Daily Archives: June 30, 2024

Captain Abdul Basit Shaheed (Pak Army Officer)

In a solemn tribute to the courageous martyrs who have laid down their lives in service to our nation, Pakistan stands united in gratitude and remembrance. Among these valiant heroes is Captain Basit Ali Shaheed, whose unwavering dedication and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on our history. Born on March 31, 1996, in the serene town of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Captain Basit Ali began his journey of service by joining the prestigious Baloch Regiment of the Pakistan Army upon receiving his commission in April 2016. His exemplary leadership and valour were soon recognized, earning him the title of the best officer of the Pakistan Army in the 2017 Peace Competitions.

On July 13, 2021, Captain Basit Ali received orders to lead an operation against terrorists in the Kurram Tribal district. Undeterred by the dangers that lay ahead, he fearlessly led his Jawans into battle. In the face of relentless enemy fire, Captain Basit Ali displayed extraordinary bravery, successfully neutralizing three terrorists. Tragically, amidst the chaos of combat, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his beloved country, struck down by enemy bullets. His actions on that fateful day were a testament to his courage and dedication to the mission at hand.

Alia Ahmad Shaheed (KP’s Female Police Officer)

In the War on Terror in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), many courageous police officers sacrificed their lives, often without public recognition. Among these unsung heroes was Alia Ahmad, a brave female officer from Mingora, Swat. Amidst a period when many of her colleagues were resigning out of fear of Taliban threats, Alia remained steadfast in her duty, exemplifying remarkable courage and commitment to her role in the KP police force.

Despite the perilous circumstances and widespread chaos that led many government employees to either quit or relocate, Alia upheld her professional obligations. Her dedication was tragically tested on November 23, 2008, when she and her younger brother, Mukhtar Ul Haq, were abducted by the Taliban upon her return home from work. While her brother was released after a day, Alia was held captive and ultimately murdered by the Taliban, who discarded her body at Mingora’s Green Chowk.

Alia Ahmad’s story is a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of many police officers in KP during the War on Terror. Her unwavering dedication in the face of grave danger and her ultimate sacrifice highlight the profound risks taken by those in law enforcement to protect their communities. Alia’s legacy stands as a testament to her heroism and the countless others who serve with similar valour, often without recognition.

Dr Asif Yousafzai (Social Worker)

Dr. Asif Yousafzai, hailing from Mardan, KP, is a youth philanthropist and social worker. He runs the Busri Welfare International Trust, a charity organization registered with the Federal Government and UNGM. In addition to his role as a Civil Defence Warden from Mardan, he was honoured as the UN Arab Youth Ambassador from Pakistan in 2021. Dr. Yousafzai also leads the volunteer force Team Zarrar and actively works with First Priority Pakistan, demonstrating his dedication to humanitarian causes.

Under Dr. Yousafzai’s leadership, Busri Welfare International Trust has organized over 71 free medical camps, benefiting more than 29,000 patients who received free medical check-ups and medications. His organization has conducted cancer awareness sessions across Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera, and currently operates five fair-price pharmacies in Mardan and Karnal Sher khan Kaly. Furthermore, Dr. Yousafzai’s efforts extend to providing free medical education to disadvantaged groups, including the poor, widows, orphans, disabled persons, and transgender individuals in Hakimabad, Nowshera.

Samar Khan

Hailing from the district Khas Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Samar Khan is a trailblazing Pakistani adventure athlete known for her unparalleled achievements in extreme sports. She made history as the first woman to cycle on the Biafo Glacier and Godwin Austen Glacier in the Karakoram mountains, as well as the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak at 5642 meters. In 2017, she also became the first Pakistani to cycle on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Her pioneering spirit extends beyond personal achievements as she founded ‘Samar Camp,’ offering sports camps for girls and women in Pakistan, promoting mountain biking, backpacking, and snowboarding.

Khan’s dedication and resilience in overcoming societal barriers have earned her numerous awards. She won a silver medal at the Sadia Khan Championship in 2022 and won in the Redbull Homerun snowboarding category in 2021. She also conquered a previously unscaled 5610-meter peak in Shimshal, Gilgit Baltistan, later named ‘Ghar-e-Samar’ in her honour. Recognized as the ‘Pride of Pakistan’ in 2021, Khan has shared her inspiring journey as a TEDx speaker and served as a goodwill ambassador for WWF Pakistan. Her efforts have been celebrated by platforms like the Pakistan Super League, Women Sports Alliance, and Conclave Pakistan.

In addition to her sporting achievements, Samar Khan’s contributions to the global sports community have been significant. Selected by the ESPNW Global Sports Mentoring Program, she was mentored by Burton Snowboards in the United States. With a master’s degree in applied physics from Federal Urdu University and a background in paragliding from the Army School of Physical Training, Kakul, Khan represents the epitome of a modern-day adventurer and an advocate for women’s empowerment in sports.