The 1965 Indo-Pak War was a defining moment in South Asian history, emerging from deep-seated disputes over Jammu and Kashmir that had their roots in the 1948 conflict. The war, spanning seventeen days, began with skirmishes in the Rann of Kutch and rapidly escalated into a full-scale conflict. On February 25, 1956, Indian forces occupied Chhad Bet, displacing Pakistani Sind Rangers and setting the stage for future tensions. The situation further intensified in January 1965 when Indian forces began advancing with the aim of controlling the entire Great Rann of Kutch. The conflict was eventually mitigated by the Kutch Agreement, signed on July 1, 1965, after numerous acts of valor were displayed by both sides.
The dawn of September 6, 1965, was marked by a dramatic declaration from Field Marshal Ayub Khan: “India has attacked Lahore, and Pakistan is at war.” He urged the nation to defend its beliefs with unwavering commitment, setting the tone for the days ahead. That morning, the Indian Army crossed the international boundary at 0330 hours, launching an aggressive assault on Lahore and Sialkot. Pakistani troops, caught off-guard and inadequately prepared due to peacetime deployments, were thrust into immediate action. Concurrently, a major offensive was launched in the Sialkot sector. The Indian Commander-in-Chief, General Chaudhry, vowed to dictate terms from Lahore, underestimating the resolve of the Pakistani forces.
In response, Pakistan’s national unity surged. Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s call to arms resonated deeply with the populace. Despite the imminent danger, Pakistanis demonstrated remarkable solidarity. Citizens rallied to support their troops, with numerous acts of heroism and patriotism evident. The nation’s first line of defense was its collective faith and resolve to remain independent. This unity transcended societal divisions and fostered a communal spirit that bolstered the military effort.
The 1965 war saw extraordinary contributions from all sectors of Pakistani society. Veterans rejoined the ranks, civilians volunteered in various capacities, and organizations like the Girl Guides and All Pakistan Women’s Association played pivotal roles in fundraising and medical support. Artists and writers inspired the nation, while shopkeepers and everyday citizens donated resources to the war effort. The media countered misinformation, and local volunteers provided crucial intelligence.
The military campaigns:
Sialkot sector
The Sialkot sector witnessed some of the most intense battles. The Indian 6 Mountain Division, supported by the 1 Armoured Division, launched a major offensive aimed at breaking through Pakistani defenses. Despite being outnumbered and less equipped, the Pakistani 15 Infantry Division, including the 24 Brigade and 10 Infantry Brigade, held their ground. Notable engagements included:
- The battle of Jassar enclave: Pakistani forces, including 13 FF and 3 Punjab, defended the Jassar Bridge area fiercely. Despite heavy casualties, including the loss of Lieutenant Kaleem Mahmood and Captain Asghar Ali, the defense remained steadfast.
- The battle of Sialkot: The Pakistani forces, under the 15 Infantry Division, faced significant pressure from the Indian 6 Mountain Division. The heroic stand of the Pakistani troops, despite being outnumbered, became a testament to their courage.
- The battle of Chawinda: Known as the “Black Elephant,” this battle saw the Pakistani Army, including the 25 Cavalry and 24 Infantry Brigade, resist the main thrust of the Indian 1 Armoured Division, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
- The 6 Armoured division: Although not fully operational, it played a crucial role in the Ravi-Chenab corridor, earning the title “Men of Steel” for its exemplary performance.
Lahore sector
The Lahore sector bore the brunt of the Indian offensive. With a significant portion of Pakistani forces on leave, the initial Indian advance was swift. However, the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) played a critical role in repelling the assault and buying time for defensive preparations. Notable engagements included:
- The Lahore-Amritsar axis: Brigadier Qayum Sher’s counteroffensive, supported by 23 Cavalry, turned the tide and boosted morale. The Pakistani forces managed to capture Major General Naranjan Prasad’s jeep, a symbol of their success.
- The Khalra-Burki sector: Defended by the 103 Infantry Brigade, including 17 Punjab and 12 Punjab, the sector witnessed significant heroism. Major Aziz Bhatti, directing artillery fire, made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Naval and Air campaigns:
Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy, despite its nascent state at independence, played a crucial role in maintaining sea lanes and disrupting Indian naval operations. Key operations included:
- Rann of Kutch Skirmishes: In April 1965, the Navy commenced patrols and maintained readiness amidst the Indian joint exercise “Arrowhead.” The international tribunal later mandated a ceasefire.
- Dwarka Bombardment: On September 7-8, 1965, the Navy executed Operation Somnath, targeting the Indian coastal radar base at Dwarka. This operation, involving seven Pakistani naval ships, was successful in neutralizing a key enemy asset.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
The PAF’s contributions were pivotal in the 1965 conflict. Early strikes on September 6 included:
- Initial strikes: The PAF targeted key Indian airbases and military positions, gaining air superiority and significantly impacting Indian ground operations.
- Pathankot strike: On September 6, the PAF launched a crucial strike on Pathankot, one of the main Indian bases, hindering the Indian Air Force’s ability to support ground operations.
The heroic air operations of September 6, 1965:
As the commanders at Air Headquarters (AHQ) monitored air operations from afar, the ground crew at PAF Station Peshawar was diligently preparing Sabre fighter-bombers for their imminent mission. With the aircraft refueled, armed, and ready, the team performed final checks. Squadron Leader Sajad Haider had earlier briefed the pilots on their strike mission, scheduled for 1705 hours. As the time for take-off approached, a serious yet resolute mood settled over the pilots. Equipped with parachutes and helmets, they made their way to their aircraft, greeted by the ground crew’s encouraging smiles and wishes of ‘Khuda Hafiz.’
The Sabres, engines whirring, began their taxi to the runway. With a thunderous roar, the lead aircraft, followed closely by its wingman, rolled down the runway, lifting off into the evening sky. The formation, led by Squadron Leader Haider, consisted of eight Sabre fighter-bombers, which soon stretched far into the horizon as they headed towards enemy territory.
In a meticulously executed battle formation, the Sabres descended towards their target, resembling hawks poised to strike. With the mission seven minutes away from the target, Haider glanced at his watch and flight plan, confirming they were on schedule. The formation, comprising Flight Lieutenants Mohammad Akbar, Mazhar Abbas, Dilawar Hussain, Ghani Akbar, and Flying Officers Arshad Chaudhry, Khalid Latif, and Abbas Khattak, maintained immaculate positioning. Their arrival over Indian villages triggered a flurry of activity as villagers rushed out to witness the aerial spectacle.
The Sabres climbed into the sky and Haider initiated the attack on the enemy aircraft, which were stationed in their pens. Despite facing heavy anti-aircraft fire, the pilots of No. 19 Squadron remained undeterred. The sky was filled with bursts of enemy shells, but the Sabres executed their mission with precision. Rockets and bullets targeted the Mysteres, while subsequent attacks focused on the MiGs, resulting in a fiery devastation at the base. By the mission’s end, the Sabres had destroyed 13 enemy aircraft, including MiGs and Mysteres, damaged C-119 transport planes, and hit the ATC building. The pilots returned home victorious, having effectively crippled the enemy’s supersonic MiG fleet.
The day also marked the first offensive strike by the PAF on an Indian Army base, saving Lahore from an imminent threat.
On September 6, as news of the Indian attack on the Lahore sector emerged, Haider and his squadron were mobilized. At 0900 hours, they were ordered to strike the advancing Indian forces along the Amritsar-Wagah Road. Haider and his team, including Flight Lieutenants Mohammad Akbar, Arshad Sami, Khalid Latif, Dilawar Hussain, and Ghani Akbar, took off under the September haze. Their formation, armed with rockets and guns, executed a series of attacks on the enemy vehicles, causing extensive damage and halting the advance. By the time the squadron withdrew, the battlefield was engulfed in flames, with the enemy forces significantly blunted.
In the evening of September 6, another critical operation unfolded as three aircraft from Sargodha targeted Halwara Airfield. Squadron Leader Rafiqui, with Flight Lieutenants Cecil Choudhry and Yunus Hussain, embarked on a pre-emptive raid. During the engagement, Rafiqui, despite his guns jamming, displayed exceptional leadership. Although he was shot down, his actions inspired fellow pilots and demonstrated his commitment to the mission. Rafiqui’s bravery earned him the Hilal-e-Jurat (HJ) and Sitara-e-Jurat (SJ), commemorated by namesakes across Pakistan.
Squadron Leader Alauddin led No. 18 Squadron on September 6, executing twenty combat missions against Indian forces. During an offensive sweep near Taran Taaran, Alauddin’s formation encountered a squadron of Hunters. Despite the enemy’s aggressive maneuvers, Alauddin and his team, including Flight Lieutenant Syed Saad Akhtar Hatmi, managed to down several Hunters, showcasing their superior skills and determination.
On September 11, Squadron Leader Muniruddin Ahmed undertook a perilous mission to destroy the Amritsar radar station. Despite previous failures and heavy enemy defenses, Munir and his team pressed on. As they neared the target, they encountered intense anti-aircraft fire. Munir, maintaining his composure, led the attack but was tragically hit and reported missing in action. His heroism was later recognized posthumously with the Sitara-e-Jurat (SJ).
The Hilal-i-Istaqlal award, introduced in 1966, honored Lahore, Sargodha, and Sialkot for their steadfast resistance during the 1965 war. This honor, celebrated annually on Defense Day, commemorates the bravery and resilience of these cities amidst the conflict.
Throughout the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Pakistani soldiers demonstrated exceptional valor despite limited resources. The contributions of musicians like Madam Noor Jahan and Mehdi Hasan, and programs such as “Jamhoor di Awaz,” played a crucial role in boosting morale.
During the 17-day conflict, Pakistan occupied 1,617 square miles of Indian territory, with 1,039 Pakistani soldiers martyred and approximately 9,500 Indian casualties. Pakistan lost 14 aircraft and 165 tanks, while India suffered losses of 110 aircraft and 475 tanks. The scale of destruction prompted India to seek UN intervention to end the conflict.
As Pakistan faces contemporary challenges, the spirit of unity, faith, and discipline exemplified during the 1965 war remains vital. Reflecting on past victories serves as a reminder of the nation’s resilience and potential. By embracing these values, Pakistan can overcome current difficulties and strive for a brighter future. The legacy of September 6, 1965, inspires a collective resolve to protect and advance the nation, reaffirming our commitment to unity and strength.
Let us honour the past, draw strength from our history, and commit to building a prosperous and resilient Pakistan for the future.
-This article has been compiled with insights from Colonel Azam Qadri (Retired), a distinguished military historian and biographer, whose published works provided valuable contributions
