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ISLAMABAD: The armed forces paid glowing tribute to war hero Major Raja Aziz Bhatti on his 58th martyrdom anniversary being observed today.
Armed Forces of Pakistan including Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs paid tribute to the officer, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“Major Raja Aziz Bhatti is the shining star of the 1965 war who stood as a leaden wall in front of the enemy and sacrificed his life for the defence of the motherland,” the statement said.
“Major Raja Aziz Bhatti’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the armed forces of Pakistan to defend the motherland,” it added.
“Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of our motherland. The nation is proud of its gallant sons,” it concluded.
September 12 marks the 58th death anniversary of Maj Aziz Bhatti who was a company commander deployed in the Burki area of Lahore front during the 1965 war.
Every year, the anniversary is celebrated with traditional fervour and the valour of the Nishan-e-Haider recipient, the highest and most prestigious gallantry award.
Who was Major Aziz Bhatti?
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was born in Hong Kong in 1928. He moved to Pakistan before independence and lived in the village of Ladian, Kharian, Gujrat. He enlisted with the newly formed Pakistani Army and was commissioned to the Punjab Regiment in 1950.
Throughout his career, he was a brilliant officer and stood out in his class. He was awarded the Sword of Honour best in his year’s batch of 300 officers, and the Norman Medal. He received his honours from Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan
On 6 September 1965, as a Company Commander in the Burki area of the Lahore sector, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti chose to stay with his forward platoon under incessant artillery and tank attacks for five days and nights in the defence of the strategic BRB Canal.
Throughout, undaunted by constant fire from enemy small arms, tanks and artillery. He was reorganizing his company and directing the gunners to shell the enemy positions. In order to watch every move of the enemy, he had to place himself in an elevated position, where he was exposed to Indian fury.
He led his men from the front under constant attack from Indian Artillery batteries. Although he tried to counter every Indian offensive in his area, he was hit by an enemy tank shell in the chest and embraced martyrdom on 12 September 1965.
