Rashid Minhas’s 73rd birth anniversary is being celebrated today, honoring the courageous son of the nation who earned the title of “Young Martyr” and the prestigious Hilal-e-Haidar. He will always be remembered as a brave son of the nation who sacrificed his life for the country.
Half a century ago, Rashid Minhas, who raised the goblet of martyrdom for the nation and the country, once again ignited the flame of patriotism in our veins. Sacrificing one’s life for the country is not within everyone’s capacity; it requires passion, courage, determination, faith, and bravery.
Even today, countless brave sons of the nation stand guard on the country’s borders against the enemy for the nation’s safety. Many famous generals, soldiers, and army officers have sacrificed their lives for the honor of the nation. However, the Hilal-e-Haidar is a rare honor bestowed upon those who demonstrate unparalleled bravery.
The Hilal-e-Haidar is crafted from the enemy’s weapon seized during the war, which includes a 20% gold content. So far, Rashid Minhas and 10 other brave sons of the nation have succeeded in earning the honor of Hilal-e-Haidar through their exceptional bravery.
It’s not necessary for a military officer or soldier to be martyred to receive the Hilal-e-Haidar, but astonishingly, all ten sons of the nation who earned this honor sacrificed their lives for the country’s sanctity.
When a son becomes a martyr, a father, mother, sister, or daughter loses their beloved, which is a place of immense sorrow and suffering. However, Islam teaches us that martyrs are alive; they cannot be considered dead, nor can it be said so, nor can anyone imagine it.
Among the Rashidun Caliphs, Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is an exemplary figure of unparalleled courage, bravery, and valor. Keeping his personality, courage, and bravery in mind, Pakistan’s highest military honor is named “Hilal-e-Haidar,” meaning the mark of Hazrat Ali’s honor.
Today, on February 17, 1951, Rashid Minhas, born in Karachi, attained martyrdom on August 20, 1971, leaving behind an unforgettable example of patriotism that no one can ever forget. He obtained a Master’s degree from the Military History Department, University of Karachi.
In March 1971, Rashid Minhas, who had obtained a commission in the Pakistan Air Force, became a GD pilot, and on August 20, he embarked on such a journey of life that Instructor Matiur Rahman had never taken before. According to the scheduled flight, Rashid Minhas was supposed to fly alone.
Practically, Matiur Rahman had already taken control of Rashid Minhas’s aircraft, and during that time, Rashid Minhas saw the documents that Matiur Rahman wanted to take to India. Rashid Minhas contacted PAF Base Masroor and informed them at 11:35 that his aircraft had been hijacked.
At that moment, a struggle ensued between Matiur Rahman and Rashid Minhas for the control of the aircraft. If Rashid Minhas had saved his life, Matiur Rahman would have crossed the national border and reached India. This could have caused irreparable damage to national security. Rashid Minhas decided to take Matiur Rahman to his destination.
When the aircraft was just 40 kilometers away from the Indian border, Rashid Minhas turned the aircraft towards the ground, burying Matiur Rahman’s nefarious intentions. As a result, the aircraft crashed into the ground at high speed and was destroyed. Neither of the two survived, but while Matiur Rahman was killed, Rashid Minhas became a martyr.
Matiur Rahman’s treachery remained unsuccessful, and despite entrusting his life to the Creator, Rashid Minhas is still alive today. There are such articles in the nation’s archives and the history of the Pakistan Army that will continue to remind the world of their great sacrifice. No one will ever forget them.
