Inter-Services Public Relations DG Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar has paid tribute to Pakistan's national hero Rashid Minhas (Nishan-e -Haider) on his martyrdom anniversary.

"On the 50th martyrdom anniversary, we remember with reverence, bravery and supreme sacrifice of national hero Pilot officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed," he tweeted. "In the line of duty, Pilot offer Rashid Minhas lived up to great traditions of Pakistan Air Force defending the motherland," he added.

https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1428431853585842183

Born in 1951, Rashid Minhas is the youngest officer to receive the highest military award by laying down his life for the honour of the motherland.

He got his early education from Karachi and joined PAF Academy in Risalpur as a flying cadet. After graduation, he was posted to PAF base Masroor in Karachi's Mauripur area to hone his skills as a fighter pilot.

On August 20, 1971, as a pilot still under training, Rashid was taxing out a T-33 Jet trainer for take-off, when a Bengali pilot instructor, Flight Lieutenant Mataur Rahman, forced his way into the rear cockpit.

In mid-air, Rahman knocked Rashid Minhas out, seized control of the aircraft and headed towards India. He regained consciousness and forced the plane to crash just 32 miles from the Indian border.