The 1965 War saw India’s surprise invasion of Pakistan, which was met with fierce resistance and national unity.

The 1965 War between India and Pakistan marked a significant chapter in their turbulent history, fueled by longstanding disputes over Jammu and Kashmir, echoing their earlier conflict in 1948. The conflict spanned seventeen intense days, with initial hostilities igniting in the Rann of Kutch. India established defensive positions at Suigam, Bela, Vigiokot, and Karim Shahi (Sardar Post), setting the stage for escalating tensions.
Both sides had largely abandoned the Great Rann of Kutch for economic reasons, and even routine patrolling ceased in 1953. However, on February 25, 1956, a company of the Indian Reserve Force (later Border Security Force) occupied Chhad Bet, displacing a company of Sind Rangers, who withdrew to Wingor with orders to avoid provocation. Despite subsequent talks, no resolution was reached. In January 1965, Indian forces began advancing with the intention of occupying the entire Great Rann of Kutch. The situation escalated until the Kutch Agreement was signed on July 1, 1965. These operations saw numerous acts of heroism.

At the dawn of September 6, 1965, the nation was awakened by the clarion call of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, "India has attacked Lahore, and Pakistan is at war." He further said, “My fellow countrymen, move forward and confront your enemy. Allah has bestowed us with an opportunity to show that as a nation, we are ready to give our lives for our religion and beliefs". 

September 6: The Indian Attack on Lahore and Sialkot
On September 6, 1965, at 0330 hours, the Indian Army crossed the international boundary, marking the start of an all-out war. Indian forces quickly advanced towards Wagah and Kasur. Pakistani troops, largely unprepared due to peacetime deployments (Scale X), were caught off-guard by the sudden Indian offensive. A simultaneous major offensive was also directed in the Sialkot sector. The Indian Commander-in-Chief, General Chaudhry, had announced that he would be dictating terms from his headquarters in Lahore in a few hours. 
The Pakistani people rose as one. During the 1965 War, our first line of defense was our unwavering faith in Allah, coupled with our determination to remain a free and independent nation. National unity was at its highest, and differences were forgotten as the nation stood united to defend its heart and home. Orderliness and discipline were evident. At that time in Nathiagali, the Governor of West Pakistan immediately returned to the citadel of Lahore to inspire and mobilize the citizens. As the troops moved to the border, they were aided by the public, with many people bringing food to the trenches. The rumble of Indian artillery echoed throughout Lahore, but life carried on undisturbed. The public stood firmly by their valiant Armed Forces.
I would like to talk about little things which contributed in a big way towards the pinnacle of the overall aim of the defense of Pakistan. Here are a few actions that have left an indelible footprint on the landscape of our national history. 
The Speech of Field Marshal Ayub Khan
At the dawn of September 6, 1965, the nation was awakened by the clarion call of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, "India has attacked Lahore, and Pakistan is at war." He further said, “My fellow countrymen, move forward and confront your enemy. Allah has bestowed us with an opportunity to show that as a nation, we are ready to give our lives for our religion and beliefs". 
It was a challenging time, and 100 million Pakistanis were to be tested. The undeclared Indian invasion was a cowardly strike against a peaceful neighbor. The people responded with faith and belief that truth and justice were on their side. The spirit of nationalism surged, and the citizens of Pakistan did not rest until the canons of our enemy had been silenced. 
Historically, wars are known to result in a flow of refugees, terror-stricken people leaving their homes, a breakdown of orderliness and a loss of governmental control. No such contingency arose anywhere throughout Pakistan. Despite facing the risk to life and property, no one living near the border areas left their homes. A determined nation, a third of the size of the aggressor, held fast and responded to the national motto Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah gifted: faith in Allah, national unity, and discipline. 

The Nation Becomes One
Pakistan was successful in 1965 because of the soldiers' devotion, coupled with the support of the people. Ex-servicemen rushed to recruiting areas to allocate service with troops at the front. Aged veterans were observed climbing the heights in Kashmir, responding to the call for reservists to join the colors. All citizens played their roles, including singers, writers, intellectuals, civil bureaucracy, railway personnel, the police, and students. Patriotic songs galvanized the nation in the same way that the speeches of Churchill mobilized Britain during the Second World War. The words of writers and journalists filled the airwaves, instilling a spirit of patriotism. Shopkeepers donated generously to the war effort. Items that could be of use to the army were donated by the people and piled up at Army Centers.
National unity was at its peak. The women of Pakistan also played their part. The Girl Guides movement and All Pakistan Women's Association collected funds by arranging blood donation camps and offering to help the medical corps as nursing volunteers. Students and young people thronged the roadsides where our troops were moving, offering food and snacks. The people were full of patriotic fervor. Many volunteers gathered at Army Centers, asking for assignments to help in the war effort. Some joined in digging trenches, while others joined the civil defense force. Journalists countered misinformation and rumors. Many common people participated in counterintelligence efforts and helped in capturing the spies. In the Shakargarh Sector, people acted as scouts, providing vital intelligence. The whole nation stood like a rock behind their valiant Armed Forces. 
Pakistan Army 
Despite being heavily outnumbered in troops and equipment, the Pakistan Army came out ever resilient and confident. It will be beyond the scope of this course to narrate the actions of all the battles, but I would like to mention a few of them briefly. 
Sialkot Sector
This Sector, as it eventually transpired, faced one of the two main efforts of the Indians (Lahore being the other), where the main battle took place around Chawinda. There were, however, several other operations that I will touch on briefly: 
▪ The Battle of Jassar Enclave. 115 Infantry Brigade was ordered to move to Pasrur on September 1, 1965, where they were ordered to defend general area Narowal and be prepared to attack and clear the Indian enclave southwest of Jassar Bridge on the Pakistan side of River Ravi. The Brigade and its troops defended this area tooth and nail. The 13 FF and 3 Punjab operations were ably supported by 33 Cavalry, a Battery of 31 Field Regiment. The main attack on the Jassar Bridge area was bravely defended by 3 Punjab, which suffered heavy casualties. Lieutenant Kaleem Mahmood, a platoon commander, embraced Shahadat, and Captain Asghar Ali received bayonet and bullet wounds.    
▪ The Battle of Sialkot. The main thrust into the middle of this Sector originated from the Working Boundary between Maharajke-Charwa-Nakhnal, carried out by the Indian 6 Mountain Division, where the Indian 1 Armoured Division was to break out. The flanks were to be protected by 26 Infantry Division on the west and by 14 Infantry Division on the east. The 15 Infantry Division of the Pakistan Army defended this area, mainly the 24 Brigade. This Brigade was later beefed up by the 10 Infantry Brigade, who joined them from the Chhamb Sector. Despite being outnumbered and ill-equipped, the Pakistani forces fought hard and left behind tales of chivalry and honor. 
▪ The Black Elephant, the Battle of Chawinda and Making of “Men of Steel”. Despite the fog of war and massive confusion, the Pakistan Army faced the main thrust of the Indian Army, led by 'The Black Elephant,' the formation sign of the Indian 1 Armoured Division, which was supported by three infantry divisions. The Pakistani Army stood its ground and held the Indian forces at bay. In the Battle of Chawinda, the 25 Cavalry and 24 Infantry Brigade, ably supported by the 10 Infantry Brigade and a Squadron of 31 TDU, distinguished themselves.
▪ Enter Pegasus (6 Armoured Division). The 6 Armoured Division was still not fully operational and not equipped to its full potential in men and material. It was thrust into the Ravi-Chenab corridor and gave a good account of itself. The leadership qualities of its General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Abrar Hussain, got him due recognition, and the 6 Armoured Division was given the title "Men of Steel." 
Lahore Sector
This sector bravely confronted the full might of the Indian Army. Caught off guard by the unexpected scale of the Indian offensive, 25 percent of our army was on leave, and the Rangers, along with some regular army units, were tasked with holding the primary defensive positions. By the time the situation was assessed and our forces could mobilize to their battle positions, the Indian Army had advanced both north and south of the city. On that day, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) played a crucial role, repelling the Indian assault and buying invaluable time for our troops to establish their defenses. The challenges were immense, but the heroism of our soldiers shone through, with figures like Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) emerging as symbols of bravery and resilience after the war.
▪  Battles on Lahore-Amritsar Axis. There was a masterly counterstroke of Brigadier Qayum Sher, Commander 22 Infantry Brigade, with 23 Cavalry, who turned the tables on the Indians. This action raised the morale so high that Major General Sarfraz ordered Brigadier Qayum Sher to be prepared to press on to Wagah and even beyond. The jeep of Major General Naranjan Prasad, GOC 15 Infantry Division of the Indian Army, is a prized trophy of the Lahore Army Museum. Inspired by the defenders of Lahore, the civilian population was so motivated that they created a logistics supply chain for them. That kind of frenzy was never witnessed before or after that.    
▪  Khalra-Burki Sector. The task of defending this sector rested with the 103 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Muhammad Asghar. Out here, 17 Punjab and 12 Punjab, reinforced by B Squadron 30 TDU, a company of 15 Baloch, and B Company of 11 FF (R&S), wrote tales of valor. This brigade was ably supported by 24 Field Regiment Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Nawaz Sial. It was during one of these raging battles that Major Aziz Bhatti, personally directing artillery and other types of fire, was hit by a tank shell and embraced Shahadat. The operations of 17 Punjab will always be remembered, and so will the heroic deeds of the 103 Infantry Brigade. 
Pakistan Navy
At the time of independence, despite being a new service with almost nothing in terms of men or material, the Pakistan Navy has developed a rich and distinguished history. I have briefly taken the readers down memory lane, attempting to lay bare the operational history of the Pakistan Navy in all the wars it has participated in so far.

The Pakistan Navy kept our sea lanes open and prevented the Indian Navy—including an aircraft carrier—from entering our territorial waters. Our daring attack on Dwarka was a significant naval victory, where a small force inflicted major damage on the enemy's naval assets. The war united the nation with a spirit of patriotism and national solidarity. Courage, bravery, and nationalism ultimately carried the day, forcing the enemy to capitulate.
Rann of Kutch Skirmishes: April 1965
In March 1965, the Indians carried out a joint exercise, "Arrowhead", with a brigade group supported by Indian Navy Ship (INS) Vikrant and seven destroyers and frigates in the Gulf of Kutch operational area. In this exercise, the Indians practiced various naval operations, emphasizing carrier-based operations, including anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, airstrikes and reconnaissance missions. Clashes ensued between the Indo-Pak forces over the border in the Rann of Kutch area to establish sovereignty over 3500 square miles of disputed territory. The ships of Pakistan Navy started patrolling the approaches to Karachi and the area extending towards the southeast, commencing in April 1965. Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Babur was converted from a training ship to an operational cruiser. All the operational units were put on full operational readiness, including the submarine PNS Ghazi. The stand-off continued for four months till the international tribunal ordered the seizing of hostilities.
Dwarka Bombardment: September 1965
In light of the Kutch Operations and based on the intelligence reports, the Pakistan Navy Headquarters decided to deploy PNS Ghazi off Bombay in early September 1965 so that she could provide early warning. On the outbreak of hostilities and India’s attack on Lahore and Sialkot, the Navy was tasked to carry out an attack and neutralize the Indian coastal radars base located at Dwarka (140 nm southwest of Karachi), which was assisting the Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft in their air raids on Karachi. A Task Group comprising seven Pakistan Navy ships (the cruiser Babur and the destroyers Khaibar, Badr, Shahjahan, Alamgir, Jahangir, and Tippu Sultan) was ordered to carry out a bombardment of the assigned target at midnight on September 7-8, 1965. The operation, codenamed 'Operation Somnath,' was successfully executed, and the Pakistan Navy ships resumed their patrolling operations off Karachi. On September 18, 1965, two Pakistan Navy destroyers and the cruiser Babur were tasked with proceeding to the Gulf of Aden to rendezvous with and provide protection to the Pakistan Merchant Ship MV Bagh-e-Karachi, which was carrying vital supplies for the PAF. This mission was completed successfully, and the ship was escorted safely to Karachi. 

Pakistan Air Force
As we reflect on the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and the role of the PAF, it is important to note that on September 6, the PAF conducted simultaneous offensive operations against several IAF bases and targets. 
By September 7, the second day of the war, the PAF had achieved air superiority and was not challenged by the IAF. It would take a comprehensive account to cover all the heroic actions of the 'Sentinels in the Sky,' who valiantly defended Pakistani airspace.
The 17-day war featured many remarkable stories, but the space available here is too limited to cover them all. In summary, the initial strikes by the PAF on forward air bases not only destroyed Indian warplanes but also forced the abandonment of these airfields. This had two significant advantages: it reduced the support to Indian ground troops by shortening their time over the target area, and it effectively curtailed their deep strike capacity. Overall, these preemptive strikes forced the Indians into a defensive posture. I will highlight a few of these operations:
PAF Draws First Blood: September 1, 1965 (Sarfraz Rafiqui's Action) 
The evening of September 1, 1965, saw hectic and desperate attempts by the IAF to stop the rapid advance of Pakistan Army's 12 Division offensive against Akhnur. Vampires, obsolescent but considered suitable for providing close support in the valleys of Kashmir, were hastily called into action. No. 45 Squadron was moved from Poona to Pathankot. The grim situation on the ground found the Vampires at work immediately. Three strikes of four Vampires each had been launched in succession that evening. Much has been made of their success by the IAF, but Major General G. S. Sandhu was not impressed; in his book ‘History of Indian Cavalry,' he recounts how the first Vampire strike of four leisurely proceeded to destroy three AMX-13 tanks of India's own 20 Lancers, plus the only recovery vehicle and the only ammunition vehicle available during this hard-pressed fight. The second flight attacked Indian infantry and gun positions, blowing up several ammunition vehicles. The Indian forces were spared further ignominy at their own hands when two Sabres arrived on the scene. 

Squadron Leader Rafiqui and Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti were patrolling at 20,000 ft near Chhamb. On being vectored by the radar, they descended and picked up contact with two Vampires in the fading light. Rafiqui closed in rapidly, and before another two Vampires turned in on the Sabres, they made short work of the first with a blazing volley from the lethal 0.5" Browning six-shooter. 
The Pathankot Strike on September 6 
It was late afternoon of September 6, 1965, when India started its undeclared war against Pakistan and attacked Lahore. Since morning, PAF had been operating in the Lahore sector in support of the Pakistan Army, but this was the first time it had decided to go on the offensive. Pathankot, one of the main bases from where the IAF was launching its aggression, was chosen as the target for the first strike. Squadron Leader Sajad Haider and his fighter pilots were honored for launching the vital mission. 

While the commanders at Air Headquarters (AHQ) were busy monitoring the air operations, miles away at PAF Station Peshawar, a group of ground crew was energetically performing final checks on Sabre fighter-bombers parked at the operational platform. With refueling completed, the aircraft, with guns loaded and rockets in their launchers, were ready for their mission. An hour earlier, Squadron Leader Sajad Haider had briefed the pilots on the impending strike mission. The time of take-off (TOT) was 1705 hours. With take-off just minutes away, a serious mood settled over the pilots as they picked up their parachutes and helmets and walked toward their aircraft. As the pilots reached their Sabres, the ground crew greeted them with smiles and bade them 'Khuda Hafiz,' wishing them success. The pilots climbed into their cockpits, strapped themselves in, and went through the cockpit checklist with mechanical precision. They taxied toward the runway, their engines rising into a high-pitched whine.
For a moment, they stood at the beginning of the runway with engines humming when suddenly, with a deafening roar, the leader, with his wingman hardly a few feet away, started rolling down, gathered speed and lifted their graceful bodies sharply into the air. Behind them came another and then another until the thundering line stretched far away into the north. Soon, there were only specks left on the distant horizon.
Led by Squadron Leader Sajad Haider, the eight Sabre fighter-bombers formed up in battle formation and headed towards the enemy territory. The formation levelled off at planned height, and as the borders drew closer, they started deep descent, looking like eight hawks going in for their prey. The Sabres were now seven minutes from the target. Haider looked at his watch and then at his flight plan card. They were bang on time. He glanced on either side for a while, and seeing his seven colleagues flying immaculately in their briefed position filled him with pride. The formation comprised Flight Lieutenants Mohammad Akbar, Mazhar Abbas, Dilawar Hussain, Ghani Akbar and Flying Officers Arshad Chaudhry, Khalid Latif, and Abbas Khattak. Tied escorts comprised Squadron Leader and Flight Lieutenant Arshad Sami. Flying low over Indian villages, they could see villagers rushing out of their houses, watching and wondering about their destination and purpose. Minutes later, it was time to pull up, and the Sabre-like darts climbed steeply into the hazy blue sky. Reaching overhead, Sajad Haider pulled up for the attack, informing the formation about enemy aircraft parked in the pens. This triggered the highly trained PAF pilots into what seemed like a practice-firing mission; the only difference was that they faced real anti-aircraft fire this time, which came down like hail. Black and white puffs of smoke filled the sky as enemy shells burst all around. However, this did not deter the No. 19 Squadron pilots from their objective. Defiantly, they dove into the attack. In the next moment, a stream of rockets and bullets slammed into the fuselage of some Mysteres parked in the pens. The Sabres pulled up again, this time diving for a more lucrative target: the MiGs. The Russian-made MiG-21, one of the world's fastest and most modern aircraft at that time, was now at the mercy of Squadron Leader Sajad Haider’s pilots. They attacked repeatedly until the entire base was engulfed in raging fire and thick black smoke. It was now time for them to leave. During the mission, they carried out numerous attacks, destroying 13 enemy aircraft, including MiGs and Mysteres, damaging C-119 transport planes, and hitting the ATC building as well.
They flew back home, elated with the job they had done. It was the first PAF offensive mission on an IAF base, and it paid off. Nearly the entire operational strength of the supersonic MiGs was destroyed that day, as evidenced by the fact that not a single MiG was spotted in flight until the final days of the war.
The Indian Attack on Lahore and the Spirited Response of PAF in Saving Lahore
Besides leading the first offensive on an enemy base, Haider's Squadron also had the distinction of launching the first strike on the Indian Army. On the morning of September 6, when news came of the enemy attack on the Lahore sector, the self-asserting Haider and his pilots gave the Indians the foretaste of things to come. The news of Indian aggression in the early hours of the 6th morning came as a thunderbolt to Sajad Haider and his squadron pilots. It worked up the pilots into a vicious mood. At around 0900 hours, the Squadron was ordered to strike the Indian army advancing on Lahore along with Amritsar-Wagah Road. Sajad Haider and Flight Lieutenants Mohammad Akbar, Arshad Sami, Khalid Latif, Dilawar, and Ghani Akbar flew this historical mission, which saved Lahore and, in turn, saved Pakistan that day. The formation, armed with rockets, in addition to the guns, took off in September haze and levelled off at the planned height before heading towards the target. Shortly afterwards, they were over the target area where, to their amazement, they spotted enemy vehicles of all sorts moving along the road they did; it was a sight to see the drivers jumping out to take cover, leaving their vehicles to their fate.

Sajad Haider was the first to dive for the attack. In a dive, he let go of his first burst of rockets, and the next moment, he saw a tank getting airborne into pieces. It was a direct hit. Fully charged up, the other members of the formation followed their leader. In all, the Zambus' (call sign of the formation) made six attacks each, and the formation stayed for 16-17 minutes over the target, ensuring the enemy attack on the motherland was completely blunted. By the time they decided to exit, there were columns of fire all around, melting steel with the enemy within. Sajad Haider called off the mission after nearly all their ammo was depleted and fuel perilously low. 

Other Operations on September 6, 1965 Halwara
On the evening of September 6, 1965, three aircraft took off from Sargodha to raid Halwara Airfield for a pre-emptive strike. Squadron Leader Rafiqui led with Flight Lieutenant Cecil Choudhry as No. 2 and Flight Lieutenant Yunus Hussain as No. 3; the formation hurtled into enemy territory in fast-fading light. During the dogfights, Cecil heard Rafiqui call over the radio, “Cecil, my guns have stopped firing; you have the lead.” Cecil promptly moved into the lead, with Rafiqui sliding back as wingman. Rafiqui, despite having his guns jammed, did not leave the battle and got shot down like a sitting duck, heavily outnumbered, as did Younas. 

Rafiqui was at his best in this epic encounter, having scored a confirmed kill a third time. However, more importantly, the significance of the mission was not lost on him, and despite heavy odds, he did his best to get the formation to put in the attack. As a Squadron Commander, he demonstrably inspired other Squadron Commanders and pilots to lead fearlessly. This may have been Rafiqui's greatest contribution to the 1965 air war. The award of the Hilal-e-Jurat (HJ), as well as Sitara-e-Jurat (SJ) acknowledged his gallant leadership and selfless devotion to duty. PAF Base, Rafiqui (Shorkot) and major boulevards across various cities of Pakistan, named after him, rekindled the spirit of his chivalry. 

Adampur
Squadron Leader Alauddin commanded the No. 18 Squadron during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Being the Squadron Commander, he led his Squadron in twenty combat missions against the Indian ground and air forces and achieved precise results. On the evening of September 6, Squadron Leader Alam led an offensive fighter sweep of three Sabres with Squadron Leader Alauddin and Flight Lieutenant Syed Saad Akhtar Hatmi. They were nearing Taran Taaran, a town in the Amritsar district when Alauddin called out on the radio and informed the leader about the presence of four Hunters in close vicinity. Alam glanced in the direction pointed out by Butch. His eyes grew larger as he saw Hunter formation in attack formation, glistening in their war paints, crossing two or three thousand feet ahead. Soon, Alam commanded the formation to jettison tanks and check guns. Meanwhile, the Hunter formation located the Sabres and turned violently to avoid attack. Butch Ahmed was thrilled to get some action. This was the moment of trial, and he had waited for this day for a long. Jettisoning his tanks and checking his guns at the ‘hot’ position, he followed his gallant leader. He manoeuvred his aircraft vehemently and soon set behind the Hunter. As the silhouette of Hunter's leader grew larger and filled the gunsight, he fired a short burst. The ill-fated Hunter sustained severe damage and reeled away, emitting thick black smoke. Alam damaged one aircraft, and Hatmi destroyed another. All the Hunters were hunted and vanquished, leaving behind only three victorious Sabres in the hostile skies. Filled with pride, Butch Ahmed returned home, marking his first victory in a striking manner. That day onwards, Butch flew operational missions day in and day out and led his squadron from the front. His professionalism and dedication remained a great source of motivation for the young fighter pilots of the squadron.
Attack on Amritsar Radar 
On September 11, 1965, Squadron Leader Muniruddin Ahmed volunteered for the dangerous strike mission to destroy the formidable Amritsar radar station. Earlier attempts to destroy it (in which Munir was also a participant) proved futile as the target was well-camouflaged. Intelligence reports suggested it was in the centre of thickly populated Amritsar city, and a battery of heavy ack-ack guns guarded it. The PAF leadership wanted to destroy the target at all costs to achieve air superiority in the battle area. Munir considered the destruction of the Amritsar radar as a personal challenge and, being the wing ops officer, devised various tactics to neutralize this threat. 
In the afternoon of the fateful day, Munir attended the briefing in which the motive for the attack, target location, weather hazards and enemy defences were thoroughly discussed with the help of charts and maps. The TOT was given, and the pilots, carrying their parachutes and helmets, moved out of the operations room and headed towards the revetments where their Sabre fighter-bombers were parked. They clambered into the cockpits and checked the controls and instruments meticulously. 

At the pre-determined time, the engines came alive, and the aircraft started rolling towards the beginning of the runway. At the beginning of the long asphalt stretch, the four Sabres lined up with engines humming with their graceful lines, belying the destructive power stored in them. Only their gaping mouths looked sinister. Suddenly, with a deafening roar, the engines came to life, and the first two Sabres, with Wing Commander Shamim and Squadron Leader Munir as his wingman, bounded down the runway. Just short of the end of the runway, heavily loaded fighter-bombers lifted their graceful bodies and cut upward into the blue haze of the September sky. A few seconds later, the other two, with Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Ahmed Bhatti and Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry in their cockpits, joined up and took the four-set course for the target. Another ten minutes and they were nearing the enemy territory. Down below, through the haze and dust-laden atmosphere, they could see the might of the two belligerent armies engaged in a life-and-death struggle. With eyes scanning the skies for enemy interceptors, they roared into the hostile land. Sitting tense and alert in their cockpits, they were flying very low, and the dust and haze had reduced the visibility to the minimum. 
As the four fighters drew near the city of Amritsar, they beheld, despite poor visibility, the glistening beauty of the domes of the Golden Temple. Suddenly, the enemy guns opened. First, it was spasmodic, but as the target came closer, the intensity of the flak increased. All types of guns, light and heavy, seemed to be firing at them, and the air was filled with tracers and orange balls of shells, but the four fighters, undaunted, ploughed on towards their target. Munir, who was flying as deputy leader, made last-minute adjustments for the final run-in. The leader pulled for the attack, and others followed. As Munir dived and delivered the lethal blow from his guns, all the enemy gunners seemed to focus their artillery on him. Munir's aircraft shuddered as a barrage of shells burst nearby; single-mindedly, he moved on through the web of fire. 
As he pulled up after the attack, an enemy anti-aircraft shell hit Munir’s Sabre. 'I am hit,' he reported to the leader in a calm and composed voice, and then the radio transmission went silent. Shamim tried to contact him repeatedly, but there was no response. He looked around, but Munir was nowhere to be seen. A great pilot, a jubilant officer, and a proud son of the soil was gone. Initially, he was declared missing in action as his body was not found. Despite hectic efforts by the PAF, no fruitful results were achieved. The Government of Pakistan posthumously awarded him the Sitara-e-Jurat (SJ).
The Award of Hilal-i-Istaqlal
Hilal-i-Istaqlal is an honor awarded to civilians in Pakistan. The name translates as Crescent of Independence. In 1966, the Government of Pakistan awarded Hilal-i-Istaqlal to Lahore, Sargodha, and Sialkot for showing severe resistance to the enemy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 as these cities were targets of the Indian advance. On Defense Day (September 6) every year, this flag is hoisted in these cities. The spirit of the 1965 War between India and Pakistan is still alive. It has been more than half of a century since the 1965 war happened, but the memories of bravery and courage of the Pakistan army and nation are still cherished in the hearts. Every battlefield of the 1965 War shone brightly with stories of bravery, courage, valor, and patriotism. Pakistan Armed Forces stood like a solid wall against the enemy to defend their homeland. A special postage stamp was issued to pay tribute to the three cities. 

The Role of Singers, Musicians, and Entertainers
The melodious voices of Madam Noor Jahan and Mehdi Hasan greatly inspired the fighting soldiers and boosted their morale. The brave people of Lahore would stand on their rooftops to witness the passing fighter jets of both the Indian and Pakistani air forces. The daily evening program "Jamhoor di Awaz," hosted by Nizam Din, was eagerly awaited and enjoyed.
During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Pakistan had a limited stock of ammunition and weapons compared to the Indian army. Nevertheless, the gallantry and bravery of Pakistani soldiers greatly surpassed this disparity. Whether at Khem Karan, Chawinda, Chhamb, or the Wagah border, the Pakistan Army defended their homeland on every battlefield and defeated the enemy.
During these 17 days of the 1965 War, Pakistan was able to occupy 1617 square miles area of India. 1039 Pakistanis were martyred during the 1965 war. However, around 9500 Indians were killed during the 1965 War. In this war, Pakistan's 14 aircraft and 165 tanks were destroyed, whereas India lost 110 aircraft and 475 tanks in the battle. Due to the heavy losses in the September 1965 War, India contacted the United Nations to intervene and end the conflict. Defense Day in Pakistan brings back the golden memories of when the motherland was defended against an enemy four times larger. Let us pledge to support our brave army and take measures to defend every inch of our homeland.

During these 17 days of the 1965 War, Pakistan was able to occupy 1617 square miles area of India. 1039 Pakistanis were martyred during the 1965 war. However, around 9500 Indians were killed during the 1965 War. In this war, Pakistan's 14 aircraft and 165 tanks were destroyed, whereas India lost 110 aircraft and 475 tanks in the battle.

Our Resolve Today as a Nation
Today, Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads, facing immense internal and external challenges. The nation is grappling with economic hardships, social divisions, and external pressures, all of which threaten to undermine the progress and stability of our beloved country. In these trying times, the principles of unity, faith, and discipline, the motto given to us by our great leader, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, have never been more essential. These guiding values are the pillars upon which our nation was built and are the very principles that can lead us out of our current difficulties.
We must unite as a nation, just as we did on September 6, 1965, when Pakistan faced one of its most formidable challenges. During that critical time, the people of Pakistan, regardless of their backgrounds, stood united, showing the world our resilience and unwavering resolve to protect our sovereignty. The unity and courage displayed during the 1965 War are a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together as one nation.
This discourse serves as a reminder of our past glories, a call to remember the strength we once embodied. It is not merely a reflection on history but a rallying cry for the present and future. We have overcome great odds before, and we can do so again. But to achieve this, we must rediscover the spirit of unity that once defined us, rekindle the faith that our nation can rise above its challenges, and instill the discipline needed to navigate these turbulent times.
Let us draw inspiration from our history to honor the past and forge a better future. Together, with a renewed commitment to the values that our great leader entrusted to us, we can overcome the trials we face today and build a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. Now, more than ever, it is time to unite, to believe in our collective strength, and to act with the discipline that has the power to transform our nation once again. Amen.

The writer is a military historian and biographer.
Email: [email protected]