Like every year, a grateful Pakistani nation is celebrating Defence of Pakistan Day in a befitting manner on September 6, 2024, thus paying tribute to its Shuhada and Ghazis who defended the geographical as well as ideological borders of the motherland boldly and courageously in September 1965, defeating the aggressors on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. They thus wrote a golden chapter in the country’s history, which had come into existence with the blessings of the Almighty under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-i-Azam M.A. Jinnah on the world map on August 14, 1947.
Like Independence Day, Defence of Pakistan Day is also being celebrated by the civil, military and political leadership and the entire nation.
It was on September 6, 1965, that India crossed the international borders and attacked Pakistan through Lahore without a warning or a formal declaration of war. By doing so, India, which claims to be the largest democracy in the world, utterly and totally violated the international charter of the United Nations and norms of civilized behaviour among states in its desire to subjugate the neighboring countries of the region. India also quite arrogantly and blatantly disregarded all her international commitments.
Even after the lapse of 59 years, those who witnessed the sneaky and treacherous Indian attack, like this scribe, and are still alive, having vivid memories of those 17 days, celebrate Defence of Pakistan Day on September 6 every year. They keep reminding the new generations about how the defence forces of Pakistan, solidly backed by the entire nation, defeated the Indian attackers. They recount the Indian Army Chief’s desire to sip a big peg of whisky in the Lahore Gymkhana Club on the evening of September 6, the dogfight of PAF Sabres over Lahore chasing Indian aircraft and the great tank battle at Chowinda in the Sialkot sector, which were all foiled and defeated.
During the September 1965 War, while the defence forces were engaged in defending geographical frontiers on ground, air and sea, the entire nation formed a strong, rock-like second defence line, extending and providing all-out support to their forces. While doing so, the people forgot which government was in power. Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan was at the helm of national affairs as the President, and his inspirational speech over Radio Pakistan after the sneaky Indian attack infused great spirit and courage among all. The national priorities became very clear. In those days, any danger to the motherland called for unity and unstinted support to the government and the defence forces, which was forthcoming in a very strong and firm manner. It is a matter of record that in those 17 days of war with India, crime was reduced to the lowest level ever. No political party or leader was seen trying to draw any advantage out of the war or berate the government of the day for political or personal gains. They were all one and united in the defence of the motherland and defeating the Indian aggressors.
In all fairness, Pakistan emerged from the 17-day September War with India as a strong and self-confident nation, genuinely proud of itself and its defence forces. The nation demonstrated utmost unity in its ranks and file in facing the danger and aggression from India. It is quite rightly said and believed that national unity and full and solid support in an unquestionable manner to the defence forces in the field is essential for victory in war. This was amply proved during the September 1965 War. With the unstinted support of the entire nation, the defence forces of Pakistan were able to repel the Indian aggression across the international borders, forcing India to pay the price by capturing four times more territory than what India had occupied and compelling her to accept a ceasefire, return to the negotiating table and exchange each other’s captured territory.
It was certainly the finest hour of glory for the Army and Air Force and a day to be always remembered by future generations. While paying tribute to the Shuhada and Ghazis of the 17-day war with India, we should also offer tributes and prayers for those officers and jawans of the defence forces who were martyred in action since 1948 in the defence of the ideological and geographical frontiers of the motherland, including those who have laid down their lives in the ongoing war against militants, extremists and terrorists to ensure a safe and secure Pakistan for posterity.
And while we celebrate Defence of Pakistan Day on September 6 now and every year in the future as well with the continued blessings of the Almighty, it should also be observed as a day of thanksgiving in line with the spirit and national unity demonstrated during the September War, above all petty personal, political and other considerations whatsoever. We should also pray for the safety, security and solidarity of Pakistan and seek the blessings of the Almighty for continuously granting us strength, courage, commitment and determination to continue protecting and safeguarding, at all costs and offering all sacrifices, the freedom and honour of our God-given motherland Pakistan for now and always. All of us should pay tribute to the Shuhada and Ghazis of the September War and reach out to their families, taking care and thus reiterating that they are not alone and that the entire nation is with them in every difficult hour.
