Pakistan’s military leader, General Asim Munir, has paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan on the 26th anniversary of his heroic death in the Kargil conflict. Despite the past, it was India’s Brigadier MPS Bajwa who first recognized and celebrated his bravery.
Initially, Pakistan rejected Karnal Sher Khan, refusing to accept his body. However, a heartfelt letter from Brigadier Bajwa brought his valor to light, leading to him being granted Pakistan’s highest military honor, Nishan-e-Haider.
Karnal Sher Khan’s Heroism in the Kargil War
During the 1999 Kargil War, Captain Karnal Sher Khan was at the forefront as the leader of the 12th Northern Light Infantry of Pakistan, stationed at 17,000 feet in Gultari. The Indian Army launched a fierce assault on Tiger Hill, a decisive and bloody battleground.
Source: aajtak
Under heavy attack from Indian battalions equipped with machine guns and artillery, Khan’s unit, although outnumbered, fought valiantly. On July 5, 1999, he was martyred in close-quarter combat from machine gun fire.
Pakistan Initially Rejects the Body
In the Kargil conflict, Pakistan first denied its army’s involvement, claiming that the fighters were mere mujahedeen. After the fall of Tiger Hill, Captain Sher Khan's identification was confirmed through his documents, yet Pakistan refused to reclaim his body.
On July 12, 1999, India notified Pakistan of its intentions to hand over the bodies of Captain Sher Khan and Captain Imtiaz Malik, but Pakistan remained silent. Finally, on July 15, 1999, the Indian government publicly announced it held both soldiers’ remains, identified by their documents.
Source: aajtak
The Indian Brigadier’s Letter that Turned the Tide
Impressed by Captain Sher Khan’s gallantry at Tiger Hill, Indian Brigadier MPS Bajwa penned an eloquent letter to the Pakistani government, praising Sher Khan’s bravery and placed it in his pocket.
This letter was key to ensuring respect for his legacy before returning the body. Brigadier Bajwa noted on X in 2019, stating that Captain Karnal Sher Khan fought valiantly against his unit (8 Sikh) at Tiger Hill, and though Pakistan had initially refused to accept his body, India’s acknowledgment of his courage prompted a reevaluation.
International Pressure Compels Acceptance
On July 13, 1999, contact from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reached India, with Pakistan ready to discuss the bodies’ return, leading to the acceptance of Captain Sher Khan’s remains. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, recognizing his supreme bravery.
Source: aajtak
Tribute Ceremony by Asim Munir
On July 5, 2025, Pakistan’s General Asim Munir laid homage at Captain Sher Khan’s grave in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, joined by senior military officials and family members. Pakistan’s DG-ISPR celebrated his indomitable courage and patriotism displayed in the 1999 Kargil War on X, inspiring both the armed forces and the nation.
