his troops in a daring assault against enemy forces. Despite being critically wounded, he continued to fight with exceptional valour and successfully accomplished his mission. His heroic actions earned him the nation’s highest military honour—Nishan-e-Haider—a symbol of unparalleled gallantry and supreme sacrifice,’ said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement said that on this solemn occasion, the Armed Forces of Pakistan pay glowing tribute to Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed and to all martyrs who have laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Their legacy of courage, selflessness, and patriotism continues to inspire generations and stands as a beacon for all defenders of the nation.

Pakistan remains eternally indebted to its martyrs, whose sacrifices uphold the peace, stability, and sovereignty of our beloved homeland.

"We salute our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the defence of Pakistan. Their courage and devotion shall never be forgotten," rhe ISPR said.