Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, Nishan e Haider, was a Pakistani war hero. Born on 6 August 1928 in British Hong Kong, he laid down his life on 12 September 1965 while defending Pakistan.
The nation later awarded him the Nishan e Haider, the highest military honour, for unmatched courage and leadership.
Early life and service path of Major Aziz Bhatti
Raja Aziz Bhatti studied at Queen’s College in Hong Kong. During the occupation in 1944 he was drafted into the Imperial Japanese Navy as a seaman recruit and later served as a tower watchman.
In 1945 he moved to British India and joined the British Indian Air Force as an airman in June 1946. After Partition in 1947 he served as a corporal in the Pakistan Air Force.
In 1948 he joined the Pakistan Army and rose through merit, earning promotion to major in 1962.
In early 1965 he worked as General Staff Officer with the 17 Punjab Regiment. Later that year he took command of two companies as the security situation on the border escalated.
Defence of Lahore and battlefield leadership
In September 1965 Major Raja Aziz Bhatti deployed along the BRB Canal near Burki in Lahore district.
Indian forces pushed hard between 7 and 10 September with armour and artillery. Outnumbered Pakistani troops under his command met the assault with close combat and firm positions.
The fierce stand forced the enemy to focus on Burki instead of a rush toward Lahore.
Reinforcements were limited but morale held. He refused home leave, strengthened trenches, and directed artillery from forward observation points to keep fire accurate and steady.
Nishan e Haider and lasting legacy
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was martyred by shellfire on 12 September 1965 while guiding howitzer fire. Age at martyrdom was 37.
The state conferred the Nishan e Haider posthumously and Pakistan began to honour him as Muhafiz e Lahore, the defender of Lahore.
His example continues to inspire soldiers and citizens. Major Aziz Bhatti’s sacrifice teaches unity, discipline, and duty to homeland.
On 60th Defence and Martyrs Day the nation salutes the courage that safeguarded Lahore and strengthened Pakistan’s resolve.
For more content of Defence Day: Pakistan Armed Forces pay tribute on 60th Defence and Martyrs Day
