Remembering our shaheed..

I've been thinking about how the British commemorate and appreciate their soldiers whether they are veterans from World War I and World War II or even the most recent ones from Afghanistan and I feel that Pakistanis don't give enough credit or support to our servicemen. The ones that risk their lives for their country and it's people. I don't think we do enough to honour their lives and their sacrifice so that the future generations can be aware of the struggles that we endured for a better future.

Since this blog is about history and searching for your ancestors, I'm going to be announcing the shahadat (martydom) of the Pakistan Army soldiers that have been reported in the media as best as I can. It's a small contribution to remember them and preserve their memory so that their descendants and indeed future Pakistanis may know of their heroes.

Monday 18th May 2009

Major Abid Majeed Malik embraced shahadat near Nazarabad village of the Swat valley. He left behind a wife and 2 children.
Burial: Cavalry Ground graveyard, Lahore

"Major Abid Majeed Malik, a third generation soldier embraced Shahadat during his heroic bid to evacuate his injured comrades in arm. The Shaheed was commissioned in the Punjab Regiment on October 12, 1997. He leaves behind a widow and two minor children.
Major Abid Majeed Malik was laid to rest besides the permanent abode of his late father Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Abdul Majeed.

Major Abid’s mother said her son had major her a proud. “My sons have saved the country from terrorists. One has adorned martyrdom, while the other is a Ghazi,” said the proud mother. Her son Major Khalid suffered injuries during the war with the terrorists.

Ishrat, wife of Major Abid, said her husband wanted to adorn Shahadat, and the Almighty had fulfilled his wish.

At the time of his funeral, people from different walks of life were also present. They were all praise for the family of Major Abid, which has rendered innumerable services for the country. People also went to the residence of the Major Abid and offered Fateha for the departed soul." (The Nation)

Friday 5th June 2009

5 Soldiers were killed in South Waziristan Agency:
The four slain soldiers were identified as Sepoy Shahid Khan, Raza Mohammad, Naveed Khan and Sharifuddin. In a separate incident, an unnamed soldier lost his life near Angoor Adda - a border town between South Waziristan and Afghanistan's province, Paktika. (The News)

We should all pray for these men and their families and recognise their courage and sacrifice for their country.

Are you related to a servicemen? Do you have memories of a loved one dying? Leave me a comment.