Rashid Minhas was a young Air Force pilot who sacrificed his life in 1971. He is a national hero and a symbol of courage and patriotism.
Rashid Minhas was born on February 17, 1951, in Karachi. He was the youngest officer who received the Nishan-e- Haider. Rashid was the first to receive the highest bravery award for Pakistan Air Force. Today, Rashid Minhas Shaheed received Nishan-e_ Haider. Minhas complete his education in Karachi. He joined Pakistan Air Force at 17. Minhas completed his graduation from the academy. In 1971, he appointed as a general duty pilot. However, he sent to the PAF Masroorin, the Mauripur area of Karachi. There he got training as a fighter pilot.
Minhas appointed as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force on August 20, 1971. He was still in training. Rashid Minhas was taxing a T-33 Jet trainer for takeoff. Meanwhile, Bengali, Chinese instructor, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, signaled him to stop the jet. Rahman climbed into the instructor’s seat. He took control of the jet and headed to India.
Minhas radioed the PAF Masroor base with the announcement. The plane is hijacked by its instructor. He was planning to defect to India with the plane. Minhas realized the gravity of the situation. He fought with his instructor. Rashid forced the plane to crash just miles from the Indian boarder. He decided to sacrifice his life for the honor of Pakistan.
Furthermore, Minhas was buried on August 21, 1971, with military manner. The entire family of Rashid Minhas (the young apprentice pilot) attended the funeral. The senior staff from Pakistan Air Force and other Army Forces also attend the funeral.
President General Yahya Khan announced Pakistan’s highest military title Nishan-e-Haider Award to Rashid Minhas. He was the youngest member of the Air Force who won this award.