Today marks the 61st martyrdom anniversary of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, a great son of Pakistan Army and hero of September 1965 battle.

Born on August 6, 1928, in Hong Kong, Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed was given the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military gallantry medal. Before the establishment of Pakistan, his family had migrated to their ancestral hamlet, Ladian in the Gujrat district. He attended the Pakistan Military Academy on 21st January, 1948.

In 1950, he was conferred the title of Best Cadet, the Sword of Honor and Norman Gold Medal for his remarkable performance at the passing-out parade of the Academy’s first regular course by Shaheed-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan.

In 1952 he went to Canada for additional military training. He served as General Staff Officer (Grade II – Operations) at Jhelum and Kohat from 1957 to 1959. He was attached to the Punjab Regiment between 1960 and 1962 and to the Infantry School, Quetta between 1962 and 1964.

Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed fought gallantly in the Burki sector near Lahore during the 1965 War and for five days and nites resisted the enemy’s repeated attacks and held his position.

Company Commander BRB Canal, he took responsibility for an Observation Post himself. Even days of hunger and thirst couldn’t break his ardent resistance to the adversary. He destroyed two Indian tanks in his strikes. The enemy suffered serious fatalities and losses of military equipment and was unable to advance.

On the morning of September 12, Aziz Bhatti saw thousands of enemy soldiers hiding behind woods north of Barki. They were steadily moving toward the canal. He let loose the flames on them.

Later he was on the side of the canal observing enemy movements when the area came under hostile shelling. He stood his ground and fought the enemy until a shell went through his chest, giving his life for the defense of the country.

Major Aziz Bhatti was given the Nishan-e-Haider on March 23, 1966 in appreciation of his great sacrifice.

Pakistan Armed Forces have paid rich tribute to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed for his remarkable courage, leadership and heroic sacrifice.

Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza solemnly observed his 61st martyrdom anniversary on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

They added the unmatched burden of responsibility, indomitable fortitude and unparalleled sacrifice of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, continues to serve as an everlasting source of inspiration for the generations to come. Armed Forces reiterated their willingness to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and security with the same courage, dedication and spirit of sacrifice, which he epitomized.

President Asif Ali Zardari also paid rich tribute to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed on his 61st martyrdom anniversary, stating that the courageous soldier had immortalized his name in the history by laying down his life for safeguarding the country during the War of 1965.

The President said in his message that the tremendous sacrifice of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed was a bright example of unflinching commitment to the sanctity of motherland and national defense.

The incomparable sacrifice and unparalleled valor of the martyr was a source of pride for the whole country and a beacon of guidance for the future generation, he said.

President Zardari said Pakistan will always remember the sacrifices of its martyrs who laid the firm foundation of the country’s freedom, sovereignty and national security.

The nation will forever remember the sacrifices of its courageous martyrs and pay tribute to their unparalleled sense of patriotism and commitment to the nation,” he added.

On the occasion, floral wreaths will be set at the final resting place of the martyr and prayers (Fateha) offered.

JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced a long march into Islamabad on September 20 and warned the government of a big street action if the petroleum products tariff is not eliminated.

Speaking at a public meeting in Gujranwala, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to gage the public sentiment and give relief to the people on an expedient basis.

He claimed the administration had no choice but to repeal the charge. He said if the levy tax was not withdrawn the question would be resolved on the streets of Islamabad.

“Many people will march toward the federal capital and enter the city from all directions,” the JI chief warned.

Jamaat-e-Islami had resorted to the streets to fight for the rights of 250 million people of the country, Hafiz Naeem stated.

He also condemned the administration’s stance on petrol prices and said the government had claimed helplessness on the reduction in the price of petrol.

Creation of new provinces and administrative divisions is the need of the hour, the National Dialog Committee leaders have emphasized.

Former federal minister and head of the National Dialog Committee Fawad Chaudhry told the media that the present setup of administration was not solving public issues.

He added yet the residents were deprived of essential facilities such work, health, education and clean drinking water.

“The country is going through difficult times when the public is reeling under inflation and other challenges,” Fawad said. “The country needs better governance, an effective administrative structure and equitable distribution of resources,” he said.

The former federal minister stated the concept of forming additional provinces should be examined with seriousness and an open mind.

“The changes in the administrative structure should be seen in light of the need to improve governance and to ensure better delivery of public services,” he said.