President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday approved the awarding of the Sitara-e-Shujaat for Liaqat Shaheed, the civilian who sacrificed his life while stopping a suicide bomber near Kohat, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
In a statement, the Presidency said the approval was granted on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It said the president had paid tribute to Liaqat, noting his bravery had averted a major loss of life through personal sacrifice.
“Liaqat Shaheed’s courage, sense of duty and sacrifice are a shining example for the nation,” the president said, adding the martyr displayed unmatched bravery by standing firm in front of the suicide bomber. He said the nation saluted its brave son for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice in preventing a possible large-scale tragedy.
A day earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had also nominated Liaqat for the country’s highest civil award. Paying tribute to his sacrifice, the chief minister had said that people like Liaqat were the real heroes of the Pakistani nation.
She said the deceased had set the highest example of sacrifice for the homeland by laying down his life and announced he would be nominated for the country’s highest civil award in acknowledgment of his bravery and great sacrifice.
P.M. Sharif had likewise lauded the courage and patriotism of the deceased, saying the entire nation salutes Liaqat’s bravery, whose sacrifice was a shining example of national unity against terrorism.
Speaking at the funeral prayers of Liaqat, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi had expressed his condolences and assured the family that the government stood firmly with them and would never forget the sacrifice rendered by the deceased. He said the railway ministry would take care of the family and announced compensation of Rs. 8 million for the family, which comprises a widow, two sons, and one daughter.
The incident took place on Sunday around 70km from Attock. Liaqat, a retired Railways employee, was walking with his livestock when he spotted the suspect and questioned him on his identity. At this, the militant detonated explosives, resulting in the martyrdom of Liaqat and the death of the attacker.