Attock man nominated for civil award after foiling attack

A railway employee who sacrificed his life while stopping a suspected suicide attacker near the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border has been nominated for Pakistan’s highest civil award in recognition of his bravery.

According to officials and local residents, Muhammad Liaqat Ali was grazing livestock near a police checkpost in Jand tehsil of Attock when he encountered a suspicious individual believed to be a suicide attacker. Liaqat reportedly intercepted the suspect and questioned him, an action that authorities say prevented a potentially devastating attack targeting a nearby police post.

The suspect allegedly detonated explosives during the confrontation, killing Liaqat and foiling what officials described as a major terrorist plot.

Paying tribute to his sacrifice, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that Liaqat Ali would be nominated for the country’s highest civil award. She described him as a true national hero who set the highest example of patriotism and sacrifice by giving his life to protect others.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised Liaqat’s courage, stating that the nation salutes his bravery and commitment in the fight against terrorism.

The funeral prayers for Liaqat Ali were held at Police Lines Attock, where a smartly turned-out police contingent paid tribute to the deceased. Government officials, police personnel, and local residents attended the ceremony.

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi expressed condolences to the family and assured them of full government support. He announced financial compensation of Rs8 million for the family and stated that the railway ministry would continue to support the deceased employee’s dependents.

Liaqat Ali is survived by his widow, two sons, and one daughter. His sacrifice has been widely praised across Pakistan as a symbol of courage, public duty, and national unity against terrorism.