Introduction to Nishan-e-Haider award
Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military award of Pakistan and is awarded for acts of valor, courage and bravery in the face of the enemy. Translated from Urdu, it means "Mark of the Lion". The award was established in 1957 and is equivalent to the British Victoria Cross and the American Medal of Honor.
Origin of Nishan-e-Haider award
Nishan-e-Haider was established after Pakistan’s independence in 1947 to recognize and honor the brave soldiers who had laid down their lives for the country. The award was formalized by the government of Pakistan in 1957 and was designed by a Pakistani artist, Agha Ali Shah, who also designed the country’s national emblem.
Criteria for receiving Nishan-e-Haider
The Nishan-e-Haider is awarded posthumously to soldiers who have shown exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy. The criteria for receiving this award are extremely strict and only those who have shown extraordinary courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty are eligible. The act of valor must be of such a high degree that it results in loss of life.
List of Nishan-e-Haider recipients
Since the establishment of the award, ten individuals have been honored with the Nishan-e-Haider. The first three recipients were recognized for their valor during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, while the remaining seven were awarded posthumously for their bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
First recipients of Nishan-e-Haider
The first three recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider were Captain Muhammad Sarwar, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, and Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas. All three were awarded for their valor during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Captain Sarwar was recognized for his bravery during the Battle of Burki, Major Bhatti for his defense of the Lahore sector, and Pilot Officer Minhas for sacrificing his life during an attempt to hijack his plane by a fellow pilot.
Most recent recipients of Nishan-e-Haider
The most recent recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider were Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed, and Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed. All three were posthumously awarded the honor for their bravery during the 1999 Kargil War.
Total number of Nishan-e-Haider recipients
The total number of individuals who have received the Nishan-e-Haider award is ten. All recipients have been soldiers of the Pakistan Army.
Breakdown of Nishan-e-Haider recipients by branch
All Nishan-e-Haider recipients have been soldiers of the Pakistan Army. However, they have belonged to different branches of the army, such as the infantry, artillery, and air force.
Notable recipients of Nishan-e-Haider
Some notable recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider include Major Aziz Bhatti, who is the only soldier to have been awarded the honor twice, and Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas, who is the youngest recipient of the award.
Controversies surrounding Nishan-e-Haider
There have been controversies surrounding the Nishan-e-Haider award, particularly regarding the selection process and the lack of recognition for soldiers who have shown exceptional bravery but have not been awarded the honor.
Significance of Nishan-e-Haider award
The Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military award of Pakistan and is a symbol of the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the country’s soldiers. The honor is a testament to the spirit of patriotism and selflessness of those who have laid down their lives for the nation.
Conclusion on Nishan-e-Haider recipients
The Nishan-e-Haider is a rare honor that is awarded only to those soldiers who have shown exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy. The ten recipients of the award are a testament to the courage and dedication of Pakistan’s armed forces and the sacrifices they have made for their country.
