The 53rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, our nation’s Nishan-e-Haider, was commemorated today at Mehfoozabad old Pind Malkan, Pakistan.
Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed was born on 25 October 1944 in Pind Malakan (now Mahfuzabad), in the Rawalpindi district. He received his commission in the Army on 25 October 1962.
Following his training, he was assigned to the 15th Punjab Regiment. During the 1971 war, his unit was stationed in the Wagha-Attari Sector, where Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz took part in the renowned Pul Kunjry operation and secured the area.
In the heat of battle, his machine gun was rendered inoperable, but Muhammad Mehfooz pressed forward toward an enemy bunker and leaped inside. He seized an enemy soldier by the neck and killed him. He was mortally wounded by bayonets and achieved martyrdom on the night of 17 December 1971.
As soon as the conflict concluded, the Indian Army acknowledged his valor, stating that had he served in their ranks, he would have been awarded the Vir Chakra. On 23 March 1972, Mahfooz was posthumously honored with the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest award for bravery.
