The Pakistan Army, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and services chiefs paid tribute to Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, on his 52nd martyrdom anniversary, the military said in a statement.
During the Indo-Pak war of 1971, Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz exhibited extraordinary bravery, silencing enemy guns without fear. Despite injuries, he leapt forward and successfully subdued an Indian machine gunner, ultimately eliminating the threat.
“The courageous actions of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed on the battlefield is an example to be emulated by all defenders of the motherland,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
It said that these shining stars of Pakistan who laid down their lives for the security of the country undoubtedly deserve honour and respect.
"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 statement concluded.
The marking the 52nd Martyrdom Day of Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfouz Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), various mosques across the nation hosted Quran khawanis and prayers.
The day commenced with devout recitations from the holy book Quran and prayers echoing through the mosques. Scholars led special prayers, seeking the elevation of the martyr's status and expressing profound respect for the sacrifice made in service to the motherland.
Emphasizing the significance of honoring those who laid down their lives for the country, scholars asserted, "The soldiers of the Pakistan Army, who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the motherland, deserve utmost respect and honor."
Reflecting on the broader impact of such sacrifices, the Islamic scholars acknowledged, "Thanks to the great sacrifices of the martyrs of Pakistan, our country stands stable today." They underscored the importance of remembering and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers.
"The blood of the martyrs is a debt we owe," remarked the scholars, emphasizing the indebtedness of the nation to those who gave their lives for its stability and security.
The scholars conveyed, "Living nations do not forget the kindness of their benefactors." They further emphasized the perpetual nature of the sacrifices, stating, "Martyrs live forever."
Paying tribute to Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfouz Shaheed, the scholars described him as a "brave son of the earth who will always live in every heart." They emphasized that the sacrifices of such individuals serve as a source of pride for the nation, contributing to its stability and greatness.
The scholars declared, "The sacrifices of the nation's martyrs are signs of national stability and greatness, of which the nation is rightly proud." The day served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of those who gave their lives in the service of their country.
Who was Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz?
Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz was born on October 15, 1944, in Pind Malakan, a villiage in Rawalpindi. He was enrolled in the Pakistan Army on October 25, 1962. After training, he joined the 15th Punjab Regiment.
During the 1971 war, Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz was part of the Pul Kanjry operation in the Wahga-Attari sector.
On the night of December 17, while capturing the objective, his company was halted at about 70 metres short of Indian positions.
His machine gun was destroyed due to enemy shelling so he took another machine gun from a martyred soldier and effectively engaged an Indian machine gunner who was inflicting heavy causalities on his company.
Muhammad Mehfooz was critically injured and his machine gun was destroyed. Unruffled by his wounds, he leapt forward and strangulated the enemy to death and he was bayonetted to martyrdom by another enemy soldier from the same bunker.
The next morning, a ceasefire was ordered and the enemy commander himself praised the martyr while handing over his body.
Acknowledging his chivalry, then-Indian commander Lieutenant Colonel Puri said, “during my entire service, I have never seen such a courageous being. Had he been in my force, I would have recommended him for the highest gallantry award.”
