Defence Day in Pakistan: Remembering Sacrifices

 

Defense Day in Pakistan: Unity and Challenges

Published on September 6, 2023

The 6th of September is celebrated every year as Defense Day by every Pakistani. On this day in 1965, Pakistan's courageous Armed Forces and the entire nation stood united to defend the homeland against India's all-out war, which threatened the territorial integrity of our beloved country.

Military thinkers agree that although physical force determines the type and scale of war, it's the 'will to fight' or 'moral force' that ultimately decides the outcome of war. This 'moral force' is the precious metal, the real weapon, as put by Clausewitz.

In his book "Fighting Power: German and U.S. Army Performance, 1939-1945," Creveld identifies the elements of 'moral force,' which he calls "fighting power, the willingness to fight, and the readiness, if necessary, to die." These elements are crucial in determining the combat power of any belligerent.

During the 1965 war, elements like the will to fight and 'moral force' were more prevalent in the personnel of Pakistan's Armed Forces than in those of India.

When, on September 6, 1965, India initiated the war by crossing the international border in Lahore, Pakistan's Armed Forces responded swiftly. Pakistani soldiers, without concern for their lives, fought bravely to repel the Indian forces. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti played a significant role in the outcome of the Lahore battles and was martyred.

In Sialkot, several soldiers of the Pak Army sacrificed their lives to halt the advancement of Indian tanks. The Battle of Chawinda in Sialkot sector witnessed some of the largest tank battles since World War II and resulted in Pakistan's victory.

In aerial warfare between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF), PAF emerged victorious by defending Pakistan's airspace. Squadron Leader M. M. Alam set new records in the history of air warfare by shooting down five Indian aircraft in less than sixty seconds.

Let's not forget the examples of heroes like Flight Lieutenant Yunus Hussain, who fought fearlessly against multiple enemy aircraft, and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, whose release after capture resulted in a diplomatic victory for Pakistan.

The role of Pakistan Navy in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 is also commendable, with the successful Operation Dawarka as a testament.

However, the 1965 war was not just about military prowess. It was about the 'moral force' that motivated Pakistani forces to not only recapture territories but also take Indian-held regions. Indian defeat was due to the demoralization of its soldiers.

Fast forward to August 5, 2019, when India abrogated articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution, leading to a military lockdown and grave human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Indian policies in the IIOJK, such as introducing new laws, registration of non-Kashmiri voters, and ceasefire violations, have further escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

Internally, Pakistan faces challenges like corruption, inflation, energy shortages, and political unrest. To overcome these challenges, national unity is essential.

As we commemorate Defense Day, it's a reminder that the nation must unite to address the ongoing crises and counter Indian war-mongering designs.