RAWALPINDI: Major Syed Muaz Abbas Shah, the Pakistan Army officer known for capturing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman alive in 2019, was martyred during a counter-terrorism operation in South Waziristan, the military’s media wing ISPR confirmed on Monday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in the Sararogha area targeting a hideout of Kharijite terrorists operating with alleged Indian backing. In the ensuing fierce gun battle, 11 terrorists were killed and 7 others injured.
Leading the operation, Major Syed Muaz Abbas Shah, 37, embraced martyrdom alongside 27-year-old Lance Naik Jabran Ullah. The ISPR praised Major Muaz for his exceptional bravery and leadership in numerous operations against militant elements. Major Muaz hailed from Chakwal, Punjab, while Lance Naik Jabran was a native of Bannu district.
Major Muaz gained national recognition following the events of February 27, 2019, when Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian fighter jets violating its airspace. One pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan, was captured alive after ejecting from his aircraft and landing in Pakistani territory.
As local civilians surrounded and assaulted the injured pilot, Major Muaz and his team intervened. Speaking in a later interview, he recalled, “When Abhinandan saw our uniforms, he surrendered and requested help. We immediately provided medical assistance and took him into custody.”
The Indian pilot was later released as a goodwill gesture by the Government of Pakistan and handed over at the Wagah Border, an act widely recognized for de-escalating rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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