President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday paid tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, on the 55th anniversary of his martyrdom, lauding his unparalleled sacrifice for the motherland.In a statement issued in Islamabad, President Zardari said pilot officer Rashid Minhas had set an enduring example of courage, devotion to duty and patriotism by sacrificing his life for the country at a young age.

He observed that the supreme sacrifice of Rashid Minhas, Pakistan’s youngest recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, was a shining chapter in the nation’s history that would continue to inspire future generations with the values of courage, determination and loyalty to the homeland, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.President Zardari said the nation would always hold in the highest esteem the sacrifices rendered by its great son, as well as of other martyrs and their families.

Those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the motherland were national heroes and their services and sacrifices would always be remembered and honoured, he added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid rich tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (Nishan-e-Haider) on his 55th martyrdom anniversary, lauding his valour and sacrifice to safeguard the motherland. In a message on the martyrdom anniversary, PM Shehbaz said that the great sacrifice of Rashid Minhas was an everlasting example of courage, patriotism, and devotion to duty. 

He said that Rashid Minhas sacrificed his life for the defense of the motherland and national dignity and that his exemplary bravery and sacrifice would always remain a guiding light for the nation and the armed forces of Pakistan. Praying for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks in paradise, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the entire nation would always remember the sacrifices of its great martyrs. He reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to the protection of Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.

 Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid rich tribute to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider Pilot Officer Rashid. The minister said Minhas Shaheed sacrificed his life for the defence of the homeland. Mohsin Naqvi said the patriotic zeal of Shaheed Rashid Minhas is worthy of emulation for the entire nation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)