Lion of Kargil: Capt Karnal Sher Khan’s martyrdom anniversary today

RAWALPINDI: The martyrdom anniversary of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), who laid his life in an extraordinary act of bravery during the Kargil war, will be observed on July 5 (today).

The martyred officer of Pakistan Army hailed from Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and joined Pakistan Army in 1992. During the Kargil conflict, he was assigned to clear a vital position. He and his fellow soldiers ignored the firepower of the opponents and bravely managed to push them back. Captain Karnal Sher Khan led the charge and was able to inflict heavy losses on the enemy.

The Indian officer in-charge who witnessed his bravery placed a praise-filled note in his pocket. Captain Karnal Sher Khan embraced martyrdom on July 5, 1999 and his family members were proud to learn that he laid his life for his country. He left an everlasting mark on the younger generation in his family, who firmly believes that there would be nothing without this country. His nephew, Nauman Sher, expressed his love for his uncle and said that he is his role model. “Every youngster in our family wants to follow his footsteps and make him proud,” he said.

His nephew acknowledges the love and kindness extended to his family by the people and government. “Their help has enabled them to establish projects in his memory that are further elevating Captain Karnal Sher Khan’s name,” he said.

He shared the interesting story on how the Shaheed’s own name is based on a military rank. Captain Karnal Sher Khan’s grandfather volunteered in 1948 war, where he served under Colonel Sher Khan. He was so impressed with his character that he named his grandson after him and even included his rank.

During his academic and professional career, people questioned Captain Karnal Sher Khan’s name as it did not seem suitable but later on when he became Lieutenant “it served him well as anytime someone would ask his name he would say I am Lieutenant Karnal Sher Khan and so was given extra respect,” he said.

According to his relatives, the biggest motivation for him to join the army was the chance to attain martyrdom. After settling into his military career, he used to be asked about his plans of getting married to which he replied that I will get married in the heavens. He cared for the needy and spent most of his salary to deliver essential items to them without informing his family members. It was only after his martyrdom that those people came to his house and disclosed that they have lost their benefactor.

Anwar Sher, the elder brother of Sher Khan, looked after him after their mother passed away when Karnal Sher Khan was only a young boy. Losing his younger brother was very painful for Anwar Sher but he states that he takes comfort in the fact that his brother has been rewarded in both the worlds. He poignantly says that a thousand Shers are ready to die for this country.

Additional information from Ali Haider Saleem's 'Tales of sacrifices that have fortified national consciousness'