Mian Raza Shah
Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1937 Sardar Killi, Umerzai, Charsadda, British India |
| Died | September 1, 1965 (aged 27–28) Chak Pandit, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan–India border |
| Allegiance | Pakistan |
| Service | Pakistan Army |
| Years of service | 1957–1965 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 11th Cavalry (Frontier Force) |
| Commands | C Squadron, 11th Cavalry |
| Battles / wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 |
| Awards | Sitara-e-Jurat |
| Alma mater |
|
Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed (Sitara-e-Jurat) (1937 – 1 September 1965) was a Pakistan Army officer and the first commissioned officer to be martyred during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[1] He served with distinction in the 11th Cavalry (Frontier Force) and was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for gallantry in battle.[2][3]
Early life and education
[edit]Raza Shah was born in Sardar Killi, Umerzai, Charsadda, into the prominent Kaka Khel family.[3] He received early education at Islamia High School, Peshawar, before joining Lawrence College, Ghora Gali where he excelled academically and in sports. He earned College Colors and set a javelin throw record that remains unbeaten.[2]
He later joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1957 and was selected to attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he received the prestigious "Overseas Cane" for best performance among allied cadets.[3]
Military career
[edit]Commissioned into the Pakistan Army on 18 October 1959, Major Raza Shah joined the 11th Cavalry (Frontier Force).[2] By August 1965, during escalating tensions in Kashmir, he was commanding C Squadron of his regiment.[4]
On 1 September 1965, during Operation Grand Slam, he led an assault toward Chak Pandit near Chamb. During the attack, his tank was struck by enemy fire and destroyed. All crew members were killed except the driver. Raza Shah, aged 28, became the first officer martyr of the war.[5][4]
Legacy
[edit]Major Raza Shah was initially recommended for the Nishan-e-Haider, but was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat. His award was presented to his father, Mian Firdos Shah, by President Ayub Khan on 23 March 1966.[3]
His portrait and ceremonial uniform are preserved at the Officers’ Mess of 11th Cavalry, and the award is displayed at the regiment's quarter guard.[2]
Lawrence College honors his memory through the Raza Shah Shaheed Trophy, awarded annually for athletics. His name is inscribed on the college’s War Memorial among other Gallians who laid down their lives for Pakistan.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Dastan-e-Shujat - War Stories". Pakistan Defence. 2007-10-20. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ a b c d "Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed". Lawrence College Ghora Gali. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Major Mian Raza Shah Shaheed – The First Martyr of 1965 War". AikQaum. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ a b c TV, SAMAA (2025-05-19). "Pakistan's 1965 War Heroes: Majors Martyred on First Day of Conflict". SAMAA TV. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ Hamid, Major General Syed Ali (2019-04-05). "Unsung hero". thefridaytimes.com. Retrieved 2025-05-18.