Pakistan Honors Major Shabbir Sharif on 54th Martyrdom Anniversary

On the 54th anniversary of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed’s martyrdom, Pakistan’s authorities paid him a somber homage.

The Armed Forces, led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff, along with the commanders of the Navy and Air Force, honored Major Sharif’s steadfast bravery and supreme sacrifice in a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed was honored by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who described him as a brilliant emblem of national defense and a personification of tremendous bravery. According to the minister, Major Shabbir Sharif led his forces with extraordinary courage and leadership that rocked the enemy’s strongholds, writing a new chapter in the history of faith and bravery. Naqvi emphasized that Major Sharif continues to be a singular soldier in Pakistani military history, having received both the Nishan-e-Haider and the Sitara-e-Jurat for valor.

For his exceptional bravery in the 1971 war, Major Shabbir Sharif received Pakistan’s highest military decoration, the Nishan-e-Haider. In addition, he received the Sitara-e-Jurat for his valor during the 1965 conflict.

Major Sharif was assigned to guard a crucial position close to Sulemanki Headworks during the 1971 battle. On the evening of December 5–6, he commanded from the front and effectively withstood enemy advances, killing the opposing Indian regiment’s leader at close quarters.

He personally used a recoilless rifle to destroy approaching enemy tanks as he held the position throughout the day on December 6 in spite of numerous attacks. While defending the post, he was hit by an enemy tank shell, which resulted in his martyrdom.

The ISPR declared, “Major Shabbir Sharif’s heroism continues to light the way for all who serve the nation,” reiterating the military’s unwavering respect for the martyrs who defend Pakistan’s security and sovereignty.