Naik Saif Ali Janjua was born and died on 25 April 1922 – 26 October 1948), Pakistan Army Azad Kashmir regiment was a platoon commander during the Indo- Pakistani war of 1947. He received the Hilal-e-Kashmir from the government of Azad Kashmir, which is equal to Nishan-e-Haider, the highest military award given by Pakistan, and now declared as Nishan-e-Haider. He fought in the Kashmir sector during the 1948 war and was killed during the siege of Bhudha Khanna.
He was enrolled in the Royal Corps of Engineers in British Indian Army on 18 March 1941. After retirement, he helped in the establishment of the Haidri force on 1 January 1948 as ‘Sher e Riasat Battalion’ under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Sher Khan. Due to his dedication, he was promoted to Naik and appointed as a platoon commander. He set personal examples of gallantry and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy at the Bhudha Khanna area where his post was located. He defended the post with chivalry and repulsed many aggressive ventures by the enemy. During the battle, he was seriously injured and embraced martyrdom on 26 October 1948. On 14th March 1949, the defense council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir adorned him with Hilal-e-Kashmir and on 30th November 1995, the Government of Pakistan declared his Hilal-e-Kashmir equivalent to Nishan-e-Haider. It (Nishan-e-Haider) is the highest military award given by Pakistan.
Janjua and his few jawans defended his post and repulsed many aggressive ventures by the Indians and imposed colossal losses on them. The enemy used every means to capture the post with two companies’ attacks and heavy artillery bombardment but was unsuccessful. During the action, despite being hit in the chest by artillery fire, Janjua retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault. Due to severe injuries, he died on 26 October 1948.
Soldiers are one of the greatest assets of any country. They are the guardians of the nation and protect its citizens at all costs. Moreover, they are a very selfless lot who put the interests of the country above their interests. A soldier’s job is one of the toughest things to do in the world. They are supposed to fulfill challenging duties and possess exceptional qualities to become a great soldier. However, their lives are callous. Nonetheless, they always fulfill their duties despite the hardships.
A country sleeps peacefully as the soldiers perform their duties. The foremost duty of a soldier is to serve their country without any selfish motive. A person usually joins the army out of love for his motherland and to protect it. Even though they know they will have to face numerous problems, they still do so for their country. Furthermore, a soldier safeguard’s the honor of his country. They do not step back in the face of adversaries instead they give their best. It does not matter if they have to give their life for the country, they are willing to do so happily. Besides, soldiers also have to always be alert. He is never off duty, whether he is sleeping or on the battlefield, he stays vigilant throughout.
