COAS, CJCSC, Naval, Air Chiefs commemorate Major Aziz Bhatti’s 60th martyrdom anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CJCSC Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Naval Chief  Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu solemnly commemorated the 60th martyrdom anniversary of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, paying tribute to his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice in the defense of Pakistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Friday.

According to the military media wing, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff; General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, solemnly commemorate the 60th martyrdom anniversary of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, (Nishan-e-Haider) and pay profound tribute to his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

During the 1965 War, Major Aziz Bhatti defended the Burki sector near Lahore, and stood like an iron wall against relentless enemy assaults for five days and nights. His unwavering resolve and exemplary leadership inspired his men. The steadfast defense against superior enemy forces was pivotal in halting their advance, rendering his sacrifice as a defining moment of the war and an ultimate symbol of courage and patriotism.

His selfless leadership and devotion to duty serve as a beacon of inspiration for our future generations. As the nation commemorates his sacrifice, we honour the legacy of all martyrs who have laid down their lives for the nation’s sovereignty and security.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their commitment to defend the country with the strength of will and character that Major Bhatti embodied.

Born in Hong Kong in 1928, Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed moved to Pakistan before independence and settled in Ladiyan village, district Gujrat. He joined the Pakistan Army in 1950 and was commissioned in the Punjab Regiment.

Major Aziz Bhatti’s supreme sacrifice earned him the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military award, and a lasting place in the nation’s history.

Also Read: Pakistan Navy Day observed to honour 1965 war heroes

Earlier, Pakistan Navy Day was observed to pay homage to the heroes of the 1965 war who, through Operation Somnath (Dwarka raid), fought gallantly against a much bigger adversary with absolute courage and sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland.

This day commemorates the daring Operation ‘SOMNATH,’ when Pak Navy warships executed a successful strike on critical shore installations, causing significant damage to the Indian side.

During the 1965 war, the submarine PNSM Ghazi emerged as a formidable deterrent, symbolizing Pakistan’s operational superiority and raising the stakes for any enemy harboring hostile intentions towards the homeland.