Army pays homage to Kargil war hero Havaldar Lalak Jan

The Armed Forces of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and the services chiefs paid rich tribute to Nishan-e-Haider Havildar Lalak Jan on his 24th martyrdom anniversary on Friday, the military said in a statement.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Havildar Lalak Jan laid down his life while valiantly defending the motherland. “His unwavering dedication to duty and courage in the face of adversity exemplifies the very best of our armed forces,” it added.

ISPR stated that these brave heroes of Pakistan offered supreme sacrifice for the defence of the motherland, adding that nation will forever remain indebted to the valiant sons for their sacrifices.

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“Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of our motherland and let their sacrifices be a guiding light for all of us and future generations to come,” the statement further said.

'Most gallant defensive action'

In May 1999, while the enemy was preparing for a major offensive, Havaldar Lalak Jan was serving in Company Headquarters. He volunteered to fight on the frontline.

Jan valiantly defended his post with a handful of men and repulsed numerous Indian attacks leaving behind scores of dead bodies. On 7 July, the enemy constantly engaged his post for the entire day with unprecedented firepower. It was followed by a three-pronged night attack.

Despite being critically injured, he refused to be evacuated and successfully repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Later, Havaldar Jan succumbed to injuries and embraced Shahadat while defending the motherland.

Several Indian accounts maintain, “It had been the most gallant defensive action fought to the last man.”