THE successors of the warriors of Badr and Hunayn, the sons of this pure land and the valiant soldiers of our defence forces, stand ready at all times to protect the sanctity and sovereignty of their motherland. From the September 6, 1965 war to the May 2025 operation, Bunyan-un-Marsoos, they have demonstrated to the enemy how decisively Pakistan can respond to aggression. The Pakistan defence forces have carried the Divine command, “And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war”, in their hearts and have never been oblivious to their responsibility.
During the 1965 war, the Army, Navy and Air Force performed extraordinary feats despite unfavourable circumstances and limited resources. Their courage, determination and sacrifice inspired the nation and astonished the world. The war breathed a new spirit into Pakistan, while September 6, observed as Defence Day, became an enduring chapter in the country’s military history, symbolizing national unity, discipline, patriotism and pride.
After the Rann of Kutch confrontation, India launched a major assault on Lahore on September 6, 1965. Pakistan’s land, sea and air forces responded with remarkable courage. On the fronts of Jammu, Sialkot and Chawinda, Pakistani troops resisted the Indian advance. The sacrifices of Major Masood Akhtar Kiani, Major Aziz Bhatti, Major Shabbir Sharif and countless other martyrs remain jewels in the crown of the nation. “Recreate the atmosphere of Badr, for the angels can still descend from the heavens in ranks to aid you.”
The defence of the BRB Canal became one of the defining episodes of the war. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti’s unit, 17 Punjab, was part of the 103 Brigade, the defensive brigade of the 10th Division. As Indian forces launched relentless attacks supported by tanks and artillery, Bhatti was ordered to withdraw towards the canal bank. He remained exposed to enemy fire until his men and vehicles had safely crossed and then reorganized his company for a fresh defence.
Despite intense fire from Indian small arms, tanks and artillery, Major Bhatti continued to resist the assault. On September 12, he embraced martyrdom after being struck by an enemy tank shell. By then, he had helped secure his position and inflicted heavy casualties and material losses on the attacking forces. India’s Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh acknowledged the courage and determination of Pakistani troops and specifically recognized Major Aziz Bhatti’s bravery.
India’s largest offensive was launched on the Sialkot front, where its forces sought to sever the Lahore-Gujranwala highway and divert Pakistan’s attention from Lahore. Indian troops attacked the Charwa, Bajra Garhi and Nakhnal areas with overwhelming numerical strength, including 600 tanks and about 100,000 troops. Yet Pakistan’s defenders resisted fiercely. Chawinda, the scene of one of the largest tank battles since the Second World War, became known as the “Graveyard of Tanks”. Air Marshal (Retd) Bharat Kumar also wrote that India suffered greater losses in the air war, while Indian press reports have cited official records acknowledging substantial Indian losses during the conflict.
The Pakistan Air Force also played a vital role throughout the 17-day conflict. Pakistani pilots provided effective support to ground forces and confronted the Indian Air Force with determination. According to reports cited in the article, 129 Indian fighter aircraft were destroyed while Pakistan lost 19 aircraft. Squadron Leader M.M. Alam became a legendary figure after reportedly shooting down five Indian aircraft in a single sortie over Sargodha on September 7, creating a record celebrated in the history of military aviation.
The Pakistan Navy’s contribution was equally significant. Shortly after the outbreak of war, seven Pakistani naval vessels sailed towards Dwarka on the Gujarat coast under Commodore S.M. Anwar. The operation targeted the radar installation there, which was considered important to India’s air operations. The fleet included PNS Babar, Khaibar, Badr, Tippu Sultan, Jahangir, Shahjahan and Alamgir. The submarine Ghazi was also deployed in the Indian Ocean as part of Pakistan’s wider naval strategy. The Dwarka operation demonstrated the Navy’s readiness to operate far from home waters and strike at strategically important targets. The war demonstrated that military strength does not depend solely on numbers, weapons or resources. Morale, leadership, training, courage and the willingness to sacrifice can profoundly influence the course of a conflict. The unity displayed by the Pakistani nation during those critical days strengthened the defence forces and reinforced their resolve.
The spirit of September 1965 was recalled once again in May 2025 during Bunyan-un-Marsoos. The operation reaffirmed the defence forces’ readiness to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and respond to threats. The continuity between the sacrifices of 1965 and the resolve demonstrated decades later reflects an enduring national commitment to defence.
Defence Day, therefore, is not merely an occasion for remembering battles and military achievements. It is a reminder that the defence of the homeland is a collective responsibility. National unity, political stability, economic strength, technological advancement and professional military preparedness are all essential for safeguarding Pakistan.
The sacrifices of our martyrs and the service of our ghazis demand that the nation remain united, disciplined and vigilant. Their blood has nourished the soil of the motherland and preserved its freedom.
Today, Defence Day calls upon the entire nation, including the political, national and military leadership, to strengthen the foundations of national defence through unity and solidarity. Through this column, I pay tribute to the brave warriors, ghazis and martyrs whose courage continues to inspire generations and whose sacrifices remain a lasting shield for Pakistan.
—The writer is Chairman, Tehrik Jawanan Pakistan.
