Muhammad Latif (shaheed) , Tagma-e-Jurat TJ
Written by: Sami Ullah
Name Muhammad Latif
Father Name Abdul Latif
Date of birth 11 feb 1947
Place of birth Pindsultani
Date of Shahadat/Burial 8 Dec 1971
Gallantry Award Tagma-e-Jurat (TJ)
Early Life / Career: Born in remote village Pindsultani of District Attock, Latif completed education from Govt primary school Pind Sultani. His father was headmaster at Government High School Taxila. After passing matriculation exam from Govt High School J andAttock, Latif entered the teaching profession. However,luck had something extraordinary in store for him. Since early days, Latif was an inquisitive young boy who always wanted to do something different in his life. Thus, he soon lost interest in teaching profession and decided to join a very demanding military organization- the PAF. He passed the selection tests with ease and landed in Recruit Training in 1967. After spending an eventful year at Kohat, he was enrolled as F-86 Aircraft technician. After success training he was posted to Korangi Creek. Later he joined No young technician and discharged his duties with utmost competence, he was soon selected for an Bordeaux France. On return, he joined the Sqn of PAF .He rose to highest pedestal of honor and attained shahadat.
Participation in War :In mid 1971,the political turmoil in East Pakistan was gradually developing in to an international crisis.PAF was put on high risk Muhammad Latif was part of the dedicated team of ground crew deployed at murid air field near chakwal. As a crew chief, Latif was tasked to maintain the highest standards of technical support,which he did until his last breath. During the war he always ded his best to turn around the aircraft in time.
Citation of Gallantry Award:During an enemy air raid, realizing that the pilots strapped in air defence alert aircraft were exposed to grave danger, he disregarded his personal safety, ran up to each aircraft and helped the pilots to unstrap and take cover. In this process he was fatally wounded by enemy fire and died soon after. For his outstanding courage and devotion to duty he has been awarded the Tamgha-i-Jurat.
Family details: Latif had two brothers and two sisters.One of his brothers Abdul Mutlib,served in Pakistan navy and retired as Chief Petty Officer while the other,Rehmat ullah is a farmer.one of his sister has passed away while the other is married and residing in pindsultani with her family.Latif,s father has adoped a reclusive lifestyle after retiring from service .After the shahedat of his son he sank and used to spend all his time at the Mazar of Bari Imam, from where he disappeared into ovlivon never to be found again.
Burial: the courageous warrior, the fearless pindsultani son and pride of Pakistan was given the hero,s farewell at his funeral held Peshawar HQ. A large number of people attended the funeral of the great Shaheed.Later the gallant hero of whole Nation was laid to rest at his native beautiful town PINDSULTANI.
