RAWALPINDI : Observes the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed today. He was a brave soldier of the Pakistan Army and a proud son of the 15 Punjab Regiment. Moreover, the nation remembers his unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice with deep respect. Tributes highlight his role as a symbol of patriotism and fearless devotion.
Muhammad Mehfooz was born on October 25, 1944, in village Malkan of Rawalpindi district. He received his early education in his village and showed discipline from a young age. In 1962, he joined the Pakistan Army with strong determination. After completing training in 1963, the Army posted him to the 15 Punjab Regiment.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, he fought bravely at the Wagah Border. On December 17, his company received orders to attack Kangri Pull inside enemy territory. During the assault, an explosion seriously injured him and damaged his machine gun. However, he continued advancing despite severe wounds.
He crawled to a nearby trench and took a machine gun from a fallen fellow soldier. Soon, he noticed an enemy machine gun targeting Pakistani troops. Therefore, he moved toward the enemy trench under heavy fire. At close range, he attacked and neutralized the enemy gunner with sheer force.
Meanwhile, two enemy soldiers stabbed him repeatedly with bayonets. Despite fatal injuries, he held his enemy firmly until embracing martyrdom. Later, comrades freed his grip with great effort. On March 23, 1972, Pakistan awarded him the Nishan-e-Haider for extraordinary bravery.
Read more : Tribute on Martyrdom Day: Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed) Remembered
Born on August 6, 1928, in Hong Kong, Raja Aziz Bhatti’s family settled in Ladian, Gujrat, before the creation of Pakistan. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy on January 21, 1948. In 1950, he was honoured as the best cadet of the first regular course, receiving the Sword of Honour and the Norman Gold Medal for outstanding performance.
Bhatti furthered his military training in Canada in 1952 and served in various key positions from 1957 to 1965. During the 1965 war, he was assigned as a company commander along the BRB Canal, taking responsibility for forward positions (OP) while leading his men with unmatched courage.
