Captain Mearaj Muhammad Safi

A Brave Officer of Pakistan Army, Captain Mearaj Muhammad Safi, Sitara-i-Basalat (Military) was martyred on 4th June 2009. His tribe originally hailed from the Safi Tribe of Mohmand Agency but Mearaj's ancestors had migrated to Takht Bhai area of Mardan. His father, Dost Muhammad Khan Safi (Late), who was an officer in WAPDA, had resided with his family in Peshawar because of his service and schooling of his children.

In 1997, Mearaj was selected at Cadet College Razmak and was placed in Jinnah House. His reputation, during his stay at Cadet College Razmak, remained that of a Jolly and Intelligent cadet who took part in all college activities. He got 4th Position in SSC examination of BISE Bannu by scoring 764 marks out of 850. He was appointed Two-Star Commander of Jinnah House and he managed it very well. He scored 871 marks out of 1100 in HSSC exams.

After passing out of Cadet College Razmak in 2003, Mearaj was inducted in 112 Long Course in Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. At PMA Kakul, he remained the best Cadet in all areas of training and held the highest academy appointment of Academy Senior under Officer (ASUO). For his best performance in two years of training at PMA, he was awarded the prestigious 'Sword of Honour' in 2005.

In 2005, Mearaj was commissioned in Armoured Corps of Pak Army. He was posted in Bahawalpur for some time and proved his mettle throughout his garrison. In 2006, he topped the 'Armour Course' at the Pakistan Army's School of Armour in Nowshehra. Subsequently, as a volunteer, he was attached with the Frontier Corps (FC) to take part in anti-militancy operations in Darra Adam Khel. He played his role effectively in ensuring peace in the militancy-hit areas.

In 2009, Pakistan Army started 'Operation Rah-e-Raast' in Malakand Division to purge the unfortunate region of militants loyal to Maulvi Fazlullah. Captain Mearaj was sent to Buner and he joined the FC's elite anti-terrorist force called Special Operations Group (SOG). He took part in many surgical missions and raids against militants.

On 4th June 2009, a Police convoy was attacked on the Rustam-Ambela road near the Mardan-Buner border, a number of policemen including a DSP were martyred and many others wounded. As the news of the attack broke out, Captain Mearaj's SOG team was sent to rescue the hit convoy. The SOG team arrived instantly at the scene and engaged the militants occupying the nearby hills. In the ensuing gunbattle, Captain Mearaj received 4 bullet shots. His SOG team rescued the police convoy but Captain Mearaj himself succumbed to his wounds and joined the row of Martyrs' Glory.

Captain Mearaj Shaheed's funeral prayer was offered in his native village in Takht Bhai. His funeral was attended by Military and Civil Officers among thousands of ordinary villagers. He was buried with full Military Honour in Takht Bhai.

In recognition of his gallantry and the sacrifice he rendered for his homeland, Captain Mearaj Safi Shaheed has been awarded Sitara-e-Basalat (Military). His parent unit, the 12 Armoured Corps, has named a road and square in Bahawalpur after him as Captain Mearaj Shaheed Road / Square.