Rawalpindi (Web Desk): The 53rd martyrdom anniversary of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed today (Tuesday).
Rashid Minhas was born on 17 February 1951 in Karachi and was commissioned as GD-Pilot in the PAF in March 1971.
The young pilot sacrificed his life for the country during the 1971 war, while trying to thwart an attempt by his senior to fly a jet trainer to India.
On August 20, 1971, Minhas vanquished the iniquitous intentions of his instructor pilot Flight Lieutenant Mati ur Rehman who tried to hijack his training jet T-33 towards India.
Rashid Minhas battled to take back the controls of the aircraft and finally preferred to crash the plane before it could cross the border.
The brave son of soil accepted to sacrifice his life but did not allow the country's dignity to be tarnished.
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz and Armed Forces of Pakistan pay tribute to Rashid Minhas Shaheed
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) who sacrificed his life to thwart the nefarious designs of the enemy.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said that the pilot officer had sacrificed his life for the country’s security.
“The whole nation salutes Rashid Minhas Shaheed for his patriotism and passion for martyrdom. The nation feels proud of the soldiers like him,” he remarked.
President Zardari said that the nation owes to its martyrs and will always remember their sacrifices. He prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of the martyred in paradise.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that said that Rashid Minhas Shaheed had sacrificed his life by setting an example of gallantry. His dutifulness, valour and commitment to oath for the country’s defence is a role model for the young generation, he added.
“The whole nation including me salutes this brave soldier of the Pakistan Air Force. The nation can never forget the sacrifices of soldiers and officers of Pakistan’s armed forces for safeguarding the country,” he commented.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and the Services Chiefs also paid solemn tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas on the occasion of his 53rd martyrdom anniversary.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR), Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas stands as a luminous exemplar in the annals of Pakistan's history, embodying the very essence of valour and sacrifice.
“On this day in 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, demonstrating unshakeable bravery and an unrelenting commitment to the defense of Pakistan. As we honour this national hero, we recall his extraordinary act of valour, which epitomizes the spirit of our Armed Forces and serves as a testament to his unyielding dedication,” the statement said.
The military’s media wing added that the sacrifice of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas will be etched in our collective memory forever, inspiring future generations to emulate his exemplary courage and loyalty.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan salute Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas's extraordinary courage, steadfast loyalty, and devotion to duty, drawing inspiration from his legacy to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to our great nation,” the ISPR said.