Recipients of Nishan-e-Haider & Hilal-e-Kashmir (2013-8)

 

Commemorative Postage Stamps on Recipients of Nishan-E-Haider and Hilal-I-Kashmir April 2013:- Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed) Nishan-E-Haider 5 July 1999:- Captain Karnal Sher Khan was born on 1 January 1970 in Faujoon Abad, a small village of Nawan Kali district Swabi. His grandfather had a dream that Sher Khan would be an Army officer, so he used to call him ‘Karnal’ which later on became part of his name. He started his military career in 1987 as an Airman in Pakistan Air Force and served there for five years. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army in October 1994. After receiving training at Pakistan Military academy, Kakul, he was posted to 27 Sind Regiment. During his deputation to Northern Light Infantry (NLI) he volunteered for the defence of his motherland, therefore, he was posted to the Line of Control (LOC) for two years. Before ‘Kargil Operation’ he established military posts on the snow hidden peaks of Gultary, some 15,000-17,000 feet above sea level. The enemy attacked his post eight times and he inflicted severe casualties upon them every time. On 5 July 1999, the enemy launched a two pronged attack on his post and fired approximately 12,500 round of ammunition. Captain Karnal Sher Khan was not only a valiant soldier but also an intelligent commander. He created an impression of a Brigade’s presence by making use of small contingents of soldiers. He himself took an active part in the battle when enemy captured a part of his post. Despite sheer shortage of ammunition and men, Captain Karnal Sher Khan repulsed the enemy back to their territory. He was hit in the chest by a burst of enemy machine-gun and embraced ‘Shahadat’ in action. In recognition of his unbending determination and valour he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider posthumously.

Havildar Lalak Jan (Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider 7 July 1999:- Havildar Lalak Jan was born at village Hindur in Yasin Valley of Gilgit in 1967. He joined Northern Light Infantry (NLI) as a Sepoy. Lalak Jan set an example of gallantry and unwavering determination during Kargil crises. In May 1999 the enemy was preparing for a major ground attack. At that time Lalak Jan, while serving in the NLI Headquarters, volunteered to fight on the front. During the last week of June 1999 enemy launched a powerful battalion size night attack on his post. During fighting he displayed extremely brave behavior thus raising the morale of his colleagues. The action forced the enemy to retreat leaving behind heaps of carcasses. The next night, the enemy again attacked but was made ineffective. On 7 July 1999 the enemy kept on firing with artillery throughout the day and launched a three pronged attack at night on his post. He along with his colleagues withstood this attack despite sustaining severe injuries and repulsed it. Finally he embraced ‘Shahadat’ while fighting on his post. In recognition of his exemplary gallantry and passion for ‘Shahadat’ he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider posthumously.

Naik Saif Ali Janjua (Shaheed) Hilal-I-Kashmir 26 October 1948:- Number 68275 Naik Saif Ali Janjua was born in 1922 at Village Khandar, Post Office Nakyal, Kashmir. He was enrolled in the army on 18 March 1941. Naik Saif Ali Janjua was commanding an isolated platoon of 18 Azad Kashmir at Pir Kaleva (Mendhar Sector) on 26 October 1948 and was holding a vital position. The enemy put in an attack with approximately one Infantry Brigade supported by tanks, artillery and air force. This brave Non Commissioned Officer with his handful of men held the position against very heavy fire power with outstanding and dauntless courage. Despite being isolated, he was determined to fight till last man and last bullet. His personal example and personality kept the other men clining to the position till he was finally blown to pieces by a direct shell from the enemy artillery. Naik Saif Ali Shaheed was awarded Hilal-i-Kashmir (highest Azad Jammu and Kashmir operational award) posthumously on 2 March 1949. The same was equated with Nishan-e-Haider by Government of Pakistan vide gazette notification No. 1/18/D/25/91 of 30 Nov 1995.

To Commemorate the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider and Hilal-i-Kashmir, Pakistan Post is issuing Three Commemorative Postage Stamps each of Rs. 8/- denomination on April 30, 2013.