The monument to commemorate the sacrifice of the brave son of soil, Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed, Nishan e Haider at Jhelum City (the officer’s native city). He is one of the two recipients of Nishan e Haider (the highest gallantry award in Pakistan) who are not buried in Pakistan.
War Account: Battle of Hilli, 1971 Pak India War
During 1971 war, Major Muhammad Akram commanding a company of 4
Frontier Force Regiment was placed in the forward area of the Hilli,
District Dinajpur Bangladesh (the then East Pakistan). This was a
strategic position blocking enemy advance. The regiment came under
continuous and heavy air, artillery and armoured attacks from the 20th
Mountain Division of the Indian Infantry. Despite enemy superiority
both in numbers and fire power, Maj Akram and his men bravely defended
the company locality and repulsed numerous enemy attacks. During this
time of crises, he displayed undaunted leadership and administrative
skills by keeping his men organized and battle worthy after every
enemy attack.
On 5 December 1971, enemy attacked Maj Akram’s company with armoured
troops and artillery support. The company position was pinned under
heavy fire for the entire day, but the troops under command of Maj
Akram stood fast and effectively employed their fire power to repulse
enemy endeavours. During the action, Maj Akram while aiming at enemy
tank using a Rocket Launcher, received a burst from tank machine gun
and embraced martyrdom. He lays buried at village Boaldar near the
town of Hilli in Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
The selfless devotion and fighting spirit displayed by Maj Akram was
not incidental or impulsive, but spoke of his determination and
persistent nerves to face the enemy under heavy odds with complete
disregard to personal safety in the eyes of danger. In recognition of
his personal sacrifice and selfless devotion to the defence of
motherland, Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed was posthumously awarded the
highest Gallantry Award of Pakistan, Nishan e Haider.
And don’t say about the martyrs of the way of Allah that they are dead, they are indeed alive, but you know not…
