WEB CHUTNEY

Today, Pakistan observed the 45^th death anniversary of our national hero Rashid Minhas. He is said to have sacrificed his life to save the honour of his beloved motherland. Rashid Minhas remains the youngest officer to receive the highest valour award, Nishan-e-Haider, for his bravery. While the official story of his death remains contested, we celebrate his life, if not as a hero, then as a dutiful pilot of the prestigious Pakistan Air Force.

Here is a collection of pictures of the young hero.

Martyr Rashid Minhas when he was a year and a half old. At this point, nobody knew that one day this kid was going to become a National Hero!

This historic photo of toddler Rashid Minhas Shaheed was taken by his Aunt (Khala) when he was 2-year-old at his residence.

Rashid Minhas as a young 5-year-old.

With his parents and siblings in Jessore District, Bangladesh.

At 7 years.

Rashid standing with his siblings and cousins.

Rashid Minhas right before he joined the Pakistan Air Force. He was 15-years-old when this photograph was taken.

Rashid Minhas Shaheed standing outside PAF College Lower Topa, during his training in 1968, at the age of 17.

Minhas during training at Risalpur Academy with his fellow cadets in 1969.

Minhas with his instructor Salahuddin Ansari.

Rashid Minhas with his fellow pilots during training in Risalpur.

The young pilot standing outside his residence in Karachi.

Headline of an Urdu newspaper when martyr Rashid Minhas was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider.

Rest in peace.

All images are taken from here.