Asif Ali Zardari has approved the posthumous award of Sitara-e-Shujaat for Liaqat Ali, the man who sacrificed his life while preventing a suspected suicide bomber from reaching a security checkpoint near Khushal Garh bridge in Punjab’s Attock district.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, the award was approved on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in recognition of Liaqat Ali’s bravery in “thwarting a terrorist plot and sacrificing his life in the process.”
The incident occurred at around 6 pm on 11 May near the village of Mankor in Jand tehsil, close to the border between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Liaqat Ali, 40, was grazing livestock near the River Indus alongside his elder brother Naveed Ali and other villagers when they noticed a young man running towards the Khushal Garh checkpoint.
According to Naveed Ali, Liaqat immediately moved towards the suspect and attempted to stop him.
“He spread his arms and asked the man who he was,” Naveed told reporters. “The attacker said he could not understand Punjabi. When my brother asked for his identity card, the man reached into his pocket, and the explosion occurred.”
Police said the suspect was believed to be attempting to target the checkpoint, where more than 30 security personnel from different departments were present at the time.
District Police Officer Sardar Oman said security personnel had already identified the suspect as suspicious and issued warnings as he approached the area.
“When the suspect was still several hundred metres away from the checkpoint, our personnel warned him,” he said. “Civilians nearby, including Liaqat Ali, heard the warnings. Liaqat ran forward and stopped the man, who then detonated himself.”
Attock Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif said Liaqat Ali’s body remained identifiable despite the blast, while the suspected bomber’s remains could not be identified. He added that evidence had been collected from the scene and a joint investigation team had been approved to investigate the attack.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Liaqat Ali, saying his sacrifice had saved local residents from “major destruction” and would always be remembered.
Liaqat Ali worked for Pakistan Railways and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
His brother described him as a compassionate and selfless man who was always willing to help others in the village during times of grief and celebration alike.
“We are proud of his martyrdom,” Naveed said. “Since last evening, many people have come to offer condolences, including people we had never met before and others whom Liaqat had helped at some point in their lives.”
A close friend, Abdul Samad, said Liaqat had recently been planning to sell his goats and sheep ahead of Eid al-Adha to finance repairs to his home and support his children’s education.
“He was a cheerful man and everyone enjoyed his company,” Abdul Samad said. “We had lunch together that day, and he told me he hoped to use the money from the livestock sales for his children’s schooling.”
According to Naveed Ali, Liaqat’s daughter sat beside his coffin after the funeral, repeatedly saying: “You promised you would educate me. Who will pay for my education now?”
Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif said the district administration would ensure support for Liaqat Ali’s family and dependants.