Lead (Dateline & Summary)
ISLAMABAD, August 20, 2025 —
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah paid heartfelt tribute today to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed on his 54th martyrdom anniversary, calling him a national hero whose sacrifice for Pakistan’s honor and dignity remains unforgettable .
Key Messages from Speakers
- Speaker Sadiq described Rashid Minhas’s supreme act of courage on August 20, 1971, when he thwarted an Indian hijacking attempt and sacrificed his life. He called this act “a beacon of inspiration for the youth.”
- He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of martyrs guarantee the nation’s freedom and security, urging younger generations to draw lessons from his legacy and contribute to defending and developing Pakistan .
- Deputy Speaker Shah lauded Rashid Minhas as a great son of the nation, whose bravery thwarted the enemy’s designs and brought immeasurable pride to Pakistan. He emphasized that the martyrs’ sacrifices remain a guiding light for future generations .
Context & Significance
Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas remains Pakistan’s youngest recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, having sacrificed his life to avert a national security threat—an enduring symbol of patriotism and valor .
( )
