Pakistan’s US mission pays tribute to martyred soldiers

A condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC to pay tribute to the dedication, commitment and courage of Pakistan Army officials who embraced martyrdom in Lasbella helicopter crash on August 1, 2022.

The meeting paid tribute to Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali Shaheed, Maj Gen Amjad Hanif Shaheed, Brig Muhammad Khalid Shaheed, Major Saeed Ahmad Shaheed, Major Talha Manan Shaheed and Naik Mudassir Fayyaz Shaheed for their ultimate sacrifice while serving their countrymen in distress.

Pakistan Ambassador to the United Stated Masood Khan, while addressing the meeting, lauded the services of the Pakistan Army, saying that its history is full of unparalleled sacrifices for the country.

“Our officers and personnel of the armed forces have been making us proud with their sacrifices. They have always been at the forefront whenever the country has faced any challenge; whether that be an external threat, internal challenge, or any natural calamity,” the ambassador observed.

The envoy said that Lt Gen Sarfraz, with his professionalism and character, left behind a rich legacy and an example to be emulated. He proved his mettle through his leadership qualities and capabilities and always led from the front, he added.

Ambassador Khan said that he knew Lt Gen Sarfraz personally. Besides his close contact with him while the martyred general was serving as the defence attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, he also got a chance to meet him while he was serving as commandant of the Command and Staff College and commander southern command in Quetta.

He said that besides his sterling professionalism, sagacity and vision as a general, he was an extremely humane and kind-hearted person who always helped the needy. He was equally popular in Washington also, he added.

US Defence and State Departments have also expressed their condolence over the loss, the ambassador continued.

The envoy also paid tribute to other heroic personnel who embraced martyrdom in the crash.

Defence Attache Brig Nauman Manzoor paid tribute to the late general and highlighted his services to the nation.

Brig Nauman said that the martyrs of the armed forces were the pride of the forces. He said that making ultimate sacrifice for the country was a strong tradition of the armed forces.

The defence attache said that Lt Gen Sarfraz spent most part of his career in the field along with his officers and troops. He had the unique honour of serving as the instructor at all three major military training institutes, including Infantry School Quetta, Staff College Quetta and National Defence University Islamabad.

Deputy Head of Mission Naveed Bokhari read out the condolence reference. A message of condolence was also sent from the embassy to the bereaved families.

The assembly offered Fateha for the departed souls.