ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Army has paid tribute to the nation’s hero Major Muhammad Akram on his 49th martyrdom anniversary, saying that “such exemplary courage is hallmark of defenders of motherland”.
“Tribute to Maj #Akram Shaheed, #NH, 4 his supreme sacrifice. Displaying valour against all odds, he heroically repulsed innumerable attacks by enemy inflicting heavy losses in battle of #Hilli. Such exemplary courage is hallmark of defenders of motherland,” chief military spokesperson Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar said in a statement late Friday.
Tribute to Maj #Akram Shaheed, #NH, 4 his supreme sacrifice. Displaying valour against all odds, he heroically repulsed innumerable attacks by enemy inflicting heavy losses in battle of #Hilli. Such exemplary courage is hallmark of defenders of motherland.#OurMartyrsOurHeroes
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 4, 2020
The 49th martyrdom anniversary of Major Akram, who rendered his life during 1971 war, to be observed on Saturday (Dec 5).
He was born on April, 4 1938 in Dingha, small village near Kharian Cantonment in Punjab. He was commissioned in the Frontier Force Regiment on October 13, 1963.
Major Akram and a company of 4 Frontier Force Regiment, which he commanded in the forward area in Hilli district, in East Pakistan in 1971, came under incessant air, artillery and armour attacks.
But for an entire fortnight, despite enemy superiority in both numbers and fire power, he and his men repulsed every attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
The objective was to cut an important rail link and deprive Pakistani troops in the northern region of reinforcement and supplies
Major Akram unit was subject to innumerable attacks supported by corps artillery and armour. The enemy also made full use of his air power.
The enemy again tried to capture the railway line, but troops led by Major Akram failed the attempt and inflicted heavy damage to the enemy
He not only displayed ability to command his troops but also displayed an unmatched aptitude for tactical planning under fire and in the face of overwhelming odds
Major Akram embraced martyrdom during this epic battle on December 5, 1971.
He was posthumously awarded the highest military award Nishan-e-Haider for his valiant and courageous acts against the enemy.
Major Akram completed his early education from Chakri Middle School and the joined Military College Jhelum (MCJ).
While at MCJ, he was known for his skills in playing hockey and boxing.
In March, 1961 he got admission in the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course and passed out in October 1963. While at the PMA, he led the PMA hockey team and won the inter-Academy trophy beating PAF and Naval Academy teams. He was also awarded with the PMA Colour in hockey.
He also excelled professionally by being the best shooter in his course, thus winning the Best Firer‘s Trophy.
On his commissioning, he joined the Frontier Force (FF) Regiment and joined a very well-known Infantry Battalion, the 4th Frontier Force Regiment (4 FF) on October 13, 1963.
Throughout his service, he maintained a good record and was promoted as Major in September 1970 after attending the Military Intelligence Course.
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