In the relentless battle against those who seek to destabilize the nation, Pakistan continues to lose its valiant sons. Among them stands Major Syed Rab Nawaz Tariq Shaheed, a name now etched in the annals of sacrifice, who embraced martyrdom while defending the soil of Balochistan. His ultimate sacrifice, alongside countless others, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound cost of peace and stability.
Source: ISPR
The Life and Sacrifice
Major Syed Rab Nawaz Tariq, originally from Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, embodied the spirit of patriotism and selfless dedication. From a young age, he harbored a profound aspiration to serve his homeland by joining the armed forces. This dream culminated in his distinguished career in the Pakistan Army, where he exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and bravery.
Major Syed Rab Nawaz embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation in Awaran, Balochistan, aimed at eliminating terrorists of Fitna-al-Hindustan. In this courageous anti-terror operation, three terrorists were successfully neutralized. His funeral prayers were held with solemn reverence in Muzaffarabad, attended by a large number of citizens, senior military and civil officials, including GOC Murree, Major General Muhammad Irfan. His father, with unwavering resolve, affirmed;
“My son had aspired to join the army since childhood. Today, that mission reached its noble end with his martyrdom.”
Local communities have paid glowing tributes to Major Rab Nawaz, recognizing his devotion and sacrifice as a shining example of true patriotism and selfless love for the homeland.
Praising Heroism, Condemning Terrorism
The sacrifices of officers like Major Syed Rab Nawaz Tariq Shaheed are a testament to the unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces. These brave men, our valiant sons of the soil, leave behind their families and homes, making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the country against the forces of darkness. Their heroic actions safeguard our collective peace and secure our future.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have both paid rich tribute to Major Tariq and the security forces for their successful operations against terror, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to continue the fight until terrorism is eradicated.
We unequivocally condemn terrorism and those who perpetrate it. These acts of violence, whether against civilians or security forces, aim to sow discord and destabilize the nation. There can be no justification for such barbarity, and the state’s resolve to eliminate these elements remains unwavering.
The Unseen Battle: A Call for Unified Recognition
While the armed forces tirelessly combat terrorism, a discernible disparity in public discourse often surfaces. When our soldiers lay down their lives in the line of duty, their sacrifices are deeply mourned by the nation. However, there are instances where the narrative shifts dramatically based on the identity of the casualties. We observe a stark contrast in the public outcry.
For example, some social activists and political figures in Balochistan, such as Mahrang Baloch, and others, who vociferously protest the deaths of militants involved in anti-state activities, maintain a conspicuous silence when it comes to acknowledging the martyrdom of our soldiers. This selective outrage and lack of unified condemnation for attacks on our forces, while advocating for those who wage war against the state, can be perceived as deeply unsettling by those who witness the sacrifices of our armed forces firsthand.
This absence of a collective, unambiguous voice against all forms of violence, and the varying degrees of empathy shown, creates a disheartening divide. In addition to raising legitimate concerns regarding the loyalties of such so-called, social activists, and nationalist leaders. Maintaining silence over such events leads to genuine concerns, of activists and nationalist leaders, playing in the hands of anti-State actors i.e., Fitna-al-Hindustan.
Furthermore, the challenges in regions like Balochistan extend beyond kinetic operations. Despite successful military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb, which had significantly degraded terrorist networks, the subsequent and equally crucial phase of economic reforms and social upliftment has often been marked by an absence of sustained political ownership. The silence and inaction of some political parties and local leadership in addressing socio-economic grievances and integrating these areas into the national mainstream is a critical gap.
The military’s efforts to clear an area of militants must be followed by robust governance, development, and a strong political presence to ensure lasting peace and prosperity. Without this vital political ownership and commitment to reforms, the gains made through immense sacrifice risk being undermined, leaving a vacuum that extremist narratives can once again exploit.
An Enduring Legacy of Sacrifice
The valor of Major Syed Rab Nawaz Tariq Shaheed and his comrades echoes across the nation. They are the sons of our soil who choose a path of unparalleled bravery, knowing well the perilous journey ahead. They leave behind weeping mothers, grieving fathers, widowed wives, and orphaned children, all for the sake of our peace and security. Their sacrifice is not merely a statistic; it is a profound testament of their love for the motherland, that transcends personal comfort and familial bonds.
As a nation, it is our collective duty to remember these heroes, to stand united against all forms of terrorism, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never in vain. We must amplify the voices that champion national unity and acknowledge every life lost in the defense of our homeland. Only then can we truly honor the legacy of our martyrs and forge a path towards a more secure and prosperous future for Pakistan.
