Zulfiqar Ahmad
ISLAMABAD, May 6: Lance Naik Qazi Sher Nawaz Khan of Chitral Scouts has been posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat, one of Pakistan’s highest military honours, in recognition of his exceptional bravery and selfless service.
Qazi Nawaz, a young soldier from the remote village of Qaziyandeh Khuz in Upper Chitral, was martyred in action on September 6, 2023, while leading a defensive operation against heavily armed militants from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The incident occurred in Jinjirat Kuh area of lower Chitral, where TTP terrorists attempted to cross into Chitral from Afghanistan’s Nooristan province.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, Khan led a 12-member team in repelling the assault. According to official accounts, the team managed to inflict significant casualties on the militants and ultimately forced the remaining attackers to retreat across the border.
A statement from the Pakistan Army described Khan’s actions as exhibiting “unmatched courage and unwavering devotion to duty.” His conduct, officials said, was instrumental in preventing a large-scale infiltration.
In a personal letter addressed to Qazi Nawaz’s father, Qazi Rozgar Aman, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir paid tribute to the fallen soldier, writing: “Your son is the pride of Pakistan Army and the entire nation. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Family members expressed both sorrow and pride in the wake of the recognition. “We’re grieving – but we’re proud,” said Siraj Ali Khan Advocate, a cousin of the martyr and a senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader from Upper Chitral.
“He died a lion’s death. And that will be his legacy,” he added.
Lance Naik Qazi Sher Nawaz Khan’s name now joins the ranks of Pakistan’s most decorated and honored servicemen.