Armed Forces of Pakistan, CJCSC and Services Chiefs pay glowing tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 52nd Shahadat Anniversary on August 20, 2023. Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas is the youngest recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, who embraced Shahadat at Goth Ahmed Shah, Sujawal on August 20, 1971. To pay homage to Pakistan’s valiant son, the Directorate General Public Relations (Air Force) has also released a short documentary on his 52nd martyrdom anniversary.
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of Pakistan. In the line of duty, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas lived up to great traditions of Pakistan Armed Forces in defending the motherland.
He was born on February 17, 1951. Having the dream of defending the aerial frontiers of the motherland, he got commission on March 14, 1971, in the 51st GD (P) course. He was later posted to the 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 evil 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 aircraft’s controls and finally preferred to crash the plane before it could cross the border. The brave son of soil accepted to sacrifice his life but didn’t allow the country’s dignity to be tarnished. In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and indelible courage, the Government of Pakistan awarded him with the highest gallantry award, Nishan-e Haider. 
He will always be remembered as an icon of bravery and sacrifice and will remain a beacon for future generations. Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in the defense of our motherland. The nation is proud of its gallant sons.