Rashid Minhas, a 20-year-old pilot, called his sister Ayesha and told her that his flying training would be completed after the last solo mission, which he would fly tomorrow. He promised her sister to buy her a gift after his last mission as he was very happy. The next morning, he woke up early to offer his prayer and got ready for his flight wearing his flying suit. After taking all steps, he started his aircraft for his last flight. Meanwhile, his instructor pilot, Matti ur Rehman, waved at him and asked to take him along. As his instructor, Rashid allowed him in the aircraft although it was his solo flight.
Once the aircraft got airborne, Rashid Minhas got suspicious about his instructor because Matti ur Rehman turned the aircraft towards the border of India. Minhas immediately informed the air traffic control about the vicious intentions of Matti ur Rehman and squabbled with his instructor to take control of an aircraft, which was heading towards India at a very high speed. Rashid realized that it would be a matter of great shame for his country if Matti ur Rehman succeeded in taking aircraft to India along with all the secrets they both have about his beloved country Pakistan. Finally, with all his efforts, Minhas knocked Matti-ur-Rehman out and gained control of his aircraft. But now, he was just 50 kilometres short of the Indian border, and his aircraft was also going down towards the ground. Rashid Minhas-a true patriot- puts his life on the line to save an aircraft of his country. Unfortunately, his aircraft was too low to be recovered back, and Rashid Minhas got martyred on August 20, 1971. Rashid Minhas was awarded the highest military award of Nishan-e-Haider for his act of valour and bravery, and that was the best gift for his sister, Ayesha. He is still a source of inspiration and role model for millions of young ones who love their country and want to serve it with pride.
Moral
Death before disgrace.
