SWABI: The country’s civil and military leadership paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed for his “unmatched courage, unwavering devotion, and supreme sacrifice” on the 27th anniversary of his martyrdom.

Khan was martyred on July 5, 1999, while fighting against Indian forces in the snow-capped mountains in Kargil.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider on his 27th martyrdom anniversary, praising his extraordinary bravery, unwavering devotion and supreme sacrifice in the defence of the country. Also, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and the armed forces of Pakistan paid “profound tribute” to Khan for his “unmatched courage, unwavering devotion, and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation”, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said.

In separate statements, President Zardari said Captain Karnal Sher Khan’s extraordinary sacrifice would live forever, while Prime Minister Shehbaz described his courage during the 1999 Kargil War as a shining chapter in Pakistan’s military history and a testament to the highest traditions of loyalty to the motherland and bravery.

Citizens from all walks of life visit his mausoleum on 27th anniversary

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasar, Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed on his 27th martyrdom anniversary, honouring his extraordinary courage, patriotism and supreme sacrifice in the defence of Pakistan.

Khan had displayed “extraordinary gallantry and resolute leadership while defending the motherland against overwhelming odds” during the 1999 Kargil conflict, the ISPR statement said.

“Leading from the front with exceptional determination, he embraced martyrdom in the finest traditions of the Pakistan Army, leaving behind a legacy of honour, valour, and selfless service,” it added.

ISPR said that Khan’s sacrifice had continued to inspire generations of Pakistanis. It added that his sacrifice remained a “timeless beacon of courage, patriotism, and steadfast commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan”.

“The people and Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their enduring resolve to uphold the ideals for which Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed laid down his life, ensuring that his legacy will forever endure in the nation’s history.”

‘Kargil hero’ remembered

The 27th martyrdom anniversary of Khan was also observed in Swabi on Sunday with glowing tributes paid to him by locals.

People from all walks of life visited his tomb at Karnal Sher Khan village and prayed for the departed soul.

A ceremony of the Pakistan Army was held at Khan’s mausoleum, with Inspector General Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North Major General Rao Imran Sarta as a special guest.

A contingent of the Pakistan Army, which had arrived at the mausoleum a day earlier, saluted the martyr on the occasion, and the special guest laid a floral wreath at Khan’s tomb.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2026