Rawalpindi : Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, solemnly commemorate the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, whose unmatched bravery and devotion to duty remain an enduring symbol of national pride.
Major Shabbir Sharif, who also earned the Sitara-e-Jurat for gallantry during the 1965 War, distinguished himself again in the 1971 War when entrusted with securing a strategically vital position near the Sulemanki Headworks. On the night of 5th / 6th December, he led his troops with exceptional courage, engaging the enemy at close quarters and eliminating Major Narain Singh, commander of the attacking 4 Jat Regiment. Throughout 6 December, he fearlessly thwarted multiple enemy counterattacks, personally taking out advancing tanks with a recoilless rifle. While steadfastly holding the captured objective and defending it against persistent assaults, he embraced martyrdom when struck by an Indian tank round.
His extraordinary leadership under fire, uncompromising commitment to the motherland, and ultimate sacrifice embody the finest traditions of the Pakistan Army. Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed’s heroism continues to illuminate the path for all who serve the nation.
The Armed Forces reaffirm their deep respect and gratitude to all martyrs whose sacrifices safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. Their legacy of courage and resilience remains eternally preserved in the nation’s collective memory.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
