President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday approved the award of Sitara-e-Shujaat for Liaqat Shaheed, a civilian who lost his life while attempting to stop a suicide bomber near Kohat, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
According to an official statement, the award was approved by the president on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Paying tribute to the deceased, President Zardari said Liaqat had prevented a potentially major tragedy by sacrificing his own life while confronting the attacker.
“Liaqat Shaheed’s courage, sense of duty and sacrifice are a shining example for the nation,” the president said, adding that the civilian displayed exceptional bravery by standing in the way of the suicide bomber.
Security officials said the incident occurred in the inter-provincial area between Jand tehsil in Punjab and Khushal Garh Bridge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The suspected militant, reportedly linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, was moving through nearby fields when Liaqat intercepted him and demanded identification.
The attacker subsequently detonated explosives, resulting in the deaths of both Liaqat and the bomber.
Officials identified Liaqat as a retired employee of Pakistan Railways and a resident of the area.
President Zardari said the nation saluted its “brave son” for displaying extraordinary courage and preventing what could have been a large-scale loss of life.
