LIEUTENANT RIZWAN MASOOD SHAHEED
By sister of Shaheed Officer

Lt. Rizwan Masood (Shaheed) S/O Masood Alam (a retired Railway servant) was born in Lahore on January 8, 1969. The Shaheed was the youngest member of his family, and enjoyed love of his three elder brothers, two sisters and loving parents. During his childhood, he was very naughty, present minded and intelligent child. He often used to say, “ I will be a pilot”. He also used to make Aeroplane models with sticks, which depicted his deep interest in flying profession.

He got his early education from St. Andrews High School, Lahore, and completed his Matriculation in 1984. He completed his Intermediate from Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore. At this stage he started taking interest in games like Cricket and Hockey. He was very simple by nature, and so was his interest in his dress. He liked light coloured clothes and ate simple food. However, he was fond of eating fruits. He was punctual and regular in prayers.

After completing Intermediate he got admission in B. Sc. at Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore. During his B. Sc. Part-I, he applied for Navy. No one in the family was aware of his application to join Navy. The day was very astonishing for the family, when he received a joining letter from Navy. He was the first family member in armed forces, and was appreciated by all. His mother was especially happy and wished him a prosperous future. She used to pray for his success, but she didn’t know that her son would be among the blessed personalities of the armed forces, reaching the faiths to pinnacle of martyrdom in service to his countrymen.

During the period 1987-1998, as he progressed from a Cadet to a Lieutenant. He completely dedicated himself to marine studies. He used to visit his family in Lahore every year during Eid holidays.

In the year 1992 when he visited Lahore, he was very happy for getting the license of Captain of a Ship. After 2 years, in 1994 he decided to join Aviation. No body knows why he changed his mind and choosed flying instead of sailing in the Sea. Perhaps it was his love for flying which changed his course of professional career. He proved his worth as a navigator when he was awarded first position in 15 Navigation Course held at Navigation School, Pakistan Air Force Base, Chaklala Rawalpindi. He was married in February 1998, and in December 1998, he became a father of a beautiful son named “MARIJ”.

During these years, since the completion of his studies, every one noticed a remarkable change in his personality. He was a responsible husband, a loving father, a caring brother, and an obedient son. His devotion toward religion was also noticeable.

Most heartening feature of his personality was his intelligent sense of humor. He loved to play with children. He enjoyed playfully teasing and taunting his nephews and niece and lovingly participating in their innocent plays. He was very popular among the children. His lighthearted temperament, his God gifted talent to jist & joke befittingly made him a welcome centre of attraction in social gatherings.

On August 10, 1999 he woke up as usual and offered his morning prayer, said good bye to his father as his mother was asleep and went to his office. While on his flight to “Badin” his Atlantic Plane was shot down by the Indians in which five Officers and eleven Trainees met their destined “Shihadat” (May God rest their Soul in Peace).