The Nihan-e-Haider (نشان حیدر) is Pakistan’s highest military award, given exclusively for extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice in wartime. It is awarded posthumously to members of the Pakistan Armed Forces who display unmatched valor. Since its inception in 1956, only 11 individuals have received this prestigious honor.
What is Nishan-e-Haider?
Nishan-e-Haider translates to “Emblem of the Lion”, symbolizing courage and fearlessness. It is named after Hazrat Ali (R.A.), known for his bravery in Islamic history. The award is reserved for those who sacrifice their lives in combat while demonstrating exceptional heroism.
Key Facts About Nishan-e-Haider
- Established: 1956 (First awarded in 1957)
- Awarded By: Government of Pakistan
- Eligibility: Only for military personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Posthumous: Given after martyrdom
- Total Recipients: 11 (As of 2024)
Nishan e Haider Holders Names List
| Name | War | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Muhammad Sarwar | 1948 Kashmir War | 1948 |
| Major Tufail Muhammad | 1958 Border Conflict | 1958 |
| Major Raja Aziz Bhatti | 1965 Indo-Pak War | 1965 |
| Major Muhammad Akram | 1971 Indo-Pak War | 1971 |
| Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas | 1971 Indo-Pak War | 1971 |
| Major Shabbir Sharif | 1971 Indo-Pak War | 1971 |
| Sowar Muhammad Hussain | 1971 Indo-Pak War | 1971 |
| Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz | 1971 Indo-Pak War | 1971 |
| Captain Karnal Sher Khan | 1999 Kargil War | 1999 |
| Havildar Lalak Jan | 1999 Kargil War | 1999 |
| Naik Saif Ali Janjua | 1948 Kashmir War | 1948 |
Complete Details of Nishan-e-Haider Holders
Below is the detailed list of all Nishan-e-Haider awardees, along with their rank, military branch, and the war in which they were martyred.
1. Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (1947-48 Kashmir War)
- Rank: Captain
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: July 27, 1948
- Battle: Battle of Uri (Kashmir)
- Heroic Act: Led a bold attack against Indian forces, sacrificing his life while securing a strategic position.
2. Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed (1958 Indo-Pak Border Conflict)
- Rank: Major
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: August 7, 1958
- Battle: Lakshmipur (East Pakistan)
- Heroic Act: Despite being severely wounded, he destroyed an enemy post before succumbing to injuries.
3. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (1965 Indo-Pak War)
- Rank: Major
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: September 10, 1965
- Battle: Lahore Sector
- Heroic Act: Fought relentlessly for five days without sleep, defending Lahore until his last breath.
4. Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed (1971 Indo-Pak War)
- Rank: Major
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: December 5, 1971
- Battle: Battle of Hilli (East Pakistan)
- Heroic Act: Led his troops against overwhelming odds, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
5. Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (1971 Indo-Pak War)
- Rank: Pilot Officer
- Branch: Pakistan Air Force
- Martyrdom: August 20, 1971
- Battle: Air Combat (Karachi)
- Heroic Act: Sacrificed his life to prevent his aircraft from being hijacked into India.
6. Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (1971 Indo-Pak War)
- Rank: Major
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: December 6, 1971
- Battle: Battle of Sulemanki
- Heroic Act: Destroyed multiple enemy tanks before being martyred in combat.
7. Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed (1971 Indo-Pak War)
- Rank: Sowar
- Branch: Pakistan Army (Armored Corps)
- Martyrdom: December 10, 1971
- Battle: Zafarwal Sector
- Heroic Act: Fought bravely despite being outnumbered, destroying enemy positions.
8. Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed (1971 Indo-Pak War)
- Rank: Lance Naik
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: December 17, 1971
- Battle: Wagah Sector
- Heroic Act: Continued fighting even after severe injuries, inspiring his comrades.
9. Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (1999 Kargil War)
- Rank: Captain
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: July 5, 1999
- Battle: Kargil Conflict
- Heroic Act: Defended strategic peaks against Indian forces, embraced martyrdom while leading his men.
10. Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed (1999 Kargil War)
- Rank: Havildar
- Branch: Pakistan Army (Northern Light Infantry)
- Martyrdom: July 7, 1999
- Battle: Kargil Conflict
- Heroic Act: Repelled multiple enemy attacks despite being heavily outnumbered.
11. Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed (1948 Kashmir War)
- Rank: Naik
- Branch: Pakistan Army
- Martyrdom: October 26, 1948
- Battle: Bhudha Khanna (Kashmir)
- Heroic Act: Held his position alone against enemy forces, allowing his unit to retreat safely.
Conclusion
The Nishan-e-Haider is a symbol of unmatched bravery and sacrifice. The 11 heroes who received this award have left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s history. Their stories continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the price of freedom.