Armed forces chiefs pay tribute to Havildar Lalak Jan on martyrdom anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s armed forces on Monday commemorated the martyrdom anniversary of Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, and paid tribute to his role in the 1999 Kargil conflict.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, joined Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in honouring Lalak Jan’s courage and sacrifice in the defence of the country.

The military’s media wing said Lalak Jan’s conduct in battle remained an example of steadfast devotion and selfless service. It said that during fighting in 1999, he continued to hold his position despite successive enemy attacks and did not withdraw even as the situation around him became more intense.

According to the ISPR, he was critically injured during the assault but declined to leave the battlefield and continued leading his troops until he was martyred.

The statement said his sacrifice remained a lasting symbol of bravery and duty for both the armed forces and the wider nation. "Despite sustaining critical injuries, he refused evacuation and continued to lead by example, fighting with indomitable determination until he embraced martyrdom in the line of duty," the statement added.

ISPR said his story continued to inspire serving soldiers and reflected the values of duty and honour. It added that the armed forces and the people of Pakistan remained committed to defending the country’s sovereignty in the same spirit he demonstrated.

Service and role in Kargil

Lalak Jan was born on April 1, 1967. He joined the Pakistan Army on December 10, 1984, and later served in the Northern Light Infantry Regiment.

When the Kargil conflict broke out in 1999, he was among the soldiers who volunteered for what the ISPR described as the most difficult positions, including a forward post on a rugged mountain peak that lay directly in the path of Indian attacks.

The military’s statement said he repelled repeated assaults by Indian forces and caused heavy losses to the attackers. On July 7, his position came under heavy mortar fire and he was critically wounded. ISPR said he nevertheless stayed at his post, refused evacuation and kept fighting until his injuries proved fatal.