Major Shabbir Sharif remembered on 48th martyrdom anniversary
Gallant officer of Pakistan Army, Major Shabbir Sharif , who received top military award, Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery in 1971 war against India was remembered on his 48th martyrdom anniversary.
Born on April 29, 1943, in Kunjah, Gujrat District, Major Shabbir Sharif is the brother of the former chief of army staff Raheel Sharif, who is the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition Commander-in-Chief.
Major Shabbir Sharif's family visited his grave in Miani Sahib Graveyard, while army troops offered Fateha and laid a floral wreath on his grave.
He embraced martyrdom while fighting the enemy at the Sulemanki Sector during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. He was awarded the Nishan-e-Haidar for his courage and bravery.
He was commissioned in Pakistan Army on April 19, 1964 and after successfully completing his training was posted to the 6th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment.
It was on December 3, 1971, that he was commanding a company of 6 FF Regiment near Sulemanki Headworks when he was assigned the task of capturing the high bund (ground) overlooking the Gurmukh Khera and Beriwala villages in the Sulemanki sector.
These points were defended by more than a company of Indian Army's Assam Regiment which was supported by a squadron of tanks. To attain his objective, Major Sharif had to go through an enemy minefield and swim across a 30-feet wide and 10 feet deep defensive canal, which he accomplished under heavy artillery and automatic fire.
Leading his company, he launched a frontal attack and succeeded in driving the enemy out of its fortified trenches by dusk on December 3. A total of 43 enemy soldiers were killed in this well-nigh superhuman action, and another 28 were taken prisoners. Moreover, four enemy tanks were also destroyed. Major Shabbir Sharif embraced martyrdom in the battle. He was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat and Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery.
Tags: NewsOne, Nishan-e-Haider, Major Shabbir Sharif, 05/12/19, Pakistan