A railway employee who lost his life while preventing a suspected suicide attack in Punjab’s Attock district has been nominated for Pakistan’s highest civil award in recognition of his bravery.
Muhammad Liaqat Ali was reportedly grazing livestock near a police checkpost in Jand tehsil, close to the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, when he noticed and intercepted a suspected suicide attacker on Monday.
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According to local officials, his quick action disrupted what was believed to be an attempt to target the nearby police post, potentially preventing a major loss of life. Liaqat was killed during the incident, but authorities and residents say his sacrifice helped avert a possible tragedy.
خودکش حملہ اور کو روکنے کے دوران شہید ہونے والے اٹک کے شہری محمد لیاقت کو پولیس اور وفاقی وزیر ریلوے محمد حنیف عباسی کا خراج عقیدت pic.twitter.com/h55oDtB0NT
— Ahmed Bhatti (@Rayahmadbhatti) May 13, 2026
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that Liaqat would be nominated for the country’s highest civil award, calling him a national hero whose sacrifice reflected extraordinary courage and patriotism.
In her statement, the chief minister said individuals like Liaqat represent the true spirit of Pakistan and set the highest example of service to the homeland.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the deceased, praising his courage and describing his sacrifice as a symbol of national unity against terrorism.
Liaqat Ali’s funeral prayers were offered at Police Lines Attock, where senior officials, local residents and a police contingent attended to honour his sacrifice.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of government support.
He announced financial compensation of Rs8 million for Liaqat’s family and said the railway ministry would continue to support them in recognition of his service and sacrifice. The deceased is survived by his widow, two sons and one daughter.
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The incident has drawn widespread praise on social media, with many Pakistanis calling for national recognition of ordinary citizens who show exceptional bravery in the face of terrorism.