Liaqat Shaheed awarded Sitara-e-Shujaat for heroic sacrifice near Kohat

President Zardari praises his bravery and sacrifice.

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the award of Sitara-e-Shujaat to Liaqat Shaheed, a civilian who sacrificed his life while stopping a suicide bomber near Kohat.

The honour has been granted in recognition of his exceptional bravery and national-level sacrifice.

According to an official statement issued on Wednesday the approval was given by the President on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Paying tribute to Liaqat Shaheed President Zardari said the brave citizen prevented a major tragedy by confronting the suicide attacker and laying down his life in the process. He said Liaqat’s courage, sense of duty, and sacrifice stand as a shining example for the nation.

“His bravery is a symbol of unmatched courage,” the President stated, adding that he showed extraordinary resolve by standing firm in front of the attacker.

Security sources said the incident occurred in the inter-provincial area between Jand tehsil in Punjab and Khushal Garh Bridge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the attacker, linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, was reportedly moving through fields.

They added that Liaqat, a retired Pakistan Railways employee and local resident, stopped the suspect for identification. The attacker then detonated explosives, resulting in the martyrdom of Liaqat and the death of the suicide bomber.

The President further said that the entire nation salutes Liaqat Shaheed for his heroic sacrifice, which helped prevent a potentially large-scale tragedy.