President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the award of Sitara-e-Shujaat for Liaqat Shaheed the civilian hero who sacrificed his life while stopping a suicide bomber near Kohat, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery and national-level sacrifice.
The honour was approved on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
Paying rich tribute the President said Liaqat Shaheed averted a major tragedy by confronting the suicide attacker and laying down his life in the line of duty.
He added that Liaqat’s courage, sense of responsibility, and sacrifice stand as a shining example for the entire nation describing his bravery as unmatched and deeply inspirational.
Security sources said the incident took place in the inter-provincial area between Jand tehsil in Punjab and Khushal Garh Bridge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a suicide attacker linked to Fitna al-Khawarij was moving through fields.
Liaqat Shaheed a retired Pakistan Railways employee and local resident intercepted the suspect for identification after which the attacker detonated explosives, resulting in Liaqat’s martyrdom and the death of the bomber.
The President further stated that the nation salutes its brave son for his heroic sacrifice which prevented a potentially large-scale loss of life. He emphasized that Liaqat Shaheed’s sacrifice is not only a national honour but also a symbol of Pakistan’s unwavering resolve against terrorism.
In a separate development Liaqat Shaheed’s family has been invited to Islamabad to receive the Sitara-e-Shujaat.The family including his mother, son, and brother is being provided full official protocol and security arrangements, with support from local administration and elite forces during their journey.
They are expected to receive the award from the President in a formal ceremony as the nation continues to pay tribute to its fallen hero.
