Defending borders

On the dark night of September 5, 1965 amidst the roar of cannons, bullets, and fighter jets, an attempt was made to invade our beloved motherland. However, the invaders underestimated the vigilance of the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army, who were ready to defend the borders.

The very next day, our soldiers accepted the challenge, setting everlasting, shining examples of sacrifice and bravery. During those harrowing confrontations, no one wavered in the face of the enemy’s numerical superiority or military strength.

Today, nearly six decades have passed since the 1965 war, yet the entire world continues to acknowledge the bravery, courage, and spirit of martyrdom demonstrated by the Pakistani forces. The defence strategy adopted by Pakistani forces during the war is still referenced in military curricula around the globe.

The Battle of Chawinda is recognized as one of the largest tank battles since World War II, in which Pakistani soldiers successfully repelled a massive enemy assault. The story of soldiers destroying enemy tanks with bombs strapped to their chests epitomizes the bravery with which they faced the enemy.

When the enemy tried to capture Lahore, they encountered Major Aziz Bhatti, whose martyrdom proved that Pakistani soldiers are fully prepared to sacrifice their lives to defend their country. While the enemy engaged in massive propaganda, independent foreign media acknowledged Pakistan’s military successes during the war.

The Pakistan Navy also played a crucial role, successfully taking control of maritime routes. On the one hand, enemy ship movements were restricted, while on the other, safe trading routes to Pakistani seaports were ensured. To secure Pakistani airspace, many legendary figures such as Air Marshal Asghar Khan, Air Marshal Noor Khan, and M M Alam played pivotal roles. Squadron Leader Sarfraz Rafiqui, Muniruddin, Allaouddin, and many other martyrs laid down their lives but did not allow the enemy to violate our national skies.

Another remarkable aspect of the 1965 war was the contribution of patriotic non-Muslim Pakistani war heroes. Many Christian and Hindu Pakistani soldiers fought side by side to defend the motherland, with some even sacrificing their lives to prove that safeguarding Pakistan is a duty that transcends religion. Air Commodore Balwant Kumar was one of the senior Pakistani Hindu officers who fought to defend Pakistan. Other brave heroes included Group Captain Cecil Chaudhary, Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat, Squadron Leader Peter Christy, Air Vice Marshal Eric Gordan Hall, and Major-Gen Julian Peter.

As the US and Soviet Union – both superpowers of that era – became active in the UN for a ceasefire, Pakistan’s dynamic foreign minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto forcefully presented Pakistan’s stance to the international community. He demanded that the UN find a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue, warning that otherwise, Pakistan was ready to fight for a thousand years. Thanks to the efforts of global powers, a ceasefire was eventually enforced through UNSC Resolution 211.

Nationally, Bhutto, with his bold and courageous stance on the diplomatic front, emerged as the most popular leader in Pakistan. Soon after, the Soviet Union invited Pakistan and India to Tashkent to negotiate peace, and Bhutto represented the aspirations of the Pakistani people, ultimately leading to the formation of the Pakistan Peoples Party.

As we commemorate September 6 today, we must not forget that the freedom and independence we enjoy are due to the sacrifices of our armed forces, who protected both our geographical and ideological borders. Today, our enemies seek to divide us internally by spreading disinformation and fake news. This historic day calls for the entire Pakistani nation to stand united with great national enthusiasm, unwavering unity, and societal harmony.

The writer is a member of the

National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council.

He tweets/posts @RVankwani