Islamabad: Pakistan embassy staff in Canberra and Australian officials paid their respects this week to fallen Pakistan Army soldier, Lieutenant Nasir Hussain Khalid Selhria Shaheed at a memorial service held at Australia’s Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon.
Khalid, 23, tragically lost his life during an improvised explosive device (IED) attack by terrorists on security forces in North Waziristan on September 3, 2020. He has been described by his colleagues as “a brilliant cadet” and “a natural soldier” who had a very promising career ahead of him.
The Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon, Canberra, held a memorial service to remember the “ultimate sacrifice” of its Pakistani cadet graduate, Lt Nasir Hussain Khalid Selhria Shaheed, who lost his life while performing his duties to the nation, said a statement by Pakistan High Commission in Canberra. “Lt Selhria’s name has been engraved on the monumental stone at the RMC, Duntroon, dedicated to the memory of its graduates who gave their lives in the service of their country” the statement said.
Strong ties
Pakistan High Commissioner in Australia, Babar Amin, expressed his gratitude to the Australian Ministry of Defence, and Australian Defence Forces for honouring Pakistani cadet who studied at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. “The gesture would further deepen the already strong ties between Pakistan and Australia as well as their armed forces” Ambassador Babar Amin said.
Pakistan’s Defence Advisor Brigadier Shoaib Bin Akram and his spouse Tahira Gul as well as the college staff, graduating course members and faculty, attended the memorial service. The ceremony included an overview on Pakistan Army’s contribution in War on Terror and an account of Lt Nasir Shaheed’s short but accomplished military life.
Prayers for remembrance, peace and Holy Quran recitation were part of the ceremony. The national anthems of the two countries were also played on the occasion. Pakistani and Australian officials also placed a wreath at the monument to pay their respects to the fallen hero. At the ceremony, Pakistan’s Defence Advisor also addressed the graduating cadets on the role of young officers in future war.
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Geoffrey Shaw, also shared the photos of the memorial service for Lt Nasir Selhria Shaheed. The ceremony and his name inscribed on the memorial stone signify the “strong ties between Australia and Pakistan” he said.