'Lion of Kargil' remembered on his 24th martyrdom anniversary

Armed forces, PM pay tribute to Captain Sher Khan; army presents guard of honour in Swabi

The 24th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Karnal Sher Khan, known as the Lion of Kargil, was observed on Wednesday.

He was born in the district Sawabi of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) in 1970, according to Radio Pakistan.

During the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control in 1999, he emerged as a symbol of mettle and courage as he defended five strategic posts at the height of 17,000 feet in Gultray and caused heavy losses to the Indian forces.

He was martyred on this day in 1999, gallantly defending the motherland and was awarded the country's highest gallantry award, Nishan-e-Haider.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Commander Peshawar Corps, Inspector General Frontier Corps (North) and Commander Force Command Northern Areas laid floral wreaths at Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed’s mausoleum in his native town.

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“A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour,” said the ISPR, adding that people from different walks of life, including civil and military officials and relatives of Shuhada attended the wreath-laying ceremony in Swabi.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the nation will always remain indebted to its heroes for sacrificing their lives for the country.

In a statement issued today, Shehbaz said Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed was a brave son of Pakistan whose valor was admired even by the enemy.

The PM added that the martyred captain proved himself to be a lion when attacking the enemy and forcing it to retreat.