Monday, October 15, 2012

04. Muhammad Akram

Major Muhammad Akram (Urdu: محمد اکرم; c. 1938–1971), was a Pakistan Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Pakistan military's highest decoration, the Nishan-e-Haider, for his actions during the 1971 Indo-Pak. Akram was sent on several missions in 1971 India-Pakistan War, and was killed in Battle of Hilli, 1971.

Born Dinga, Gujrat District, Punjab
Died Bogra, Bangladesh
Major Akram Shaheed Memorial Jhelum
Allegiance Pakistan
Service/branch Pakistan Army
Years of service 1959-1971
Rank Major
Unit 31st Frontier Force Regiment
Commands held 4th FF Company, 31st FF Battalion, 205 Infantry Brigade.
Battles/wars Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Battle of Hilli
Awards Nishan-e-Haider (1971)

Military career
Akram was born in Dinga Village, District of Gujrat, Punjab, while he belonged to the village of Nakka Kalan in the district of Jhelum. Ethnically, he belonged to Awan tribe of Pakistan. In 1959, Akram was accepted in Pakistan Military Academy and graduated from there in 1963. He gained a commissioned in 1963 as part of the Frontier Force Regiment. Akram participated in 1965 Indo-Pak September War as a Captain where he led several successful military operations against Indian Army. Stationed in Lahore, Akram, while commanded, a small company led several decisive operations against the Indian Armed Forces.

In 1969, Akram was promoted as Major. In 1971, as Major of the Pakistan Army, Akram fought in the war with India. In the Battle of Hilli for his leadership, bravery and eventually, rendering the ultimate sacrifice, Major Akram was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military award.

Martyrdom and legacy

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the 4th FF Regiment, which Akram commanded, was placed in the forward area of the Hilli district, in what was then East Pakistan. The regiment came under continuous and heavy air, artillery and armour attacks from the Indian Army. For an entire fortnight, despite enemy superiority in both numbers and firepower, Akram and his men repulsed every attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Akram died during this battle. Major Muhammad Akram (N.H) was buried in village-Boaldar,Thana/Upozila-Hakimpur(Banglahilly),District-Dinajpur. There is a monument, Major Akram Shaheed Memorial, in the midst of Jhelum city. He is called hero of Hilli[who?]. Anjum Sultan Shahbaz famous writer and historian has mentioned him in the book Tareekh-e-Jhelum and Shohdai Jhelum.


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