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In a landmark decision, the Government of Pakistan has announced that FC soldier Sepoy Azhar Mahmood will be posthumously awarded the Hilal-e-Shujaat, making him the first FC soldier in the country’s history to receive this prestigious civilian gallantry award.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the award in recognition of Azhar Mahmood’s extraordinary bravery. The 20-year-old soldier from Chitral laid down his life on March 4 in Bannu Cantt, where he heroically fought a suicide bombing attempt by preventing attackers from entering the cantonment area. The terrorists targeted him with a rocket launcher, leading to his martyrdom.
The Hilal-e-Shujaat, the second-highest civilian award for bravery in Pakistan after the Nishan-e-Shujaat, was previously awarded to high-ranking officers such as Commandant Safwat Ghayyur. This is the first time a sepoy from the Federal Constabulary will be honored
In addition to Azhar Mahmood, the President has approved a total of 24 honors for lower-ranking FC personnel, recognizing their sacrifices in the line of duty. These include 19 Sitara-e-Shujaat awards for martyrs and 5 Tamgha-e-Shujaat for injured personnel.
Martyrs Sepoy Mushtaq Ahmed and Sepoy Abdul Samid, who bravely fought terrorists during a night operation in Darazanda, will be among those receiving the Sitara-e-Shujaat. Sixteen other fallen soldiers from various operations have also been listed for the same honor.
Meanwhile, five injured soldiers Sepoy Arif Ali, Sepoy Basitullah, Naib Subedar Syedinullah, Lance Naik Khanan, and Sepoy Laj Mir will receive the Tamgha-e-Shujaat for their courage.
FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gada confirmed that these awards will be formally announced on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day. He added that the recognition will significantly uplift the morale of the force.
