Ali Basit
Every year, on the 6thof September, we commemorate and honor the brave martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation during the 1965 war. This significant day serves as a reminder of the unity demonstrated by the people of Pakistan, standing together as a strong and unyielding force against an enemy that tried to achieve its malicious goal of occupying our beloved homeland.It’s important to revisit these achievements, ensuring that the current generation is well-informed about our history and remains resilient against any misleading narratives propagated by those who wish to undermine Pakistan.
The synchronized action of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force turned all malicious aspirations of the enemy into a graveyard who had dreamt of celebrating victory in Lahore.Despite Pakistan’s limited resources, we effectively countered the enemy’s advances on all fronts—be it the skies, land, or sea.
On 6th September 1965, India initiated an assault on Lahore, which was met with strong resistance and ultimately repelled, inflicting significant losses upon the attacking forces. The Pakistan Army units stationed on the ground, with support from the Pakistan Air Force, effectively engaged the Indian offensive while pushing the Indian forces back. Subsequently, on the 8thof September, India launched its main attack on Sialkot, deploying its armored division and other strike units.
This marked the inception of what would later be recognized as the most extensive tank battle since World War II. The ensuing confrontation unfolded as a grueling and intense struggle spanning several days and nights, resulting in casualties on both sides. Ultimately, the primary Indian attack was not only repelled but also suffered substantial damage. The Indian armored division was compelled to retreat due to significant human and material losses.To the south of Lahore, Pakistan launched a counteroffensive, successfully capturing Indian territories including Khem Karan and areas beyond. This strategic move posed a critical threat to the rear of the Indian troops positioned against Lahore.
During the 6thand 7thof September 1965, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showcased its prowess through persistent aerial attacks extending from Pathankot to Agra. Remarkably, despite losing only 6 aircraft, the PAF managed to neutralize 50 enemy aircrafts on the ground and in the air, while also damaging 8 more. These figures do not encompass the additional losses incurred by the enemy due to PAF’s night bombing raids.
On the naval front, despite being numerically outnumbered, the Pakistan Navy (PN) executed a series of strategic operations aimed at establishing deterrence and delivering a resolute response to the Indian Navy. The remarkable capabilities demonstrated by the PN ensured the continued functionality of Pakistani waters and maritime routes for ships en route to Pakistani ports.One of the notable feats achieved by the Pakistan Navy was through the successful execution of ‘Operation Dwarka.’ This operation decisively incapacitated the Indian radar system that was guiding the Indian Air Force’s attacks against Pakistan. The primary goal of ‘Dwarka’ extended beyond radar destruction; it sought to incite Indian warships positioned at the former Bombay (now Mumbai) port to venture into the Arabian Sea.
This maneuver was intended to bring the Pakistani submarine “Ghazi” into engagement range, with the intention of neutralizing the enemy vessels INS Vikrant and INS Mysore. The calculated execution of this maneuver significantly disrupted the operational plans of the Indian Navy.Operation Dwarka was launched on the 8thSeptember, 1965 and the targeted bombardment was successfully completed within a remarkably brief span of four minutes. This operation not only showcased the Pakistan Navy’s tactical acumen but also managed to disrupt key elements of the Indian Navy’s strategic posture.
To conclude, 6th September allows us to reflect upon the courage and valour of our soldiers who had defeated a numerically large enemy and inflicted upon them a great setback. As Pakistan is moving towards a path of progress, we shall always remember supreme sacrifices of these sons who laid down their lives for our prosperous tomorrow. The defence of the country is not limited to 6 September alone, rather stretches upon an entire lifetime and encompasses all dimensions of physical and ideological frontiers which need to be guarded.
Celebrating this day helps us in reinvigorating the spirit of patriotism. Today Pakistan is confronted with multiple security challenges in shape of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, the entire nation stands alongside Pakistan Defence Forces to thwart evil designs against integrity and prosperity of Pakistan. Our soldiers are our greatest asset as they not only offer their precious lives for fighting in battlefields but also remain prepared to undertake the responsibility of working as a cohesive force in very challenging situation, may it be horrifying earthquakes or the devastating floods. The resolve and personal sacrifices of our men in arms is a great source of inspiration for whole nation.
On this special day, the whole nation stands united with utmost discipline and unwavering faith to make this country strong. We, by playing our part in the development of the country, can make Pakistan unassailable against security and economic challenges. Let us take the opportunity to once again pay homage to the martyrs of 6 September, 1965and all those who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the country in the later years.
