Man who averted suicide attack nominated for ‘highest civil award’

TAXILA/LAHORE: Muhammad Liaqat Ali, who laid down his life to prevent an attack potentially targeting a police post in Jand tehsil of Attock, was nominated for the country’s highest civil award by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Officials and locals said Liaqat, a railway employee, was grazing his livestock close to a checkpost near the Punjab-KP border on Monday, when he intercepted the suspected suicide attacker.

His actions reportedly foiled the terrorist’s deadly intentions and prevented large-scale loss of life. Paying tribute to his sacrifice, the chief minister said that people like Liaqat were the real heroes of the Pakistani nation.

She said the deceased had set the highest example of sacrifice for the homeland by laying down his life and announced that he would be nominated for the country’s highest civil award in acknowledgment of his bravery and great sacrifice.

PM Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the courage and patriotism of the deceased, stating that the entire nation salutes the bravery of Liaqat Ali, whose sacrifice was a shining example of national unity against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Liaqat Ali’s funeral was held at Police Lines Attock, where a smart police contingent was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Fed­eral Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi expressed condolences and assured the family that the government stood firmly with them and would never forget the sacrifice rendered by the deceased.

He said that the railway ministry would take care of the family of the slain employee as he announced compensation to the tune of Rs8 million for the family. The deceased left a widow, two sons, and one daughter.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026