Every year since 1966, the nation commemorates Defense Day (Youm-e-Difa) on 6 September, a day dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifices....
COVER STORY
Every year since 1966, the nation commemorates Defense Day (Youm-e-Difa) on 6 September, a day dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifices of its armed forces during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. This day marks the anniversary of a crucial moment in Pakistan’s history when the nation successfully repelled a surprise attack by India, demonstrating its resilience and the courage of its military.
Defense Day is observed to pay tribute to the Pakistan Army’s successful defense of the country’s borders during the 1965 war. On this day, the Indian military launched a sudden assault on Lahore, aiming to capture the city and gain a strategic advantage. However, the Pakistani armed forces, with unwavering support from the nation’s citizens, courageously defended Lahore and repelled the attack. The day is a powerful reminder of the nation’s unity and determination in the face of adversity.
The celebration of Defense Day includes various ceremonies and events, such as military parades, exhibitions of military equipment, and tributes to the fallen soldiers. These activities reinforce national pride and unity, reminding Pakistanis of the importance of defending their nation’s sovereignty. The day also honors the spirit of patriotism and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military.
Celebrating aerial supremacy
We all know why 7 September holds a special place in our history: it was a day when the nation’s air force stood tall and showcased its strength and determination in the face of adversity. Following the events of 6 September, Pakistan celebrates Air Force Day on 7 September to honor the achievements of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the 1965 war.
Despite being smaller in size compared to its Indian counterpart, the PAF showcased remarkable strength and effectiveness in defending Pakistan’s airspace. Legends like Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam (MM Alam) took on a much stronger Indian Air Force and came on top. Air Force Day is marked by air shows, exhibitions, and tributes to the PAF personnel who played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. The day serves as a reminder of the PAF’s pivotal role in the defense of Pakistan.
The Tashkent Agreement
The 1965 Indo-Pak War ended on 23 September 1965, following a United Nations-mandated ceasefire. The ceasefire, agreed upon by both Pakistan and India under intense international diplomatic pressure, marked the end of 17 days of intense battles. The war had a lasting impact on the relationship between Pakistan and India, setting the stage for future conflicts.
The Tashkent Agreement, signed on 10 January 1966, formally ended the conflict and required both sides to withdraw to pre-war positions. Despite the cessation of hostilities, the underlying issues between Pakistan and India, particularly regarding Kashmir, remained unresolved, continuing to fuel tensions in the region.
Defense Day and Air Force Day are not only a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces but also a celebration of the nation’s resilience and unity. These days serve as a reminder of the importance of defending the nation’s sovereignty and honoring the spirit of patriotism that binds Pakistanis together. The legacy of the 1965 war continues to inspire generations, reinforcing the values of courage, sacrifice, and national pride.
The 1965 Indo-Pak War brought forth many heroes who displayed exceptional courage and dedication. Among them, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui, Brigadier Ahsan Rashid Shami, Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry, and Major Shabbir Sharif stand out for their remarkable contributions. Their valor and sacrifices played pivotal roles in defending the nation. Several of these heroes were honored with medals and awards for their extraordinary bravery. Here’s a brief look at some of these war heroes:
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed)
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti is one of the most celebrated heroes of the 1965 war. He played a critical role in defending the Burki sector of Lahore.
Despite facing relentless enemy artillery fire, he led his troops with exemplary courage for five days and nights. Refusing to be evacuated or take cover, he continued to fight on the front lines until he was martyred by an enemy tank shell. His bravery earned him Pakistan’s highest military award, the Nishan-e-Haider.
Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam (MM Alam)
MM Alam is a legendary figure in Pakistan’s military history.
On 7 September 1965, during an air battle over Sargodha, he famously shot down five Indian aircraft in less than a minute, with four of them in just 30 seconds.
This remarkable feat made him one of the top fighter aces of the 1965 war.
His gallantry and skill earned him the Sitara-e-Jurat, and he remains an iconic hero in the history of the Pakistan Air Force.
Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan
Another national icon to emulate, Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan had many titles under his belt to be proud of: he was one of the founding fathers of the modern PAF as well as the former Commander-in-chief of PAF.
Defeating a force four times larger than he was leading in 1965 war was a proof of his valour and acumen.
He received Hilal-i-Jurat, Sitara-i-Quaid-e-Azam and Sitara-i-Pakistan. The King of Jordan bestowed upon him the Order of Istiqlal (Second Class).
Brigadier Ahsan Rashid Shami
Brigadier Ahsan Rashid Shami played a crucial role in the defense of Lahore.
As the Brigade Commander, he led his troops with strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, successfully repelling the Indian forces’ advance towards Lahore.
His leadership during the Battle of Lahore was instrumental in safeguarding the city and boosting the morale of the Pakistani forces.
His gallantry earned him the prestigious Sitara-e-Jurat.
Major Shabbir Sharif
Major Shabbir Sharif, although more widely recognized for his valor in the 1971 war, first made his mark in the 1965 war. He led his troops with distinction in the Sulaimanki sector, displaying exemplary leadership and bravery.
His actions during the war earned him the Sitara-e-Jurat, and he later became one of the few soldiers to receive both the Sitara-e-Jurat and the Nishan-e-Haider.
Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui (Shaheed)
Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui was in command of three F-86 aircrafts in the strike against Halwara airfield on September 6.
His guns stopped firing for some reason, but Rafiqui, unarmed as he was, refused to give up and continued instead to provide protection to his co-fighters while ordering his No. 2 to take over as leader.
The aircraft was shot down. However, he did allow others to hit three more of the ten Hunter aircrafts, which had intercepted them. Given his exemplary leadership in each of his exploits, he has been honoured with Sitara-i-Jurat and Hilal-i-Jurat.
Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry
Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry, a decorated pilot of the Pakistan Air Force, became a national hero during the 1965 war. He participated in several key air battles, including the defense of Sargodha, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery.
Chaudhry’s fearless combat missions significantly contributed to the PAF’s dominance in the skies, and he was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his heroism during several crucial air battles.
These heroes symbolize the indomitable spirit of the Pakistani armed forces, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations. Their sacrifices are commemorated annually on Defense Day and Air Force Day, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
