PAF PAYS TRIBUTE TO PILOT OFFICER RASHID MINHAS SHAHEED and 1965 WAR HERO SQN LDR ALAUDDIN AHMED (SHAHEED)

Islamabad_ PAF to pay homage to Pakistan’s valiant son and the youngest recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, the Directorate General Public Relations (Air Force) has released a short documentary on the occasion of Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan.

On 20 August, 1971 an unforgettable saga of bravery was crafted with his ultimate sacrifice. On this fateful day, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, vanquished the iniquitous intentions of his instructor pilot Flight Lieutenant Mati-ur-Rahman, who tried to hijack his training T-33 jet towards India. Rashid battled to take back the controls of the aircraft and finally prefered 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 Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas’s 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 & sacrifice and will remain a beacon for our future generations.

While paying tribute to its Ghazis and Martyrs, Pakistan Air Force has released a special promo on 1965 War hero Squadron Leader Alauddin Ahmed Shaheed. Sqn Ldr Alauddin Ahmed Shaheed demonstrated exceptional bravery and led his Squadron in twenty combat missions against enemy forces. Throughout the operations, his leadership was characterized by composure, courage, and unwavering determination, inspiring great confidence among pilots in his formations and resulting in the destruction of numerous Indian war fighting assets. In his final sortie, he fearlessly attacked and destroyed a significant ammunition train at the Gurdaspur railhead, displaying complete disregard for his personal safety. During this attack on 13 September, 1965 his aircraft was damaged and was reported missing over enemy territory. Subsequently, it was confirmed that the officer had embraced Shahadat in this action. The war hero was honored with the prestigious ‘Sitara-e-Jurat’ for displaying exemplary leadership, courage and velour.