Rawalpindi: The nation today observed the 60th martyrdom anniversary of Nishan-e-Haider recipient, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, with great national spirit and reverence. A glowing tribute was paid to the heroic soldier who laid down his life while defending Lahore during the 1965 war, earning eternal glory in the annals of Pakistan’s history.
Major Aziz Bhatti was born on August 16, 1928, in Hong Kong. Before the independence of Pakistan, his family returned and settled in Ladian village, District Gujrat. He was commissioned into the Pakistan Army as a Second Lieutenant in the 17 Punjab Regiment.
During the Indo-Pak War of September 1965, when India launched an attack on Lahore, Major Bhatti was assigned the task of halting the enemy’s advance in the Burki Sector. From September 6 to 12, he led from the front and bravely resisted relentless enemy attacks for six continuous days and nights, not allowing the enemy to advance even an inch.
On September 12, a shell from an enemy tank struck his left shoulder, and he embraced martyrdom. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, leadership, and sacrifice, he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honor.
According to an ISPR statement, “Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed stood like a steel wall in the face of the enemy near Burki, Lahore, and repelled heavy attacks for five days. His sacrifice remains a shining example of courage, faith, commitment, and patriotism.”
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu also paid rich tributes, calling his sacrifice a source of national pride.
A solemn ceremony was held at Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed’s mausoleum in Gujrat, where GOC 17 Division Major General Azhar Yasin laid a floral wreath, offered Fateha, and prayed for the country’s peace, progress, and for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks in the hereafter.
