Rawalpindi: The seventy-seventh martyrdom anniversary of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, was observed today with solemnity. Quran Khawani and prayers were held in mosques to honor his sacrifice during the First Kashmir War.

According to Radio Pakistan, Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed laid down his life on 27 July 1948 at Tilpatra, Azad Kashmir. His sacrifice is a symbol of valour and patriotism, inspiring generations of officers and soldiers. The Armed Forces of Pakistan and the nation pay tribute to his heroism, recognizing him as the first recipient of Pakistan's highest military award, the Nishan-e-Haider.

During the First Kashmir War, Captain Sarwar and his company launched an attack on a strong Indian defensive position on Talpatra Hill. Despite being halted by barbed wire and sustaining a gunshot wound, he advanced with his companions, cutting the wire himself amidst heavy enemy shelling. His actions inflicted significant damage on the enemy with hand grenades, and although he was ultimately martyred by enemy gunfire, his valor enabled the achievement of strategic objectives.

Religious scholars emphasized Captain Sarwar's bravery, stating that his sacrifice teaches lessons of unity and patriotism. They remarked that the freedom enjoyed today is a result of the martyrs' sacrifices and warned that nations that fail to honor their martyrs risk disgrace.