The 60th martyrdom anniversary of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, recipient of Nishan-e-Haider and hero of the 1965 War, was observed on Friday, with the nation paying glowing tributes to his courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the motherland.
Born on August 16, 1928, in Hong Kong, Major Aziz Bhatti’s family returned to their native village Ladian in Gujrat before the creation of Pakistan. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17 Punjab Regiment, embarking on a distinguished military career.
During the 1965 War, when India launched aggression against Pakistan, Major Aziz Bhatti was tasked with defending the strategically vital BRB Canal in the Burki sector near Lahore. As company commander, he chose to remain with his forward troops, leading from the front. From September 6 to September 12, he and his men repulsed successive enemy assaults with unmatched resolve.
For six continuous days and nights, Major Aziz Bhatti and his company stood as an unyielding barrier, inflicting heavy losses and preventing the enemy from advancing even a single step towards Lahore. On September 12, while directing fire against advancing Indian tanks, he embraced martyrdom when an enemy shell struck his shoulder. In recognition of his unparalleled bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honour.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said the armed forces paid rich tribute to Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed for his timeless valour and sacrifice, describing him as a beacon of faith, courage, determination, and patriotism for the nation. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu jointly lauded his legacy, calling it a shining example of national devotion and military professionalism.
In Gujrat, a ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed. Major General Azhar Yasin, General Officer Commanding 17 Division, laid a floral wreath, offered Fateha, and prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s rank in the hereafter as well as the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
