ISLAMABAD: September 6 will be celebrated by the great nation of Pakistan as the Defence Day of Pakistan to honor the armed forces and civilians who defended Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan. The aim of the Defence Day of Pakistan is to highlight the valor and resilience of the Armed Forces of Pakistan during 1965 Indo-Pak war. The war began on September 6, 1965, when India launched a military attack on Pakistan’s international border.
National Resilience and Unity
The day symbolizes the resilience, courage, and unity of the Pakistani nation and its military forces in the face of aggression. It is a reminder of the collective effort to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Defence Day is marked by military displays, and exhibitions showcasing Pakistan’s military strength, advancements, and capabilities. It serves to boost the morale of the armed forces and the nation.
Across the country, events, speeches, and ceremonies will be held to foster a sense of patriotism and national pride among the citizens. Educational institutions, government offices, and the general public will participate in commemorations.
6th September is celebrated as Pakistan Defence Day to pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while defending the country during 1965-war. This year is the 59th anniversary of 1965-war.
By celebrating Defence Day, Pakistan reinforces the resilience, patriotism, and commitment to national defense. Pakistan Armed Forces in 1965 successfully repulsed a ‘surprise attack’ by India aimed to militarily defeat Pakistan and eventually undo the 1947 division of the Indian subcontinent.
Indian Army illegally crossed international border and cowardly launched an unprovoked attack on Lahore sector, dreaming to capture the city expeditiously. However, with relatively small numbers and limited resources, Armed Forces quashed Indian plans of celebrating victory in Lahore.
On 8th September, India launched its main attack in Sialkot sector with an Armoured Division and strike formations. What ensued has been described as the largest tank battle since World War II. Army not on repulsed the attack but also captured vast Indian territory of Khem Karan and beyond in a counterattack. As a result the Indian Army suffered heavy losses in men and material.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider)
September 12th is marked as the death anniversary of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed who was a company commander deployed in the Burki area of Lahore during 1965 war. He inflicted heavy losses on Indian forces and sacrificed his life for the motherland. For his bravery and heroism, he was awarded with Nishan-e-Haider, the highest military award.
PAF and 1965 Indo-Pak war
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also proved its mettle during the war and targeted Indian military / IAF installations from Pathankot sector to Agra. PAF destroyed more than 50 IAF aircrafts and damaged 10, excluding undetermined losses inflicted during the night-bombing campaigns. During the period of war air superiority was achieved by PAF.
Pakistani Submarine “Ghazi”
On the naval front, despite numerically less in size, Pakistan Navy (PN) conducted a number of operations for creating strategic deterrence and offering a befitting response to Indian Navy. The prowess exhibited by PN ensured that Pakistani waters and sea lanes remain operational for ships coming to Pakistani ports. Pakistan Navy had played its part by launching a successful ‘Operation Dwarka’, vehemently which destroyed the Indian Radar system (which was guiding IAF to launch attacks against Pakistan).
The core objective of ‘Dwarka’ was multi-fold in effect as it was not only aimed at destruction of the radar but to provoke Indian warships stationed at erstwhile Bombay (now Mumbai) port to come to the Arabian Sea where Pakistani submarine “Ghazi” was prowling and waiting to engage enemy’s ships namely INS Vikrant and INS Mysore to dock out and both were ultimately sunk.
This maneuver adversely affected the Indian Navy’s operational plans. Operation Dwarka was launched on 8th September and the bombardment was completed in merely four minutes. The coordinated action of the Army, Navy and Air Force from Lahore, Karachi, Runn of Kach to Chamb Jorian, had made all sectors the graveyard of ruined dreams of Indian leadership. Defence Day is a day to pledge that nation will always remember the sacrifices of its Armed Forces by honoring the martyrs while acknowledging their courage and fighting spirit. The day reminds us that our military is committed to national freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
