Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas remembered on 55th martyrdom anniversary 

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): The 55th martyrdom anniversary of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed across the country today (Thursday).

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paying tribute to the national hero for his extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice.

In their separate messages, both leaders highlighted Rashid Minhas Shaheed’s unwavering commitment to duty, patriotism and the defence of the motherland, saying his supreme sacrifice would remain etched in the nation’s memory.

According to the President Secretariat Media Wing, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed on the 55th anniversary of his martyrdom and praised his unparalleled sacrifice for Pakistan.

The president said Rashid Minhas had demonstrated remarkable courage, dedication to his responsibilities and deep patriotism by laying down his life for the country at a very young age.

He said the supreme sacrifice of Rashid Minhas, who remains Pakistan’s youngest recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, represented a glorious chapter in the country’s history.

His bravery, determination and loyalty to the homeland, he added, would continue to inspire generations to come.

President Zardari said the nation would always hold in the highest regard the sacrifices made by Rashid Minhas and other martyrs, as well as the families who endured the loss of their loved ones.

He added that those who gave their lives while defending the motherland were national heroes, and their services and sacrifices would always be remembered and honoured.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid rich tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed on Thursday, commending his exceptional bravery and sacrifice in defence of Pakistan.

In his message marking the martyrdom anniversary, the prime minister said Rashid Minhas’s sacrifice had become an enduring symbol of courage, patriotism and devotion to duty.

He said the young pilot gave his life for the protection of the motherland and national honour, adding that his exemplary courage and sacrifice would continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the nation and the armed forces of Pakistan.

While praying for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks in paradise, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the entire nation would continue to remember and honour the sacrifices of its great martyrs.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

Armed Forces of Pakistan pay tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and the Armed Forces paid homage to the national hero.

“On this day in 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed displayed exceptional courage, unwavering resolve and an unparalleled devotion to duty.

In the face of an extraordinary challenge, he made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of Pakistan, the military said.

His sacrifice remains a symbol of courage, loyalty and commitment to the defence of the motherland, it added.
The people and Armed Forces of Pakistan paid solemn tribute to the gallant son of the soil and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

The Armed Forces said the legacy of Rashid Minhas Shaheed would continue to inspire the nation and its defenders as a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, patriotism and devotion to duty.