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COVER STORY: Courage and honour
September 6, has great significance in our national history. It is a day of glory, rejoicing and reflection. Every year the entire nation — armed forces and the public — celebrates with great pomp and show, enthusiasm and pride, the heroic sacrifices made by our jawans in the line of duty. Our armed forces, most gallantly defended and preserved the country’s integrity against Indian aggression so that their people may live in freedom and peace.
It is important that we recognize the deeds of supreme devotion and commitment to national salvation offered by our brave soldiers.
Thirty-seven years have passed since the war of 1965. The seventeen days of war constitute a golden chapter for the armed forces of Pakistan. On September 6, 1965, our large aggressive neighbour, India, attacked us across the international border without any warning or declaration of war. The attack was against the norms of civilized behaviour. It also violates international law.
On this day, before dawn, the Indian army crossed the international border to launch two attacks against Pakistan. They had false pretensions that their strategic military moves would enable them to capture Lahore by evening. They were so confident about their success that General J.N. Chaudhari (Chief of Indian Army during that time) boasted the night before that he could think of no other place for conferring grandiosity on his victory over Lahore other than the Lahore Gymkhana.
The pre-dawn attack suprised the Pakistan forces at the Lahore front. They may have been outnumbered by the Indians, yet they never let this fact come in the way of their bravery. The gallant acts of our officers are truly remarkable. During military action Major Aziz Bhatti embraced shahadat and was awarded the Nishan-i-Haider, our country’s highest gallantry award.
The defence of Lahore is a classic example inscribed by the Lahore Garrison who not only saved Lahore but also through their attacks posed panic in the ranks of the Indian troops.
Two days later, on September 8, our aggressive neighbours launched massive attacks against Sialkot. Their aim was to capture Sialkot and Gujranwala. The battle at Sialkot base went on for many days. There hadn’t been such a battle of tanks since the second World War. On main battle grounds of Lahore and Sialkot, to repulse enemy attack, the dedicated and courageous officers and JCO’s of Pakistan Army fought with great conviction the examples of which will truly remain forever in the history of Pakistan.
At the Sialkot battle field, the Indian army withdrew after facing our courageous jawans. Later Pakistan, via Kasur, launched major counter attacks and captured Khemkaran (Indian town). At Sulemanki head works and along the Khokhrapar axis, the infantry brigades defended the Kasur area. When Pakistan army launched this gallant attack into their area, it caused panic amongst the Indian troops. The situation prompted the Indian Army Chief to request his government to grant permission to withdraw Indian troops to a safer area. Pakistan Army’s potential and devotion changed the history of South Asia. The Indians paid heavily for invading our motherland.
The Pakistan Army was under the command of late General Mohammad Musa Khan.
After independence, the victory in war of September 1965, was a significant awakening granting us the opportunity to rejoice and offer our humble gratitude to Almighty Allah — who granted us the courage and determination to stand up against our enemy. It is also a remarkable day to remember the brave deeds of our comrades and to dwell on the indomitable spirit of our soldiers, sailors and airmen and also to praise the steadfastness of our people.
Today, on this remarkable day, I wonder what our youngsters, who didn’t get to witnesses the whole war themselves, think about it.
“I would like to pay homage to all our great soldiers, who fought so bravely. I want to be as brave as them.” Says 18-year-old Imran, a naval cadet. “It is only because of those ghazis and shaheeds, who laid their lives in the name of their country, that today we are living peacefully in an independent land and are free from foreign clutches.”
Benish, a commerce student says, “The war of 1965 is of immense importance. Everyone in our country fought in his or her own way and won. To glorify the memory of our people’s courage and sacrifices we celebrate on this day with great enthusiasm.” She adds, “the unwanted attack launched by the Indian troops had a positive impact on our nation. Every person fought. We emerged as a brave nation who defended their country standing shoulder to shoulder with each other. We stood united then and we stand united now in celebrating our unity.”
Sajid, another patriot adds, “I even dislike the idea of war. Who wouldn’t? But September 6 is a day I always look forward to because it holds great meaning for all Pakistanis. On this day, I am just another patriot celebrating our freedom and victory.”
“Wars bring disaster and leaves behind dead people and shattered lives.” Says Zahra, a seventh grader. “However, in the case of the 1965 war, it is crystal clear how wrong the Indians were when they decided to invade our motherland. Hats off to all Pakistanis — soldiers, sailors, airmen who bravely fought for their homeland and offered supreme sacrifices.”
“We proved to the entire world that we are fully capable of defending our homeland when the need arises.” Alizeh, an enthusiastic medical student from Islamabad states. “September 6, is a day to make new resolutions to keep the spirit of the nation high.”
Zainab, who’s just ten says, “I celebrate September 6 each year, enthusiastically as the day signifies our victory over India. The Indians, with more equipment and military power, were at an advantage. But through selfless dedication and determination our forces were able to shatter the evil designs of the enemy.”
Pakistan Defence Day, other than conveying the message of our indomitable resolve also reminds us of the brave sons of the nation who embraced shahaadat in the name of their homeland.
Did you know that it was during this war that the symbol of the Shaheen (halk) was adopted by our air force. The Pakistan Navy too, during its ‘Dwarka Operation’ defeated its aggressors with total commitment and devotion.
May Allah Almighty bless our brave armed forces with more strenght, courage and sense of unity so that they can always defend Pakistan with the same strenght they exhibited in 1965.
Air Force Day
Once coming back from my grandma’s house, I heard a loud roaring noise as if someone was beating drums with all his might. Anxiously I looked around to see where the noise was coming from. I looked up and was surprised to see not an ordinary plane but fighter planes in a line.
“Why are planes like these flying at this time? I hope there is no war going on any where.” I said to myself. The strangest thing was that it was leaving a trail of papers behind it! I ran after the papers and after getting hold of one read it. It said:
“Everyone is invited to the air force show at PAF Museum on September 7. Starting at 6.00pm. Limited tickets available ... so come fast. Tickets for only Rs10 each. It also includes refreshments, games exhibition, lucky draws, musical concerts and much more!”
What day was it? Oh, it was already September 7, our Air Force Day. A day we celebrate with zeal and enthusiasm to honour our brave air soldiers who fought bravely and with full faith in almighty Allah, preferring to die as a martyr while serving their motherland.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry to reach home as quickly as possible. I was all sweating and gasping for air. My father became worried that something might have gone wrong and asked “what happened?” I related the whole story to him requesting him to take me to the museum. We hurried because only a few hours were left for the great event to begin. But luckily we got the tickets!
It was a huge area with different planes on display. There was a large crowd having fun and celebrating the Air Force Day. There was an air show too. It was really one of its kind. I returned home tired but in high spirits. That night I dreamt about serving my country and keeping its separate identity.
From that day I promised myself to serve my country as best I can because ‘down the slopes of the Himalayas till the shores of the Arabian sea, spanning the mighty Indus River, is my country Pakistan.’ A land enriched by fertile plains, towering mountains, gushing rivers, and sprawling deserts. Its multicolour fabric sewn together by faith, and hope for the future. A country with youthful borders, but a nation of mature values.
Ibad ur Rehman
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