Hilal-e-Kashmir: tributes paid to Saif Ali Shaheed

To acknowledge the supreme sacrifice of Naik Saif Ali Janjua, Hilal-e-Kashmir (equivalent to Nishan-e-Haider), a commemoration ceremony was conducted at grave of the shaheed at Fateh Pur, Azad Kashmir. Nk Saif Ali Janjua was holding a vital position of Pir Kaleva during 1948 War. The enemy put in attack by approximately one Infantry Brigade supported by artillery and Air Force.
Nk Saif Ali Janjua with his handful of men held the position against very heavy odds and firepower with outstanding and dauntless courage. In spite of being isolated from his own Battalion and with clear knowledge of being completely annihilated, he was determined to fight till last man and last bullet.
His personal example and personality kept the other men clung to the position till he was hit by a direct artillery shell in the chest and blown into pieces, never to rise again.
Throughout the period of intense hand-to-hand fighting and heavy shelling Naik Saif Ali Janjua conducted himself with utmost bravery and complete disregard of his own safety. His inspirational leadership and outstanding devotion to duty played an exemplary role in finally repelling the enemy with heavy casualties.
He was awarded the Hilal-e-Kashmir posthumously, on 2nd March, 1949 vide Defence Council Resolution Number 258.
Hilal-e-Kashmir has been equated with Nishan-e-Haider vide Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Defence Gazette Notification in Nov, 1995.
The ceremony was conducted at the grave of Nk Saif Ali Janjua, HK in Fateh Pur, Azad Kashmir by AL SAIF Battalion of Azad Kashmir Regiment assisted by local formation. The event was attended by serving and retired Officers, family members of shaheed, notables of Kotli and Fateh Pur, students of Army Public School Fateh Pur and local populace. Brigadier Rashid Saeed graced the occasion as chief guest and carried out floral wreath on behalf of COAS. Commanding Officer and other Veterans of Al Saif Battalion also laid the floral wreaths on the grave of Shaheed. The event was attended by Colonel Nazar (retd) Major Jahanzeb (retd) and Colonel Sher (retd).-PR