Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar holds the distinct and profound honor of being the inaugural recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military gallantry award. His name is synonymous with the very beginning of the nation’s struggle for existence and the heroic sacrifices made to secure its borders. Born on November 10, 1910, in the village of Singhori, nestled within the Rawalpindi District of British India, he belonged to a family with a long-standing tradition of military service. His father, Raja Muhammad Hayat Khan, was a decorated veteran of World War I, and this heritage of duty and valor was deeply ingrained in young Muhammad Sarwar. He was known for his quiet strength and unwavering dedication to his family and community, traits that would later define his military career.
Sarwar joined the British Indian Army as a sepoy in 1929 and served for several years before earning a commission. His hard work and exceptional performance led to his promotion to officer rank in 1943. Following the partition of British India in 1947 and the creation of Pakistan, he was among the first officers to join the newly formed Pakistan Army. He was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, a unit that would soon be at the heart of the first conflict facing the new nation.
The post-partition period was marked by territorial disputes, most notably over the region of Jammu and Kashmir. In 1948, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war. Captain Sarwar was deployed with his unit to the Uri sector, a strategically vital area that was heavily defended by Indian forces. His mission was to clear a heavily fortified enemy position that was impeding the advance of Pakistani forces. The position was well-entrenched, protected by barbed wire, and equipped with machine guns. It was a formidable obstacle, and a frontal assault was considered highly perilous.
On July 27, 1948, Captain Sarwar was tasked with leading a company to attack the fortified hill position in the Uri sector. He led his men with incredible courage and determination. As they advanced, they came under intense and sustained enemy fire. The barbed wire, a seemingly impenetrable barrier, held up the advance. Captain Sarwar, refusing to be halted, took it upon himself to cut through the wire, exposing himself to the enemy’s deadly fire. His men followed his lead, inspired by his bravery.
As the company pressed forward, they were met with a storm of machine-gun fire. Captain Sarwar was at the very front of the charge, leading by example. He was hit by a burst of machine-gun fire and mortally wounded. Despite his fatal injuries, he refused to falter. He continued to crawl forward and hurl grenades at the enemy positions, directing his men to follow through with the attack. His final moments were spent with his men, urging them on to victory. His last words, reportedly, were, “Long live Pakistan,” a final declaration of his ultimate sacrifice for his homeland. He succumbed to his wounds moments after ensuring the success of the mission. His actions demoralized the enemy and allowed his company to successfully capture the objective.
For his extraordinary leadership, selflessness, and valor in the face of certain death, Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, becoming the first recipient of this prestigious honor. His sacrifice set the standard for all who would follow, establishing a benchmark of bravery and devotion to the nation. The legacy of Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar is not just that of a soldier who fought valiantly; it is the legacy of a man who laid down his life to protect the very existence of his country. His sacrifice is a cornerstone of the nation’s foundation, a powerful symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Pakistan Armed Forces. His memory is commemorated in various ways, including the naming of military installations and educational institutions, ensuring that his valor continues to inspire new generations.
