On the occasion of the 51st anniversary of his martyrdom, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, Pakistan’s brave son and the youngest recipient of Nishan-i-Haider, was honoured by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Directorate General Public Relations with the release of a brief documentary.
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Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed was born on February 17, 1951, according to a statement from the directorate. On March 14, 1971, in the 51st GD (P) course, he received his commission in the PAF with the goal of defending the motherland’s aerial frontiers.
Later, for an operational conversion course, he was assigned to No. 2 Squadron at Maripur (Masroor), where he was destined to achieve greatness.
His final sacrifice on August 20, 1971, helped to create an epic tale of valour that will never be forgotten.
Rashid Minhas defeated the evil plans of his instructor pilot Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman on this momentous day, who attempted to hijack his training plane T-33 and head for India.
According to PAF, Rashid Minhas fought to regain control of the plane but ultimately decided it would be better to crash it before it crossed the boundary.
According to the press release, “the gallant son of the soil accepted to give his life but did not allow the country’s dignity to be soiled.”
The highest gallantry medal in Pakistan, the Nishan-i-Haider, was given to Rashid Minhas in honour of his sacrifice and unwavering bravery. He would live on in history as a symbol of bravery and selflessness, serving as an example for future generations.
