WEB DESK: The 54th martyrdom anniversary of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, recipient of the nation’s highest military honour Nishan-e-Haider, is being commemorated across the country today with deep respect and reverence.
Major Shabbir Sharif attained martyrdom during the 1971 Pak-India war while defending a strategically vital position near the Sulemanki Headworks. Assigned the critical task of capturing and securing high ground, he demonstrated extraordinary bravery on the night of December 5 and 6 by engaging the enemy in close combat and eliminating the Company Commander of India’s 4 Jat Regiment, Major Narain Singh.
Despite intense enemy counterattacks, Major Shabbir Sharif continued to defend the captured position with unwavering resolve, reportedly destroying advancing enemy tanks with his own hands. After successfully holding the objective against repeated assaults, he embraced martyrdom on this day in 1971.
Earlier, he had also been decorated with the Sitara-e-Jurat for his gallantry in the 1965 war, further cementing his legacy as one of Pakistan’s finest soldiers.
On this occasion, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu paid glowing tributes to the fallen hero on behalf of the armed forces. They reaffirmed that Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed’s unmatched courage and devotion to duty continue to inspire generations.
In Lahore, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed to honour his sacrifice. GOC Lahore Major General Faisal Ghaffar Rana laid the floral wreath, while a Pakistan Army contingent presented a guard of honour. The ceremony was attended by civil and military officials, members of the public, and family members of the martyr.
