Nation marks 54th martyrdom anniversary of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz

WEB DESK: The 54th martyrdom anniversary of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, recipient of Pakistan’s highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider, is being commemorated today across the country.

Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz attained martyrdom during the 1971 war while serving with the 15 Punjab Regiment, which was deployed in the Wagah–Attari sector. He took part in the historic Pul Kunjri operation, during which his unit successfully overran enemy positions and secured the area.

According to military accounts, intense fighting marked the operation. When his machine gun was knocked out during the battle, Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz continued advancing towards enemy defences without hesitation. In a display of exceptional bravery, he stormed an enemy bunker, engaged in hand-to-hand combat and neutralised an opposing soldier. Despite sustaining fatal injuries after being attacked with bayonets, he fought on until he embraced martyrdom on the night of December 17–18, 1971.

His courage left such a deep impression that the enemy commander reportedly acknowledged his gallantry while handing over his body, which was wrapped in the Pakistani flag.

On the occasion, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid rich tribute to the fallen hero. In their separate messages, the service chiefs described Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed as a timeless example of bravery, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the defence of the country.

They said his sacrifice continues to inspire generations of Pakistanis and members of the armed forces, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty at all costs.

To mark the anniversary, a special prayer ceremony was held at Mahfuzabad in Kahuta, where the martyr is laid to rest. Major General Akif Iqbal laid a floral wreath at the grave and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul.