ISLAMABAD: The funeral prayer of Pakistan Army officer Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against Indian-sponsored terrorists in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan district, was offered at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, according to a military statement.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, Federal Minister for Interior, Senior serving Military and Civil Officials, officers and soldiers attended the funeral, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.
“Major Syed Moiz Abbas fought bravely in the face of resistance and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism. The entire nation stands united in grief and pride, saluting his ultimate sacrifice for the defence of the country. We owe an eternal debt to our martyrs. The blood of our Shuhada is the foundation of our nation’s strength”. COAS said.
The body of Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah has been taken to his native hometown Chakwal, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.
Major Moiz Abbas Shah captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman
It is pertinent to mention that Major Moiz Abbas Shah Shaheed was the same officer before whom Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman famously surrendered in February 2019.
According to the military’s media wing, 37-year-old Major Moiz Abbas Shah dedicated 14 years to the defence of Pakistan. His heroic act in 2019, when he confronted the captured Indian pilot, made global headlines.
In a recorded account, Major Moiz had recalled the moment of surrender:
“As soon as I approached him, he looked at my rank and immediately said, ‘Captain, I am Indian Air Force Wing Commander 27981 Abhinandan Varthaman, and I surrender. Please save me.’ At that moment, it became my professional obligation to ensure his safety.”
