The civilian and military leadership on Wednesday paid tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on his 54th martyrdom anniversary.

In their separate messages, they lauded his courage, dedication, and sacrifice to safeguard the motherland.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the sacrifice of Rashid Minhas manifested the great values of courage and dedication to duty.

“On this day in 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas demonstrated extraordinary resolve and embraced martyrdom to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty. His unparalleled passion, loyalty, and patriotism remain a source of inspiration for the armed forces and the nation,” he commented.

The prime minister said that the bravery of Rashid Minhas continued to remind the nation of the sacrifices and resolve needed to protect the nation’s freedom.

“We pay heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Pakistan’s armed forces. Rashid Minhas will always be remembered as a national symbol of loyalty, courage, and pride,” Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked.

Military leadership pays tribute

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff; General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC); Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, together with the Armed Forces of Pakistan, solemnly honour the 54th Shahadat anniversary of pilot officer Rashid Minhas (Nishan-e-Haider), whose supreme sacrifice epitomizes the highest traditions of courage and devotion to duty.

On this day in 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas displayed extraordinary resolve and selflessness, embracing martyrdom to safeguard the sovereignty of Pakistan. His indomitable spirit, loyalty, and patriotism remain an enduring source of inspiration for the Armed Forces and the nation, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

His historic act of valour, choosing sacrifice over surrender, continues to illuminate our national conscience as a timeless reminder of the price of freedom and the fortitude required to defend the motherland, the statement added.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan pay glowing tribute to his everlasting legacy and reaffirm their unwavering resolve to uphold the values he so valiantly defended.

Rashid Minhas’s name shall forever be enshrined in the nation’s history as a symbol of loyalty, courage, and pride, the ISPR stated.