Karachi: Pakistan is observing the martyrdom anniversary of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilot Rashid Minhas.Born on February 17, 1951, he remains the youngest officer to receive the Nishan-e-Haider award and was the first recipient of the highest honour of gallantry for the PAF.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 Matiur Rahman, forced his way into the rear cockpit.In mid-air Rahman knocked Minhas out, seized control of the aircraft and headed towards India.Rashid did the only thing within his control and forced the plane to crash just 32 miles from the Indian border, sacrificing his life for the honour of Pakistan.TheIndianSubcontinent has not verified the content of the source.
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