President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s armed forces have paid tribute to Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed, recipient of the Hilal-e-Kashmir, regarded as equivalent to the Nishan-e-Haider, on his 78th martyrdom anniversary, remembering his extraordinary bravery and supreme sacrifice during the 1948 Kashmir war.
In their separate messages, the president, prime minister and military leadership described the fallen soldier’s courage and sacrifice as a source of national pride and an enduring inspiration for future generations.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid homage to the national hero on behalf of the nation and in his personal capacity, praising his courage in confronting a numerically superior enemy equipped with greater resources during the Kashmir war of independence.
The president said Naik Saif Ali Janjua courageously repulsed intense enemy assaults and continued commanding his troops despite being seriously wounded. His determination to defend the homeland until his last breath, he said, had written an extraordinary chapter of bravery in Pakistan’s national history.
Zardari said Pakistan would always remain indebted to its martyrs, whose sacrifices formed the foundation of the country’s freedom, sovereignty and national security. He added that their service continued to strengthen the nation’s resolve and determination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid heartfelt tribute to Naik Saif Ali Janjua on the 78th anniversary of his martyrdom, recalling his exceptional courage during the 1948 war.
The prime minister said the soldier confronted repeated enemy assaults with remarkable bravery despite the adversary’s numerical superiority and greater resources. Even after sustaining injuries, Janjua continued leading his troops and fighting until he embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.
Shehbaz Sharif said the soldier’s supreme sacrifice remained a source of pride for the entire nation. He added that Janjua had honored his identity as a son of the Kashmir Valley through his extraordinary devotion to the homeland.
The prime minister said the blood of the martyrs, the determination of Pakistan’s brave soldiers and the nation’s love for the country remained vital to safeguarding its defence, freedom, security and sovereignty. He also paid tribute to all those who had sacrificed their lives in the service of Pakistan and prayed for the elevation of their ranks.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamir Raza also paid homage to Naik Saif Ali Janjua on behalf of the armed forces.
The military’s media wing recalled that during the 1948 war, Janjua had displayed exceptional courage while defending the strategically important Pir Kalewa peak. Despite sustained and intense enemy attacks, he remained steadfast and continued leading his men in the defence of the position.
ISPR said his sacrifice symbolized the courage, resilience and unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to defending the country. His legacy, it added, would continue to guide and inspire future generations.
The military’s media wing reaffirmed that the nation would always remain indebted to its martyrs, whose sacrifices continue to illuminate the path of service and defence of the homeland.
Naik Saif Ali Janjua’s gallantry and ultimate sacrifice remain a lasting reminder of the courage and determination displayed by Pakistan’s defenders during the 1948 Kashmir war.
