KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar titled Youm-i-Fateh-i-Mubeen: Securing the Future through Peace and Stability recalled the sacrifices of the armed forces of the country in defending the motherland in the 1965 war.

The seminar was held to commemorate Defence Day and revisit the events and victories of the 1965 war.

The panellists included Rabita Forum International (RFI) chairman Nusrat Mirza, former interior minister retired Lt Gen Moinuddin Haider, Syed Muhammad Obaidullah, Zahidul Hassan and Dr Uzma Shujaat of the University of Karachi.

Lt Gen Haider briefly explained how Pakistan, despite lacking resources, faced a much larger enemy in the 1965 war.

He credited Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (Seato) and Central Treaty Organisation (Cento) for providing Pakistan with enough weapons to defend itself.

He dispelled the notion that India’s attack was a surprise, noting that while it wasn’t fully expected, the Pakistani forces had moved to forward posts by March 1965 in anticipation.

He highlighted Pakistan’s success in terms of territory captured and prisoners of war, praising the armed forces for their courage.

Retired Air Commodore Zahid Ul Hassan discussed the Air Force’s role, emphasising how the PAF, despite limited resources, outmanoeuvred the Indian Air Force. He praised the PAF’s professionalism, which remains strong today.

Retired Commodore Syed Muhammad Obaidullah highlighted the support from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia and described how Operation Somnath by the Pakistan Navy demoralised the Indian forces.

Ms Shujaat focused on the war’s impact on lives and property, stressing that progress requires human security and peace. She argued that Pakistan now faces nontraditional security challenges such as food security, natural disasters, and corruption, requiring collective action from all stakeholders, including the Armed Forces.

Nusrat Mirza, the chairman of RFI, thanked the speakers and participants, praising the Armed Forces for their courage. He noted how the entire nation supported the war effort, with reduced crime and self-discipline. The seminar concluded with the presentation of mementos to the speakers.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2024