RAWALPINDI: The funeral prayers for Major Syed Moeez Abbas Shah were held at Chaklala Garrison, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the funeral, along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and senior military and civil officials and soldiers.
ISPR confirmed that Major Moeez lost his life while engaging in a military operation against elements described as part of the Fitna-al-Khawarij.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said that Major Moeez laid down his life in line with the traditions of military service. He added that the nation recognizes the sacrifices of its personnel and that the blood of martyrs forms the foundation of national strength.
Major Moeez’s service and sacrifice were acknowledged by the attendees, as the nation paid tribute to his actions during the operation.
MAJOR MOEEZ’S PROFESSIONAL HISTORY AND MARTYRDOM
Major Moeez was widely renowned for being the the officer before whom Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman surrendered after his MiG-21 was shot down during the 2019 aerial conflict.
As per his own account, “As soon as I approached him, he saw my rank and said, ‘Captain, I am Indian Air Force Wing Commander 27981 Abhinandan Varthaman, and I surrender. Please save me.’ From that moment, it became my professional obligation to treat him accordingly”.
He was martyred during an intelligence-based operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan. The operation by the security forces neutralised 11 Indian-backed terrorists and injured seven more, ISPR said.
However, during the intense exchange of fire during the operation, two soldiers were martyred, including Major Syed Moeez Abbas Shah. The other martyred soldier is Lance Naik Jibranullah.
Major Moeez served the Pakistan Army with distinction for 14 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.