ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Directorate General Public Relations on Saturday released a short documentary to pay homage to Pakistan’s valiant son and the youngest recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed on his 51st martyrdom anniversary.
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed was born on February 17, 1951. With a dream to defend the aerial frontiers of the motherland, he got commission in PAF on March 14, 1971 in the 51st GD (P) course, a PAF media release said.
He was later posted to No. 2 Squadron stationed at Maripur (Masroor) for an Operational Conversion Course, where he was destined for sublime heights by Almighty Allah.
On August 20, 1971 an unforgettable saga of bravery was crafted with his ultimate sacrifice. On this fateful day, Rashid vanquished the iniquitous intentions of his instructor pilot Flight Lieutenant Mati-ur-Rahman, who tried to hijack his training jet T-33 towards India.
Rashid 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 the soil accepted to sacrifice his life but didn’t allow the country’s dignity to be tarnished.
In recognition of Rashid Minhas’s supreme sacrifice and indelible courage, the Government of Pakistan awarded him with the highest gallantry award Nishan-e-Haider. He would always be remembered as an icon of bravery and sacrifice, and would remain an inspiration to follow for our future generations.
Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday paid tribute to PAF Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on 51st anniversary of his martyrdom.
The president said that the nation was indebted to the sacrifices of such brave and courageous sons and saluted them for their supreme sacrifices.
The president said by sacrificing his life for the country in a tender age, shaheed Minhas had set a great example and foiled the enemy’s nefarious designs with his valour.
Shaheed Rashid Minhas did not desist from sacrificing his life for the honour and respect of the motherland, he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday said Pakistan Air Force pilot Rashid Minhas, the youngest recipient of Nishan-i-Haider, laid down his life in the line of duty this day 51 years ago. In a tweet on social media platform Twitter, he said, “His was an act of valour & courage that symbolises selfless commitment of our Air Force officers to Motherland. He will always live in our nation’s heart.”
