Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed

Major Muhammad Akram (Urdu: محمد اکرم; c. 1938–1971), was a Pakistan Army officer who was posthumously awarded Pakistan military's highest decoration, the Nishan-e-Haider, for his actions during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Akram was sent on several missions in the India-Pakistan War, and was killed in 1971 at the Battle of Hilli.^[1]

Military career

Akram was born in Dinga Village, District of Gujrat, Punjab, but was also a member of the village of Nakka Kalan in the district of Jhelum. Ethnically, he belonged to the Awan tribe of Pakistan. In 1959, Akram was accepted by the Pakistan Military Academy and eventually graduated in 1963. He gained a commission in 1963 as part of the 4th Frontier Force Regiment.^[1] Akram participated in 1965 Indo-Pak September War as a Captain where he led several successful military operations against the Indian Army. While stationed in Lahore, Akram commanded a small company which led several decisive operations against the Indian Armed Forces.^{[citation needed]}

In 1969, Akram was promoted to Major of the Pakistan Army.^{[citation needed]} In 1971, Akram fought in the war against India. In the Battle of Hilli, his leadership, bravery and skillful strategizing kept enemies at bay for five days and nights, resulting in the ultimate sacrifice (his death). Major Akram was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military honor, for his heroic efforts.^[2]

Martyrdom and legacy

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the 4th FF Regiment, which Akram commanded, was placed in the forward area of the Hilli Municipality (under Hakimpur Upozila, Dinajpur District), in what was then East Pakistan.^{[citation needed]} The regiment came under continuous and heavy air, artillery and armor attacks from the Indian Army. Despite enemy superiority in both numbers and firepower, Akram and his men repulsed many attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.^[2] Called the hero of Hilli,^{[citation needed]} Major Muhammad Akram (N.H) was buried in the village of Boaldar, Thana/Upozila-Hakimpur (Banglahilly), District-Dinajpur. There is a monument, Major Akram Shaheed Memorial, in the midst of Jhelum city. Anjum Sultan Shahbaz, the famous writer and historian, has referred to Akram in his books Tareekh-e-Jhelum and Shohdai Jhelum.