The armed forces of Pakistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the services chiefs paid tribute to pilot officer Rashid Minhas on his 53rd martyrdom anniversary.

“Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas stands as a luminous exemplar in the annals of Pakistan’s history, embodying the very essence of valour and sacrifice,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

On August 20 1971, Minhas made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, demonstrating “unshakeable bravery and an unrelenting commitment” to the defence of Pakistan. “As we honour this national hero, we recall his extraordinary act of valour, which epitomizes the spirit of our Armed Forces and serves as a testament to his unyielding dedication.”

The statement added that the sacrifice rendered by Minhas would be “etched in our collective memory forever,” inspiring future generations to emulate his courage and loyalty.

“The armed forces of Pakistan salute Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas’s extraordinary courage, steadfast loyalty, and devotion to duty, drawing inspiration from his legacy to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to our great nation,” it said.