Nishan-e-Haider is not just a medal, it’s a symbol of unmatched bravery and selfless sacrifice. This is the highest honor a soldier can receive in Pakistan, given only to those who stood fearless in the face of death for their homeland. Though it was officially introduced in 1957, it remembers and celebrates heroes who fought for Pakistan since 1947. Till the year 2025, here is nishan e haider holders names list. Only eleven such brave hearts have been awarded this rare title. Below, you’ll find their names and photos, a tribute to those who became legends.
The Fearless Heroes Who Wore Nishan-e-Haider with Pride
Discover the Real Heroes of Pakistan , A List of Every Nishan-e-Haider Recipient and Their Story of Courage.
Naik Saif Ali Janjua, A Shining Example of Courage That Still Lives On
Naik Saif Ali Janjua, born on April 25, 1922, became the first hero to receive the Nishan-e-Haider in Pakistan. A brave soldier of the 5th Azad Kashmir Regiment, he fought valiantly in the 1948 war. His courage knew no bounds, but he made the ultimate sacrifice during the fierce battle at Buddha Khanna.
Brave Naik Saif Ali Janjua fought with unmatched bravery, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy and dealing them a crushing blow. His exceptional courage and sacrifice earned him the highest honor, the Nishan-e-Haider.
Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar , The Fearless Path of a True Hero
Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar, born on April 25, 1910, in Rawalpindi, was a fearless warrior in the Punjab Regiment. When the Kashmir war began, he fought with unmatched courage, taking down nearly 40 enemy soldiers. His bravery, however, came at a cost , he was martyred on October 26, 1948, after a machine gun shot during battle. For his unwavering valor, he was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, honoring his ultimate sacrifice.
Major Tufail Mohammad, The Fearless Warrior Who Stood Strong Till the End
Major Tufail Muhammad was born in 1914 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. In the 1958 war, he stood at the front as a company commander in East Pakistan. With a fearless spirit and a heart full of courage, he led his men through danger without ever stepping back.
Amid the fierce battle, Major Tufail Mohammad stood strong and fearless, guiding his men with a heart full of courage. Despite the overwhelming odds, he struck the enemy hard, causing heavy damage. Even after being seriously wounded, he did not step back; instead, he kept fighting with his gun and, when necessary, with his bare hands. Consequently, his unmatched bravery and deep love for Pakistan earned him the prestigious honor of Nishan-e-Haider.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti’s Unwavering Sacrifice , A Hero Who Never Hesitated to Give His All
Born on August 6, 1928, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti became a symbol of courage during the 1965 war. As the commander of the 17th Punjab Regiment in Lahore, he led his troops with unwavering strength. When the enemy’s armored divisions attacked, he stayed by their side, fighting relentlessly for five days, never once backing down.
He made history as the first graduate of the PMA Long Course to be honored with the Sword of Honor and the Norman Medal. His brilliant leadership and unmatched courage in the face of battle truly set him apart. For his exceptional valor and sacrifice, he was rightfully awarded the Nishan-e-Haider.
Rashid Minhas, Pilot Officer, A Legacy of Unmatched Courage and Fearlessness
Born on February 17, 1951, Rashid Minhas rose to become a fearless pilot officer in the No. 2 Fighter Conversion Unit of the Pakistan Air Force, where his unwavering dedication and extraordinary courage made him a true hero.
On August 20, 1971, during a routine training flight, Rashid Minhas faced an unimaginable situation. The instructor pilot attempted to hijack the plane and take it across the border into enemy territory. With immense courage and quick thinking, Rashid made the difficult decision to damage the controls, ensuring the aircraft crashed safely back within Pakistan’s borders, protecting his nation at all costs.
Rashid Minhas was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his remarkable bravery and unwavering courage. His heroic actions not only earned him this highest military honor but also made him the youngest pilot officer in history to receive such a prestigious award.
The Heroic Journey of Major Muhammad Akram, A Legend Who Gave Everything for His Country
Our brave Major Muhammad Akram, born on April 4, 1938, was a proud officer of the 4 Frontier Force Regiment in the Pakistan Army. During the 1965 war, he served as a captain, leading his troops to several key victories. In the 1971 war, Major Akram found himself at the heart of the action, commanding his company in the strategically important Hilli district of East Pakistan, where his leadership was put to the ultimate test.
In the fierce 1971 war, Major Muhammad Akram stood firm at the front, leading his soldiers with calm bravery and unwavering spirit. His bold actions under fire earned him Pakistan’s highest military honor, the Nishan-e-Haider. On December 5, 1971, he made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life for his country and leaving an inspiring legacy of courage and selfless devotion.
Major Shabir Sharif, A Brave Warrior Who Never Backed Down
Born on April 28, 1943, Shabir Sharif rose to Major in the 6th Frontier Force Regiment. When the 1971 war erupted, he led his men through the fiercest battles with calm courage and unshakable leadership, never wavering in the face of danger.
Major Shabir Sharif displayed unmatched bravery during the 1971 war as he defended the vital Sulemanki Headworks. With remarkable courage, he neutralized 43 enemy soldiers and destroyed four enemy tanks, proving his extraordinary leadership and skill under intense pressure.
A Major Shabir Sharif, honored with the Sitara-e-Jurat for his exceptional bravery, became a true symbol of courage. Hailing from a legendary family, he was the nephew of the heroic Major Aziz Bhatti, a Nishan-e-Haider recipient, and the younger brother of General Raheel Sharif, former Chief of Army Staff. On December 6, 1971, Major Shabir Sharif made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched valor.
A Fearless Hero Who Stood Strong Until the End, Sowar Muhammad Hussain Janjua
The Sowar Muhammad Hussain Janjua, born on June 18, 1949, was a valiant soldier in the 20 Lancers of the Pakistan Army. During the 1971 war, he fought with unwavering courage and loyalty, always putting his country first and showcasing true heroism in the face of danger.
With remarkable skill and unmatched bravery, Sowar Muhammad Hussain Janjua took command of the recoilless rifles and led his troops to destroy 16 enemy tanks. In addition to his tactical brilliance, his quick thinking and fearless leadership earned him the Nishan-e-Haider. As a result, he became the first soldier from the Armoured Corps to receive this prestigious award, a testament to his extraordinary courage and dedication.
To honor his extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice, the villagers renamed their home from Dhok Pir Bakhsh to “Dhok Muhammad Hussain Janjua.”This heartfelt tribute was, in fact, their way of ensuring that his legacy as a true hero would never be forgotten. Moreover, it served as a reminder to future generations of his courage and sacrifice.
The Inspiring Story of Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfouz, A Soldier Who Sacrificed Everything for His Nation.
The Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfouz, born on October 25, 1944, served with the 15th Punjab Regiment in the Pakistan Army. During the 1971 war, he displayed extraordinary courage and heroism, becoming a source of inspiration for everyone who witnessed his bravery.
During the intense Pul Kunjry operation in the 1971 war, Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfouz lost his machine gun in the chaos. But he didn’t hesitate. With unmatched bravery, he charged ahead and entered the enemy bunker himself to complete the mission, proving his courage and unshakable resolve.
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfouz displayed unmatched bravery, which earned him the esteemed Nishan-e-Haider. His courage was so remarkable that even the enemy commander had to acknowledge his strength. He laid down his life on December 17, 1971, but his sacrifice and heroism continue to inspire generations and will always live in our hearts.
Our Captain Karnal Sher Khan, The Unyielding Spirit of Courage and Strength
He was, born on January 1, 1970, was a true hero in the Pakistan Army, serving with the 27th Sindh Regiment of the Northern Light Infantry. During the Kargil war, his unmatched courage and leadership played a pivotal role in delivering powerful blows to the enemy, contributing to major victories.
In the midst of the intense Kargil war, Captain Karnal Sher Khan displayed extraordinary courage by defending five crucial Pakistani posts. Furthermore, his bold raids on enemy camps delivered a heavy blow to India, showcasing not only his sharp tactical mind but also his unwavering leadership. Consequently, his actions became a beacon of hope and inspiration for his comrades.
Captain Karnal Sher Khan was the embodiment of unwavering courage. During the Kargil war, especially on the Line of Control, he displayed extraordinary bravery that inspired all who witnessed it. His heroic actions earned him the prestigious Nishan-e-Haider, a testament to his unmatched valor. Sadly, he gave his life for the nation on July 5, 1999, and left behind a legacy that still inspires countless hearts.
The Hawaldar Lalak Jan, A Fearless Hero Who Stood Strong Against All Odds
Hawaldar Lalak Jan, born in April 1967, was a true warrior of the Pakistan Army, serving with the 12th Northern Light Infantry. When the Kargil conflict broke out, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his comrades, fiercely defending his homeland from the relentless Indian attacks, showcasing unparalleled courage and dedication.
Lalak Jan’s name shines brightly in history, etched forever for his unshakable courage at the frontlines. He played a key role in halting the enemy’s relentless attacks, forcing them to retreat and inflicting heavy losses. His unwavering bravery and determination earned him the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s most prestigious military honor.
Lalak Jan’s courage and unwavering determination made him a true hero, inspiring soldiers throughout the country. As the first person from the Northern areas to receive the Nishan-e-Haider, his bravery stood as a beacon of strength. Though he passed away on July 7, 1999, his legacy of fearless dedication continues to inspire.
Closing Reflections, Celebrating the Timeless Legacy of Our Heroes
This list proudly honors the brave souls who received the Nishan-e-Haider from 1947 to 2025. These heroes didn’t just fight battles, they wrote history with their courage. Their powerful stories continue to ignite the spirit of patriotism in today’s youth, reminding us all of the strength that comes from true love for one’s country.
