President approves Sitara-e-Shujaat for civilian killed stopping suicide bomber in Attock
By Bilal Haider :
President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the posthumous award of the Sitara-e-Shujaat for Liaqat Shaheed, a civilian hailed for sacrificing his life while attempting to stop a suicide bomber in Attock, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
The decision was taken on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in recognition of what authorities described as an extraordinary act of courage and national sacrifice.
Paying tribute to the deceased, President Zardari said Liaqat Shaheed had prevented a potentially devastating attack by confronting the bomber despite the grave danger to his own life. He said the civilian’s bravery and commitment to protecting others represented a source of pride for the nation.
“Liaqat Shaheed’s courage, sense of duty and sacrifice are a shining example for the nation,” the president said, adding that the man had shown remarkable fearlessness by standing in front of the attacker.
According to security officials, the incident occurred in the inter-provincial region between Jand tehsil in Punjab and the Khushal Garh Bridge area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities said the suspected militant, believed to be linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, was moving through nearby agricultural fields when he was intercepted by Liaqat.
Officials said Liaqat, a retired employee of Pakistan Railways and a local resident, became suspicious of the man and asked him to show identification documents. During the encounter, the attacker detonated explosives, killing both himself and Liaqat.
Security officials believe the intervention may have prevented the bomber from reaching a more densely populated area, potentially averting a large-scale attack and significant loss of life.
President Zardari said the entire nation paid tribute to Liaqat’s sacrifice and acknowledged his role in protecting innocent civilians. He described the slain civilian as a symbol of resilience and patriotism at a time when Pakistan continues to face security threats in several regions.
Pakistan has witnessed a renewed rise in militant violence in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and bordering districts, where security forces and civilians have frequently been targeted in bombings and armed attacks. Authorities have repeatedly praised the role of ordinary citizens in supporting security efforts and helping prevent potential acts of terrorism.
The Sitara-e-Shujaat is among Pakistan’s highest civilian awards for bravery and is granted to individuals who display exceptional courage in the face of danger. Liaqat’s recognition adds to a list of civilians and security personnel honoured for acts of heroism during counterterrorism incidents across the country.
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