President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid rich tribute to Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed on his 67th martyrdom anniversary.
In their separate messages, they said entire nation salutes the sacrifice and bravery of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan is secure today due to the sacrifices of these great heroes. He said nation will always remember the sacrifices of martyrs. Prime Minister said Pakistan is proud of its brave armed forces who are courageously confronting the enemy on every front.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI (M), and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, NI (M) 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).
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.
Major Tufail Muhammad was born in 1914 at Hoshiarpur (now part of Indian Punjab). He got his commission in 1943 and joined the Punjab Regiment. At the time of partition, he opted to come to Pakistan, and thereafter he joined Pakistan Army, and got his first posting to 1/16 Punjab Regiment (later re-designated as 13 Punjab). During his professionally exceptional career, he served on several instructional and command appointments.
In 1958, Major Tufail Muhammed was posted to East Pakistan as a company commander in a border militia battalion of East Pakistan Rifles (EPR). During his tenure of duty, the Indian troops infiltrated into Pakistani territory through the Pathoria Forest and captured a village in the area of Lakshmipur on the Pakistani side of the border.
He was assigned to launch an offensive against Indian forces in the area of Lakshmipur. Major Tufail Muhammad faced heavy resistance from enemy but carried on with his mission and embraced martyrdom on this day in 1958. He was awarded Pakistan’s highest military award Nishan-e-Haider for his courage and bravery.