First Nishan-e-Haider recipient Captain Sarwar being remembered

RAWALPINDI: The 72nd martyrdom anniversary of Captain Muhammad Sarwar who sacrificed his life during the 1948 war in Kashmir is being observed today.

Raja Muhammad Sarwar was commissioned in Punjab Regiment in 1944. He rendered supreme sacrifice for the nation and embraced martyrdom on July 27, 1948 at Orhi sector in Kashmir war against the Indian Army.

He was posthumously awarded the first Nishan-e-Haider, the highest and most prestigious gallantry award in the army.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Babar Iftikhar, in a tweet, paid tribute to Captain Sarwar.

“Nation venerates supreme sacrifice of Capt Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, Kashmir War 1948. His insurmountable courage and unwavering loyalty will forever be an epitome of valiance. Every bullet he took for country, for Kashmir, strengthens our resolve to defend Pakistan at all cost,” said a statement by the military press wing.

Nation venerates supreme sacrifice of Capt Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, NH, #Kashmir War 1948. His insurmountable courage & unwavering loyalty will forever be an epitome of valiance. Every bullet he took 4 country, for Kashmir, strengthens our resolve to defend Pakistan at all cost.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 26, 2020

Sarwar entered into the army as a sepoy in April 1929 and served in the Baloch regiment till 1941. He joined the Punjab regiment in 1946 and achieved the rank of Captain, months before the creation of Pakistan.

He volunteered to be a part of the battalion formed to regain Kashmir after independence. He was given the rank of Company Commander of the Second Battalion of the Punjab Regiment.

Under his leadership, the regiment was able to force the Indian army to retreat out of certain regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, his battalion faced heavy resistance from the opposing forces in Uri sector as they pushed to take over a well-guarded enemy position.

He embraced martyrdom on July 27, 1948. In recognition of his courage, Captain Sarwar was awarded with the Nishan-e-Haider. Sarwar Shaheed College, located in Gujar Khan, was named to honour him.