Written by Dr. Muhammad Younis Farooqi : Published by ANI
Naib Subedar Sakhi Muhammad Khan, a son of Kashmir and a soldier of the Pakistan Army’s 2 AK Regiment, earned three major military honours — the Medal of Courage, Star of War and Medal of War — in recognition of his exceptional bravery and services to the country.
Born in 1933 to Sohbat Ali Khan Bhatti in Gangot, Tehsil Kotli, Kashmir, Sakhi Muhammad Khan joined the Pakistan Army in 1951. He had completed around 14 years of service when the 1965 Pakistan-India war broke out.
During the 1965 war, Naib Subedar Sakhi Muhammad Khan demonstrated remarkable courage and determination on the battlefield. He fought bravely against the enemy and played his role in defending the motherland. In recognition of his services and bravery, the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army honoured him with the Star of War and Medal of War.
Six years later, the 1971 war began and he was deployed in the Chhamb-Jaurian sector, where enemy forces launched repeated attacks. Naib Subedar Sakhi Muhammad Khan and his men courageously resisted the enemy’s advance and held their position for a considerable period.
On the night between December 6 and 7, he received orders to take his men into enemy territory and launch an attack. Leading from the front, he and his troops attacked the enemy positions and destroyed three forward positions.
During the operation, he was wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to encourage his men to move forward. While fighting in defence of the motherland, he ultimately embraced martyrdom.
In recognition of his courage and supreme sacrifice, the Government of Pakistan awarded Naib Subedar Sakhi Muhammad Khan the Medal of Courage.
He was laid to rest in his native village, where his grave remains a reminder of his sacrifice and service to the country. His memory is honoured every year on September 6, while December 7 is observed as his martyrdom day.
May Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of Naib Subedar Sakhi Muhammad Khan Shaheed and grant patience and courage to his family. Ameen.
