President, PM hail Kargil martyr

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the hero of Kargil war (1999) Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider on his 27th martyrdom anniversary.

In a statement, the president said the "extraordinary sacrifice of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed will live forever".

"The martyrs of Pakistan are our national asset; their sacrifices will always be remembered with appreciation and respect," he said adding, "The nation is indebted to the sacrifices of its martyrs; it is these sacrifices that have made Pakistan's defence impregnable."

Separately, the prime minister paid "rich tributes" to the hero of the Kargil war.

In a statement, the premier said, "The extraordinary bravery and eternal sacrifice of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed in the most adverse circumstances is a shining chapter in the military history of Pakistan, which is a testimony to the highest traditions of loyalty to the motherland and bravery."

"Defence of the beloved homeland is a sacred duty, and the great sacrifices made by the sons of the pure land are the guarantor of our peace and sovereignty today," he added.

The prime minister reiterated the firm resolve of the government and the people of Pakistan that they stand shoulder to shoulder with their armed forces against any external or internal threat facing the country.

"This great sacrifice of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed reminds us that our freedom and sovereignty are due to the sacred blood of our martyrs," he added.