Born in Hoshiarpur in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Major Tufail Muhammad belonged to the Gujar community. In recognition of his services, he was awarded Pakistan’s highest military honor, the Nishan Haider.
Major Tufail Muhammad was commissioned in the 16th Punjab Regiment in 1943. Apart from his battalion, he was assigned to the East Pakistan Rifles in 1958 as a Company Commander after a distinguished career of various command and teaching appointments in the Civil Armed Forces.
In early August 1958, he was tasked with clearing a few Indian troops stationed at Lakshmipur.
They completed the march to the enemy at night and on 7 August besieged the Indian outpost.
Led by his comrades, 15 yards from the enemy, he led the attacking party from behind. When the Indians started firing from the machine gun, Major Tufail was the first soldier to fall victim to it.
The light of his life was slowly dimming but he continued to direct the operation. When the second machine gun of the enemy started firing, Major Tufail’s second in command became his target. Major Tufail hit a very solid target. He also destroyed the gun with a grenade.
During the skirmish, Major Tufail saw that the commander of the Indian outpost was quietly about to attack one of his men. Despite being severely wounded, Major Tufail crawled up to the enemy commander and spread one of his legs. The enemy stumbled and fell. Major Tufail saved his young man by striking him in the face with his steel helmet.
Major Tufail continued to lead his contingent until the Indians fled, leaving behind four bodies and three prisoners.
Ardali and Hawaldar carried him on a stretcher and took him to the tent. He was operated on by CMH Comilla Mipet by a special train. Four bullets were recovered and he was martyred while applying stitches. Nishan Haider was awarded.
A village near Gagu Mandi was named Tufailabad after Major Tufail. He was buried at Chak 253 EB.
May Allah forgive the martyrs of Pakistan and grant them a high position in Paradise. Amen
Penman
