SWABI: The 20th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed), known as ‘hero of Kargil’ was observed here on Sunday.

Northern Light Infantry and 27 Sindh Regiment officials presented guard of honour at the mausoleum of Sher Khan.

Brig Tariq Mehmood, senior commandant officer at the army’s service corps centre, Nowshera, placed floral wreath at his tomb, while leaders of various political parties and people from different walks of life attended the ceremony. They offered Fateha for the departed soul and paid tributes to the soldier of the soil.

Anwar Sher, elder brother of Karnal Sher Khan, was also present on the occasion.

Karnal Sher Khan was born on January 1, 1970 at Faujoon Abad (Nawan Kallay) and after his martyrdom the village was named after him as Karnal Sher Khan Kallay.

After completing his intermediate from government postgraduate college, Swabi, he first joined Pakistan Air Force as an airman but later joined Pakistan Army as commissioned officer in November 1992.

He was awarded Pakistan’s highest military award, Nishan-i-Haider. He emerged as a symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil war, inflicting heavy losses on the Indian forces and defending the five strategic posts at the height of 17,000 feet in Gultary.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2019