Daily Times

Napolean Bonparte said, “The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue, courage is only the second virtue.” The Pakistan Army has rendered immense sacrifices and selfless services to the country since its inception. Endurance and courage are undoubtedly synonymous with the Pakistan Army, as we know there are troops stationed on the border and the rest of the endangered zones, staying awake so we could sleep in peace. Sacrificing their sleep seems trivial to what they actually aim to sacrifice, which is their life. Better known as heroes of the country, we salute them for their patriotism, their sleepless nights, their resilience and their bravery.

Speaking of heroes, Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar’s sacrifice for his country is lauded as one of the greatest heroic acts ever recorded in the history of Pakistan. He was one of the first few martyrs who put their lives at risk when Pakistan was on the verge of formation, and disputes over land from the neighbouring territories were in full swing. Raja Muhammad Sarwar Khan Bhatti (going by his full name) was a captain in the newly formed Pakistani Army. He was born to a Rajput family in Singhori village, Tehsil Gujar Khan.

He was commissioned in 1944 and assigned to the Punjab Regiment.

In 1947, he volunteered to take part in the battalion organised by the Pakistani Army with the purpose of retaking Kashmir. His regiment managed to outflank the disorganised Indian troops and forced them to retreat out of the regions that are now known as the Northern Areas in one of the battles of the First Kashmir War.

During the Kashmir operations, as Company Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, Captain Sarwar launched an attack causing heavy casualties against a strongly fortified enemy position located in the Uri Sector. His battalion was subjected to heavy machine gun, grenade and mortar fire. On July 27, 1948, as he moved forward with six of his men to cut their way through a barbed wire barrier, he died when he was shot in the chest by heavy machine gun fire.

Captain Sarwar knew of the dangers and risks to his life when he volunteered to fight the enemy of Pakistan, but his patriotism, determination and bravery lead him to the war zone, where he fought with all his might, guided the troops stationed under him and warded off the enemy. His demise is proof that he put his country before his own safety and his family. He left behind three brothers, a sister and two children.

Shaheed Raja Sarwar Muhammad Khan was only 38 when he breathed his last in Uri, Indian-held Kashmir. He was very fond of playing football and kabbadi. He is indeed regarded as our national hero.

He had served in the Pakistan Army for 19 years until his death in 1948. In recognition of his valour and bravery, Sarwar was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, which is Pakistan’s highest military decoration. The Nishan-e-Haider (Sign of the Lion) has only been awarded to nine Pakistan Army personnel since 1947. Captain Muhammad Sarwar also received the award of Mahaz-e-Burma from the British government.

In addition to this, Sarwar Shaheed College was named in his honour. His grave is situated in Tilpatra Mountain, Uri. Sarwar Road situated in the Lahore Cantonment has been named in his honour as well.

Captain Muhammad Sarwar’s sacrifice has not been in vain; Pakistan is brave and resilient and will never succumb to enemy pressure, threats, conspiracies and attacks. We know our soldiers and the Army is there to protect our soil.