Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed was the first Pakistani officer to embrace shahadat in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. He was initially recommended for Nishan e Haider, the highest military award, but was subsequently awarded Sitara e Jurat (Medal of Courage).
The first martyr of the 1965 Indo-Pak war Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed belonged to the famous Kaka Khel family of Village Sardar Killi, Umerzai, Charsadda. Raza Shah received his early education from Islamia High School, Peshawar, and subsequently got admission to the prestigious Lawrence College, Ghora Gali, Murree in Wightwick House. He made his position in academics and sports earning College Colors and setting a record for the longest Javelin throw, a record yet to be broken.
In May 1957, Mian Raza Shah joined Pakistan Army as a GC of 20 PMA LC. He was selected from his course to be sent to Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom. At the end of the training, he was awarded “Overseas Cane” for the best overall performance by an Allied cadet.
Then he was commissioned in the Pakistan Army on the 18th of Oct 1959 and joined the 11th Cavalry. He was handed over with the responsibility to command the C squadron of 11 Cavalry in late August 1965. When the Indians had captured the Haji Pir Pass in Azad Kashmir by 28 August 1965 and were threatening Muzafarabad, the Pakistan Army launched a counteroffensive on 1 September 1965 across the cease-fire line to relieve pressure on our forces defending Muzafarabad. The objective of this counteroffensive was Chamb, Jourian, and Akhnoor in Indian Held Kashmir.
On the eve of battle, Major Raza talked with his men and encouraged them for the fight, and said: “Tomorrow we shall Inshallah go into battle against a wicked enemy. Those of you who know me will find me leading the front. And, those who do not know me yet shall not fail in discovering me.” He was the man of his words and proved to be the one.
Major Mian Shah Shaheed and his regiment were the first ones who first encountered the enemies on the 1st of September 1965. The major objective of Major Raza’s Squadron is to capture Chak Pandit in the first phase. He moved towards it despite the heavy attacks from the enemies. They were just near to the Chak Pandit when their tank was fired by the enemies and all the members burnt and died except the driver Ghulam Khan who was rescued. He became the first officer to embrace martyrdom on the 1st of September 1965 at the age of 28.
Someone well said that: “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” However, Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed was a heroic legend who can never die but remembered at the same time.
