Rashid Minhas
Image Source: Brandsynario

Today marks the 50th martyrdom anniversary of Rashid Minhas. Every year the country especially pays tribute to Minhas, whose story is inspiring yet just as grief-inducing.

Never Forget

Rashid Minhas was born and raised in Karachi. In his pursuit to serve his country, he was commissioned as a GD Pilot in the Pakistan Air Force in March 1971. At this point, he was just 20 years old.

Rashid Minhas Grave
Image Source: The Karachi Walla

On August 20, 1971, only a few months after his posting, an incident occurred that was to become a threat not only to Pakistanโ€™s national security but also to Minhasโ€™ life.ย 

An Incident To Remember

On August 20, 1971, Rashid got ready to take off for his solo flight in a T-33 jet trainer. He started his engines and completed the checks as he did previously. As Minhas was moving the jet towards the runway, his instructor pilot, came in the middle and signaled him to stop.

Minhas thought his instructor had some last-minute instructions to give. But the instructor, Mati-ur-Rehman, got inside the aircraft forcefully and seized control. He then proceeded to direct the plane towards India.

Rashid Minhas
Image Source: Pinterest

Minhas soon informed the radio at Masroor Control Tower that he was being hijacked. The air controller also proceeded to confirm that indeed he was, and the news spread amongst the authorities. Throughout the flight, both men tried to wrestle physically and gain control, but the jet was moving towards India.ย 

What followed hence was a tale of legendary patriotism and love. Minhas realized he only had one option left, and he availed it. Some 32 miles (51 km) from the Indian border, Rashid Minhas deliberately put the aircraft nose down, and that made the jet crash near Thatta. Both did not survive the crash, and thus, Minhas, at the age of 20, embraced martyrdom.

A Legend Appreciatedย 

Minhas remains the youngest Pakistani to have been awarded the highest valor awardโ€” Nishan-e-Haider.

Rashid Minhas
Image Source: DailyMotion

Every year his martyrdom anniversary is respected, especially because this was a prime example of a young man for whom his countryโ€™s honor came first. Being in such a situation where you know the only viable option left is death, and to have the courage to go for it requires insane passion and bravery.

If only he were here today. Gone too soon but not forgotten remains the best phrase that can apply to Minhas. Hereโ€™s what DG ISPR tweeted:

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