ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The funeral prayer of *Major Syed Muiz Abbas Shah* was conducted at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Wednesday. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff *Field Marshal Asim Munir*, Interior Minister, senior military officers, civil officials, and fellow soldiers.
Paying homage to the fallen officer, Field Marshal Munir said Major Muiz Abbas Shah “courageously fought and resisted the enemy with exceptional bravery.” Major Muiz was martyred during an intelligence-based operation against Khawarij militants in South Waziristan.
The operation in the Sararogha area resulted in the elimination of 11 Indian-backed militants, while seven others were injured, ISPR reported. Alongside Major Muiz Abbas Shah, *Lance Naik Jabranullah* also embraced martyrdom in the fierce exchange of fire.
Major Muiz Abbas Shah: A Courageous Officer
Major Muiz, aged 37 and originally from Chakwal, served the Pakistan Army for 14 years. He gained international recognition in February 2019 when Indian Air Force pilot *Abhinandan Varthaman* surrendered to him. The Major recalled the moment:
“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.”
He leaves behind a widow and two young sons.
Lance Naik Jabranullah, a 27-year-old from Bannu, had served for eight years and is survived by his wife and three sons.
National Leadership Pays Tribute
President *Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister **Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister **Mohsin Naqvi* praised the security forces for their successful operation and saluted the sacrifices of the martyrs. They affirmed that the nation stands united with the armed forces in defending Pakistan’s security and sovereignty.
The leadership emphasized that the sacrifices of the soldiers and their families are a source of national pride, pledging continued commitment to eliminating terrorism and maintaining peace throughout the country.
