KARACHI: Today marks the 53rd death anniversary of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, a revered national hero who was posthumously awarded Pakistan’s highest military honor, the Nishan-i-Haider.
On this solemn occasion, the Army, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and Service Chiefs pay tribute to Minhas, who exemplified extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice.
During the 1971 conflict with India, Minhas, then only 20 years old, displayed remarkable courage in defending Pakistan’s airspace. His heroic actions prevented a hijacking and earned him the Nishan-i-Haider, the highest military award in Pakistan.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted that Rashid Minhas’s sacrifice remains a shining testament to the dedication and selflessness of Pakistan’s armed forces.
His actions continue to inspire future generations, emphasizing values of courage, loyalty, and patriotism. The nation honors his memory, recognizing his significant contribution to Pakistan’s defense and sovereignty.
Born on February 17, 1951, in Karachi, Minhas belonged to the prominent Minhas clan of Rajputs. His early fascination with aviation led him to pursue a career in the Pakistan Air Force after completing his education in military and aviation history from the University of Karachi. He was commissioned as a pilot in 1971.
During his final mission, while taxiing for takeoff, Minhas was hijacked by Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, who intended to defect to India to support the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Despite the dire circumstances, Minhas managed to force the plane to crash 32 miles from the Indian border, sacrificing his life for Pakistan’s honor.
Minhas, who spent his early childhood in Lahore before moving to Rawalpindi, became the youngest recipient of the Nishan-i-Haider and the only member of the Pakistan Air Force to receive this honor.
In recognition of his valor, the Pakistan Air Force base in Kamra was renamed PAF Base Minhas, also known as Minhas-Kamra.
