ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The government of Pakistan has posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat to Liaqat Ali Shaheed, the courageous civilian who sacrificed his life while stopping a suicide bomber near Kohat and preventing a potentially devastating attack on the local population.
The prestigious civil award was presented during an official ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where Liaquat Ali’s mother received the honour on behalf of her son. Members of the martyr’s family were brought to the Presidency under full state protocol as the nation formally recognised his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Sitara-i-Shuja’at upon the family of Shaheed Liaqat Ali, a former Pakistan Railways employee who embraced martyrdom while foiling a suicide attack in Attock. pic.twitter.com/IAO6znrmfT
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 13, 2026The Sitara-e-Shujaat is Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award for bravery and is conferred upon individuals who display exceptional courage in the face of grave danger.
The government had earlier approved the award in recognition of Ali’s actions against a suspected suicide attacker in the Kohat region. Officials stated that his intervention saved numerous innocent lives and thwarted the attacker’s intentions before he could reach a populated area.
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According to details, Liaquat Ali confronted the suspected suicide bomber near Khushhal Garh after noticing suspicious behaviour. Despite the imminent danger, he reportedly stood his ground and attempted to stop the attacker, demonstrating remarkable courage and a strong sense of duty.
Authorities said the bomber detonated explosives during the confrontation, resulting in Liaquat Ali’s martyrdom. His actions were widely praised across the country, with political leadership and citizens hailing him as a symbol of patriotism and selflessness.
President of Pakistan praised Liaquat Ali for displaying “unparalleled bravery” in the face of terror, stating that the nation salutes its brave son for sacrificing his life to protect others.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the fallen civilian, calling him a national hero who prevented large-scale destruction by laying down his own life.
The premier said Ali’s courage reflected the resilience and determination of ordinary Pakistanis against terrorism and extremism. He added that the sacrifice would continue to inspire the nation and would be remembered with honour.
Reports said the incident took place a few days earlier near Kohat when a suspected militant linked to outlawed extremist elements was moving through agricultural fields. Liaquat Ali, a resident of Mankor village in Jand tehsil of Attock district, intercepted the suspicious individual and questioned him about his identity.
Officials said the attacker became nervous during the exchange and detonated the explosives he was carrying. The blast killed Liaqat Ali but prevented the suspect from advancing further towards civilians.
The award ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr became an emotional moment for the martyr’s family, particularly his mother, who received the decoration amid national recognition of her son’s sacrifice.