Nation pays tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed on his 26th martyrdom anniversary

The people of Pakistan and the Armed Forces solemnly commemorate the 26th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, a symbol of unmatched bravery, unyielding determination, and true patriotism who laid down his life defending the motherland during the Kargil War.

On July 5, 1999, Captain Sher Khan embraced martyrdom while heroically repelling enemy forces on the treacherous heights of Tiger Hill. His unmatched courage continues to inspire generations and remains a shining example of selfless service.

In a message shared on X, DG ISPR stated, “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the Armed Forces of Pakistan solemnly commemorate and pay heartfelt tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 26th martyrdom anniversary.”

Read: Pak Army’s Major Moiz, who captured Abhinandan, martyred in Waziristan operation

The statement further added, “During the 1999 Kargil conflict, Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, a symbol of unwavering courage and patriotism, sacrificed his life while defending the motherland with unmatched valor. He remains an eternal source of inspiration for the Armed Forces and the nation.”

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and the Armed Forces of Pakistan solemnly commemorate and pay heartfelt tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on… pic.twitter.com/D62qjQqV0U

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 4, 2025

Captain Sher Khan was born on January 1, 1970, in Nawan Killi (now renamed Karnal Sher Kallay) in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He began his military journey by joining the Pakistan Air Force as an airman in 1989. 

Later, he was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1992 and formally joined the 27th Sindh Regiment on October 14, 1994.

During the Kargil operation, he was posted to the 12th Northern Light Infantry.

Stationed at an altitude of 17,000 feet in the Gultari sector, he held key positions on Tiger Hill, where he bravely repelled eight consecutive enemy attacks. On July 5, two enemy battalions launched a full-scale assault. Despite being surrounded, Captain Sher Khan launched a fearless counterattack and succeeded in reclaiming the post, but was martyred in the process by machine-gun fire.

His courage was so remarkable that Indian military officials acknowledged it. The Government of Pakistan posthumously awarded him the country's highest military honour, Nishan-e-Haider.

Captain Sher Khan’s bravery remains etched in the nation's heart. Despite being wounded, he continued to lead his men and fought till his last breath. His life and sacrifice remind the nation that no cost is too great for the defense of Pakistan.

Across the country, Quran recitations and special prayers were held in mosques on Friday  to honor his memory.