In which war was Rashid Minhas martyred while serving as a pilot ?

  Rashid Minhas Born: February 17, 1951, Karachi Died: August 20, 1971 (age 20 years), Sujawal (Nishan-e-Haider recipient)                   was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Place of burial: Karachi

  Key Details (Exam-Oriented):

1. Service: Pilot Officer in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).Years of service (13 March 1971 – 20 August 1971)
2. Incident Date: 20 August 1971 (just before the outbreak of full-scale war in December 1971).
3. Event:
   • His instructor pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman (a Bengali officer), attempted to hijack his training jet (T-33) to India.
   • Rashid Minhas, only 20 years old, fought to regain control.
   • He deliberately crashed the plane near Thatta, Sindh, sacrificing his life but preventing the aircraft from being taken to India.
4. Recognition:
   • Awarded Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military gallantry award.
   • Youngest officer to receive it.

  Exam-Ready Answer:
   Rashid Minhas was martyred in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War while serving as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force.

   Quick Exam Facts:

• Total Recipients: 11 brave heroes
• Branches Represented:
  • Pakistan Army: 10
  • Pakistan Air Force: 1 (Rashid Minhas).