President approves Sitara-i-Shujaat for Attock man who sacrificed life while stopping suicide attack

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the award of Sitara-i-Shujaat for a citizen who lost his life while trying to stop a suicide attack in Attock’s Jand tehsil.

The approval was given on Wednesday on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to state-run PTV.

According to reports, the incident took place on Monday near an important security post on the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border in Jand, around 70 kilometres from Attock.

A local shepherd, identified as Liaqat, was grazing his goats in the area when he spotted a man he considered suspicious. Witnesses said Liaqat approached the individual after noticing unusual behaviour.

As he moved closer, the suspect blew himself up, killing Liaqat in the process.

A day earlier, both the president and the prime minister had paid tribute to Liaqat in separate statements, praising his action and sacrifice.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Liaqat, acting as a responsible citizen, stopped the terrorist and asked him for identification, after which the attacker detonated himself, leading to the shepherd’s martyrdom.

"Such brave and fearless citizens are the true symbol of the national resolve against terrorism. Shaheed Liaqat’s sacrifice is a guiding light for every individual of the nation," the prime minister said.

President Zardari also praised Liaqat’s conduct, saying citizens like him reflected the country’s resilience, patriotism and public awareness in the struggle against militancy.

"The entire nation stands united with its security forces and law enforcement agencies for the elimination of the scourge of terrorism. The war against terrorism resulting from external support will continue," the president said.

He also described brave citizens such as Liaqat as a shining example of national resilience, patriotism and collective awareness in the fight against terrorism.

Recognition for sacrifice

The decision to confer Sitara-i-Shujaat formally recognises Liaqat’s role in confronting the suspected bomber before the blast. The award was approved after the prime minister recommended it to the president, according to PTV.

The reports said the blast occurred near a sensitive security point along the inter-provincial boundary, where Liaqat’s intervention came moments before the suspect detonated himself.

The official tributes from the country’s top leadership framed his action as an example of civilian courage in the face of a terrorist threat.