List of Cold War Pilot Defections - Pakistan

Pakistan

• On August 20, 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, an instructor pilot, attempted to defect from the Pakistan Air Force and join the Liberation movement of Bangladesh, by flying a T-33 Shooting Star trainer aircraft with a copy of PAF Operational plan for Southern theatre (which he possibly stole from Air Base Headquarters) from Karachi, Pakistan to India. His attempt was foiled by trainee Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas. Rashid Minhas was taxing his T-33 and was awaiting permission to take off for a Training Flight when Matiur Rahman (His Instructor) stopped him by waving a hand and climbed the Cockpit. He then hit Rashid in the neck turning him unconscious and assumed control. Once the Aircraft had taken off, Matiur Rahman turned it to Indian Border. PAF Authorities already warned of this without permission take off, Scrambled 2 F-6 Fighter Jets in Pursue, In the Middle of the Flight Rashid recovered from his unconsciousness and sensed the intentions of Matiur Rahman, he then struggled to get back the controls but failed because of his weaker physique then Matiur Rahman. So in order to keep the Aircraft from reaching Indian hands Rashid turned the plane to the ground, the Aircraft crashed in Thatta, 40 kilometres near the Indian border killing both pilots instantly. Both pilots were awarded the highest military honours from their respective nations posthumously. All other Pakistan Air Force pilots of Bengali origin such as ace Muhammad Mahmood Alam were grounded for the remainder of the conflict to prevent any further defections or attempted defections.