Captain (Acting Major) Khalil ur Rehman Shaheed remembered for supreme sacrifice

KOTLI (AJK): The nation remembers Captain (Acting Major) Khalil ur Rehman Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom on April 10, 1949, while serving in the Royal Pakistan Engineers during a critical operational assignment in the Kotli sector.
According to historical accounts, Major Khalil was leading a team tasked with converting a foot track into a motorable route to facilitate the movement of troops and vehicles along the strategically vital Punch River axis. The operation also involved the removal of floating mines and controlled blasting of hillsides to widen the track.
On the day of the incident, Major Khalil, accompanied by Lt Farooki (later Engineer-in-Chief) and a Subedar, was inspecting the site when a sudden landslide was triggered due to blasting activity. While others managed to move to safety, Major Khalil assessed that the debris would fall away from their position. Tragically, the slide engulfed him, and he embraced shahadat in the line of duty.
His body was recovered after three days of continuous efforts by fellow engineers and troops. Due to the deteriorated condition, he was laid to rest at the same site where he had earlier supervised the construction of a temporary bridge. The bridge was subsequently named “Rehman Bridge” in his honour.
The original structure was later washed away and replaced during the 1965 war, followed by the construction of a reinforced concrete bridge in 1992 by the Azad Kashmir Government. The bridge was inaugurated by former President of Pakistan Ghulam Ishaq Khan and then Chief of Army Staff General Asif Nawaz.
Major Khalil, commissioned in 1942 in the British Indian Army (15 Punjab Regiment), had an illustrious military career. He served in the Burma campaign during World War II and later held key assignments in Darjeeling, Assam, Patna and Calcutta. At the time of Partition, he opted for Pakistan and was transferred to the newly established General Headquarters. He also supervised a special train operation from Calcutta to Rawalpindi during the migration period.
In 1948, following the departure of British officers and shortage of engineering personnel, he was inducted into the Royal Pakistan Engineers, where he continued to serve with distinction until his martyrdom.
In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Pakistan in 1950.
His grave and memorial are currently maintained by 23 Division at the hilltop overlooking Rehman Bridge on the Punch River in Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Major Khalil is survived by his wife and four sons, including Brigadier Tariq Khalil (SJ, SI(M), Sitara-e-Basalat, Retd), along with a distinguished family of professionals serving in Pakistan and abroad.
His life and sacrifice remain a symbol of courage, devotion and unwavering commitment to the nation.