“We Are Pakistan” — The Living Testimony of Major Saad Shaheed

In the rugged mountains of Balochistan, Major Saad bin Zubair attained the highest honor — martyrdom — during an operation against terrorists. Hailing from the village of Bani Pasari in Bagh district, Azad Kashmir, Major Saad was a close relative of former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas. He was the son of Sardar Zubair Ali Officer Khan, the brother-in-law of Sardar Tanveer Ilyas — the very leader who gave a new dimension to the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir by raising the slogan, “We Are Pakistan.” Major Saad bin Zubair’s martyrdom immortalized this slogan in the ink of blood.

At a time when certain conspiratorial elements were trying to inject venom into the minds of the youth and weaken the sacred bond between Pakistan and Kashmir, Major Saad’s supreme sacrifice reminded the younger generation of their shared history. The truth remains: every inch of Kashmir bears the graves of young men who laid down their lives for Pakistan.

Major Saad bin Zubair was one of those fortunate soldiers who were embraced by the motherland in the most honorable way. He was among those gallant officers who not only defend their homeland but also honor it with their blood. Having been recently married, Major Saad had a bright future ahead of him in the army — a future filled with promise, dignity, and leadership. Those who knew him closely remember his ever-present smile, noble character, and the values instilled in him by a proud and patriotic family. His father, Muhammad Zubair Khan, a dignified and compassionate man devoted to his nation, considers his son’s martyrdom a matter of immense pride.

The funeral prayer for Major Saad was held in Bagh, Azad Kashmir. It was attended by Commander 10 Corps Rawalpindi Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz, GOC Murree, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, senior civil and military officials, political figures, and a large number of citizens. The scene was deeply emotional — a mother offered her son for the nation, a father raised his eyes with pride, and a wife, through her tears, wrote a story of unmatched courage.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited the martyr’s home in Bani Pasari, where he met with the family — including Major Saad’s parents and siblings — and offered his condolences and prayers. Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who was also present, thanked the Minister for his visit and remarked, “The death of a martyr is the life of a nation.” The Interior Minister paid tribute to Major Saad, saying, “The nation is proud of brave sons like him. Major Saad will live forever in our hearts.”

In recent months, political movements like the Joint Awami Action Committee in Azad Kashmir have raised legitimate questions about governance and policy, but some opportunistic elements attempted to hijack the movement and turn it into an anti-Pakistan narrative. However, leaders like Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the Joint Action Committee clarified that their demands are strictly aimed at the regional government and bear no conflict with Pakistan or its institutions. Despite this, misleading campaigns were launched on social media with one agenda — to weaken the historic bond between Pakistan and Kashmir.

But the sacrifices of martyrs like Major Saad have reaffirmed that this bond cannot be undone by any conspiracy. Today, if Pakistan stands free and the flag of Pakistan flies high in Kashmir, it is because of the blood of sons like Major Saad bin Zubair. His martyrdom declared loud and clear that “We Are Pakistan” is not just a slogan — it is a truth. A truth etched in our blood, our spirit, and our identity. It is not just a connection of land, but one of the soul — and it will continue to bury every scheme of the enemy, forever.