Pakistan Army Chief Pays Tribute at Funeral of Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah
Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, the Pakistani officer known for capturing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019, was laid to rest with full military honours after being killed in a violent clash with militants in South Waziristan.
Fallen Hero Honored at Chaklala Garrison
The funeral prayers took place in Major Shah's hometown near Rawalpindi, where Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir personally attended to pay his respects. The ceremony reflected the highest military traditions, commemorating a soldier who embodied courage and sacrifice.
According to the official military statement, Major Shah bravely fought against Taliban insurgents in the Sararogha area near the Afghan border before losing his life in action. His dedication to duty and patriotism was highlighted by top officials during the remembrance.
Major Shah’s Distinguished Service and Legacy
Commissioned in 2011, Major Shah served in the elite Special Services Group (SSG), operating primarily in the conflict-ridden Waziristan region. Following his demise, it emerged with confirmation that he was the very officer responsible for detaining Abhinandan Varthaman during the 2019 aerial skirmish — an act that prevented the pilot from facing mob violence.
An archival interview surfaced in which then-Captain Shah detailed the operation involving Abhinandan’s capture, reinforcing his role in that historic event.
Operation Against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
The encounter in which Major Shah lost his life was part of a military offensive targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The army reported eliminating 11 militants and injuring seven others in the operation. Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, aged 27, was also killed during the battle.
The TTP, established in 2007 as a coalition of various militant factions, aims to impose a rigid interpretation of Islam throughout Pakistan. The group has links to al-Qaeda and has orchestrated numerous deadly attacks on military and civilian targets, including the 2008 Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing and assaults on army installations.
Pakistan military authorities refer to the TTP as "Fitna al-Khawarij," drawing from historical references to violent extremist groups.
Remembering a Soldier’s Sacrifice
Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah’s story is a testament to the complex and dangerous frontline faced by Pakistan’s armed forces. His death is mourned not only as a loss of a brave soldier but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the region.
His funeral, attended by senior military officials, served as a solemn tribute to a man who upheld his nation’s interests at great personal cost.
