Major Muhammad Akram (14th April, 1938–December 1971) was a Pakistani Army officer who embraced martyrdom during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Muhammad Akram was born in Dinga city of District Gujrat while he belonged to village Nakka Kalan of District Jhelum, Punjab. He was born in an Awan tribe of Pakistan.
After completing his early education, Akram appeared for Pakistan Army selection and was selected for the 1963 batch of Pakistan Military Academy. Akram graduated from PMA and was commissioned in the Frontier Force Regiment on 16th October, 1963.
While being posted at Lahore cantonment, Major Muhammad Akram (then Captain) participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. He was commander of a small company which preformed successful operations against the Indian Army.
In 1969, Captain Muhammad Akram was promoted to the rank of Major and was soon posted to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). After the start of civil war in East Pakistan, Major Muhammad Akram’s unit 4 FF was placed in the forward area of Hilli district as war was impending between India and Pakistan.
After the unannounced attack by India on East Pakistan, he and his men were subjected to heavy air, artillery and armor attacks from Indian Army. For almost fortnight, Major Muhammad Akram and his troops were able to force Indians back and inflicting heavy damages to them.
He got injured during the battle and later embraced martyrdom. He was buried in the village of District Bogra of East Pakistan (now Bangaldesh). He was posthumously awarded Nishan-e-Haider by the Pakistani government.
He is the only soldier of Pakistan Army who is buried in foreign land but received Nishan-e-Haider. In his remembrance, a memorial was built in the city of Jhelum. He was a true patriot and a brave soldier.
