Raja Aziz Bhatti stood as a genuine soldier and a remarkable warrior, contributing to our national pride through his exemplary service. His heroic actions in battle showcased unparalleled bravery, courage, and daring, making him a source of inspiration. Recognizing his exceptional dedication, he was honoured with the highest military accolade, the Nishan-e-Haider, underscoring the significance of his contributions to our history.
Raja Aziz Bhatti was born on 6 August 1928 in a Rajput family. He was born in Hong Kong. His father’s name was Mohammad Abdullah Bhatti. He has taken education from Queen’s College. He has served as an Inspector in the Hong Kong Police. Aziz Bhatti has also joined the Queen’s College, but unfortunately, he had to leave his education due to the Japanese Invasion. Later, he joined the Japanese Navy in 1941.
Biography
Raja Aziz Bhatti was born on 6 August 1928 in a Rajput family. He was born in Hong Kong. His father’s name was Mohammad Abdullah Bhatti. He has taken education from Queen’s College. He has served as an Inspector in the Hong Kong Police. Aziz Bhatti has also joined the Queen’s college, but unfortunately, he has to leave his education due to the Japanese Invasion. Later, he joined the Japanese Navy in 1941.
Education
Aziz Bhatti started his education in Hong Kong. He completed his matriculation. After completing matriculation, Aziz Bhatti joined the Queen’s College. He matriculated from Hong Kong and was further admitted to Queen’s College. Unfortunately, the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong halted his education.
Career
His career started by serving in the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944, where he was assigned the rank of seaman recruit and as the tower watchman. Later, after the Bhatti family’s migration back to India, he joined the Royal Indian Air Force as an airman in 1946. After the inauguration of Pakistan, he joined the Pakistan Air Force and was promoted to corporal till 1948. In 1948, this passionate candidate joined the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, where he passed out in 1950 and was honoured with a Sword of Honor. He was assigned the rank of 2nd Lt and promoted to lieutenant and captain. Later, Captain Aziz was promoted to General Staff Officer and Major in 1962.
Battle of Burki
In 1965, the second Indo-Pakistan war was held in the Burki area, situated in Lahore. The Indian army attacked the international border near the BRB Canal. Major Aziz Bhatti posted on the forward positions of the BRB Canal. Between 7 and 10 September, the Indian army tried hard to capture Burki to enter Lahore city, where Major Aziz engaged it in hand-to-hand combat. The fight continued for the next three days, and the Indian army had to focus on capturing Burki despite capturing Lahore. The Indian army destroyed the bridge connecting the BRB canal. Major Bhatti’s team was there alone to protect Burki. After five days of continuous fighting on the front, he offered to be relieved for rest, but he refused and said, “I do not want to go back; I will shed the last drop of my blood in the defence of my dear homeland.” On the dawn of 10 September, he martyred to protect the border.
Legacy
Aziz Bhatti was awarded Nishan-e-Haider, which is the highest military award. He is the fourth recipient of this highest award in Pakistan. He is known as the hero of the 1965 war in Pakistan.
He is also known as Muhafiz-e-Lahore, the protector of Lahore, which he gained in the honor of protecting Lahore.
Awards
He was also awarded the following awards for his bravery:
- Nishan-e-Haider in 1965 war
- Sitara-e-Harb in 1965 war
- Tamgha-e-Jang in 1965 war
- Pakistan Tamgh in 1947
- Tamgha-e-Jumhuria in 1956