ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating Defence Day today – a day steeped in history, valor and national pride.
What Happened on September 06?
The origins of Defence Day trace back to 1965 Indo-Pak War, beginning with escalating tensions over the disputed region of Kashmir and culminating into a full-scale war between Pakistan and India as Indian forces on September 6, 1965, launched a surprise attack on Lahore, aiming to occupy the city. The Pakistani military, despite being outnumbered, mounted a fierce defense.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed
The battle of Lahore and another key engagement in Sialkot and the defense of the strategic Chamb sector highlighted the resilience and courage of Pakistani troops. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, who received Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery, became symbols of national pride.
On the night of September 5-6 Indian military, without any official declaration of war, crossed the international border, launching attacks on Lahore and Kasur fronts. Pakistan’s Army and Air Force halted the offensive of enemies, inflicting significant casualties on the aggressor.
Chawinda Front
Besides Kasur and Lahore, an Indian Army Corps also launched a major thrust east of Sialkot with armored and infantry divisions, supported by 3 Frontier Force and B Company 13 Frontier Force. This prompted a swift reply from Pakistan armed forces, with a 30-mile front established to halt the enemy’s advance at Chawinda front. This sector saw the largest tank battle since World War II. Due to heavy losses inflicted on Indian army, this front is remembered as ‘Graveyard of Tanks.’
Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also played a key role, achieving air superiority and inflicting heavy losses on India. On September 7, Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, a PAF pilot, achieved an unmatched feat by shooting down 5 Indian Air Force Hunter aircraft in a single sortie. Therefore, this day is celebrated as Air Force Day. Pakistan’s Special Services Groups executed para-drops on Indian Air Force bases at Adampur, Pathankot, and Halwara the same night to neutralize them.
PAKISTAN NAVY
Pakistan Navy during 1965 war encountered bravely against a larger Indian Navy with indomitable courage and defiant spirit. Successful operation “Dwarka” was an admirable achievement where it took only 4 minutes to complete the bombardment, firing altogether around 350 rounds on the target and inflicting heavy losses on Indian Navy.
Whether it was 1948, 1965, 1971, Kargil conflict, Pakistani soldiers, operating in extremely challenging conditions, displayed extraordinary bravery. As during last 25 years Pakistan and India did not engage in a full-scale war, however, Indian governments and spy agencies had always been busy in destabilizing activities by fueling extremism, conducting covert operations, and sponsoring terrorism, APP reported.
Operations such as Rah-e-Rast, Rah-e-Nijat and Zarb-e-Azb were pivotal in dismantling terrorist networks in tribal areas and restoring the state’s writ. The military’s success in these operations came at a tremendous cost with thousands of troops martyred and many more injured, APP reported. The efforts of the armed forces not only curbed terrorist threats but also paved the way for rebuilding the war-torn regions, enabling displaced populations to return to their homes.
Every year, this day reminds us of our obligations to the sacrifices of men and women in uniform who had defended nation’s sovereignty over the decades from the battlefields of 1965 and 1971 to the icy heights of Kargil and through the tumultuous War on Terror.
