ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the posthumous award of the Sitara-e-Shujaat for Liaqat Shaheed, a civilian hailed for preventing a potentially devastating suicide attack near the northwestern Kohat district by sacrificing his own life.
The decision was made on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. Authorities said Liaqat, a retired employee of Pakistan Railways and a resident of the area, confronted a suspected suicide bomber in the inter-provincial region between Punjab’s Jand tehsil and the Khushal Garh Bridge area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Security officials said the suspected attacker, allegedly linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, was moving through nearby agricultural fields when Liaqat stopped him and demanded identification. Fitna al-Khawarij is a term used by the state to refer to the terrorist groups—particularly factions of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan —that carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
During the confrontation, the suspect detonated explosives, killing both himself and Liaqat. Officials said Liaqat’s actions helped prevent what could have been a major attack resulting in heavy casualties.
In a statement, President Zardari praised the martyred civilian’s courage and sacrifice, saying Liaqat had displayed exceptional bravery by standing in the path of a suicide attacker despite the grave danger.
“Liaqat Shaheed’s courage, sense of duty and sacrifice are a shining example for the nation,” the president said, adding that the country saluted him for preventing a possible large-scale tragedy through his selfless actions.
The Sitara-e-Shujaat is one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards for bravery and is granted in recognition of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the deceased, commending his presence of mind and bravery in confronting the attacker at a critical moment.
Funeral prayers for Liaqat were offered with full state honours, attended by local officials, security personnel and residents who described him as a courageous and respected member of the community.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorism-related violence in recent years, particularly in the north-western regions bordering Afghanistan, where security forces and civilians have increasingly been targeted in attacks claimed by terrorist groups.
