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Aaa Watan K sajily Jawano......

FlyingEagle

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On the 6th of September in 1965 our country which was but 18 yrs old found itself face to face with an extremely chalenging situation when war broke out with India. It really was the surprise attack as we have heard and read or not is another issue and we aren't discussing that strategic history now, this thread is meant to refresh the memories of those 17 days, the days when countless young men in uniform wrote blood warming, pulse racing tales of valor and mad bravery and obsessive devotion and love for the motherland and nation. when countless young men laid down their lives for their land, making the enemy sure that this young nation may be poor on resources but is fully able and mature to defend its boundaries thanks to the brave breed of Pakistani warriors. During these days pakistan found out what great potential our armed forces had, the whole world found out. and it was amazing. Ghazis, Shaheeds are worshipped in our culture and even almost anyone in a militart uniform. why? because these men we all know are ready to lay their lives for this land.

The war took place in the light of tensions and occasional battles in the Runn of Kuchh desert in Sindh area which was apprently wrapped up by early 1965 but right after that tensions erupted in the ever contentious, ever turbulent Kashmir areas. Both countries were in dialogue over the tense situation and both armed forces were almost ready for all out war. But still the whole world including leaders in both countries were against it and inspite of fierce battles in various areas throughout the border particularly in Kashmir, ruled out all out war. but all out war nevertheless broke out!

Indian army had to face very strong resistance in the lahore area during the firs few hours and today it seems if thay had managed to cross over that day, the outcome of the war may have been much diff. So huge credit goes to the regimants, units, and above all men who were deployed in the lahore areas of wahgah, Burki etc. among them all one name stands above the rest, that of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, whose supernatural skills and devotion plyed a huge role in the outcome of the lahore battles. he was martyred directing artillery fire. Even if he hadnt been martyred he would have definitely recvd the Hilal-e-Jurat or Sitara-e-Jurat.

Throughout the country, during the war lasted extraordinary tales of heroism were written. a great tank battle; the biggest after WWII was fought at Chawinda in Sialkot sector. the Navy took an offensive and silenced the Indian navy by an attack on their port at Dwarka. The PAF was exceptionally prompt and of exemplary help to the ground forces.

There was cease fire on 23 Sep,but our nation had had quite an experience by then. Civilians were ready to head to borders armed with sticks and knives. would shout slogans to our aircraft chasing IAF planes.

The air was full of radio waves carrying patriotic tunes in Noor jehan's voice which prompted every soldier to fight harder.
there were a lot of heroes, most recognized, many unsung, we remember them always and particulary in Sept, marking the defense day. they died so we may live, if it hadnt been for them, we may not have been here.

I would wish if i could pay tribute to each and every shaheed and ghazi here, but thats not possible. I'd request everyone to post here names and tales, personal, heard from a friend, of a relative, acquainatnce, pictures memories etc whatever, to freshen up the blood drops of those brave men.
 
all i can add is that the war was a "stalemate". The Generals failed to live up to the expectations of the nation, it was the middle-ranked officers, the Colonels, Majors, Captains, young Leuitenants and the Brave Jawans that saved the day for us.

The PAF lived up to its image and expectations by keeping at bay a much powerful adversary in the IAF.
 
Well, PAF saved Lahore until the Army came in..as the army vacated Lahore on Ayub and General Musa orders..It was a stalemate.If it was not for PAF..the Indian Chief might have taken his lunch at Gym Khana Lahore.
 
Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui Shaheed, Sitara-e-Jurat,Hilal-i-Jurat
On 6 September, 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmad Rafiqui led a formation of 3 F-86 aircraft on a strike against Halwara airfield. The formation was intercepted by about 10 Hunter aircraft out of which Squadron Leader Rafiqui accounted for one in the first few seconds. But then his guns jammed due to a defect and stopped firing. However, Rafiqui refused to leave the battle area which he would have been perfectly justified to do; instead he ordered his No. 2 to take over as leader and continue the engagement while he tried to give the formation as much protection as was possible with an unarmed aircraft. This called on the part of Squadron Leader Rafiqui. The end for him was never in doubt but he chose to disregard it and, in the process, his aircraft was shot down and he was killed but not before enabling his formation to shoot down 3 more Hunter aircraft. Rafiqui’s conduct was clearly beyond the call of duty and conformed to the highest traditions of leadership and bravery in battle against overwhelming odds. For this and his earlier exploits, he is awarded Hilal-i-Jurat and Sitara-i-Jurat.

Flt Lt Yunus Hussain Shaheed, Sitara-e-Jurat
Flight Lieutenant Yunus Hussain fought in air battles aggressively, fearlessly and with great professional skill. During one such engagement he fought singly against 6 enemy aircraft and shot down 2 Hunters. Though his own aircraft was damaged in this encounter, he managed to bring it back to base safely. On 6 September, while attacking Halwara airfield, his small formation was intercepted by a large number of enemy and, although his aircraft was hit, he refused to break off the engagement, in complete disregard of personal safety, and was reported missing from this mission. He became a symbol of courage and professional ability for other pilots. For his gallantry, valour, professional skill and devotion to duty he is awarded Sitara-i-Jurat.

Squadron Leader (Now Air Cdr. retd.) M. M. Alam, Sitara-e-Jurat

On 6th September, 1965, during an aerial combat over enemy territory, Squadron Leader Mohammad Mahmood Alam flying as pilot of an F-86 Sabre Jet, shoot down two enemy Hunter aircraft and damaged three others. For the exceptional flying skill and valor displayed by Squadron Leader Mohammad Mahmood Alam in operations, he was awarded Sitara-i-Juraat. On 7th September, 1965, in a number of interception missions flown by Squadron Leader Mohammad Mahmood Alam against the enemy aircraft attacking Pakistan Air Force Station, Sargodha, Squadron Leader Alam destroyed five more enemy Hunter aircrafts. In less than a minute , which remains a record till today. Overall he had nine kills and two damagers to his credit. For the exceptional flying skill and valour shown by him in pressing home his attacks in aerial combats with the enemy, Squadron Leader Mohammad Mahmood Alam is awarded a bar to his Sitara-i-Juraat.
 
Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui Shaheed should have been given the highest award (NH) instead of Hilal-i-Jurat
 
I think the main role in 1965 was of PAK AIR FORCE. I also pay tribute to all of armies who fought to save us.
 
We all know about the contributions of the Air Force and the Army. But Pakistan Navy were the unsung heroes of the war. They achieved complete naval blockade of major Indian ports, despite suffering a severe numerical and qualitative disadvantage. No small feat.

The reason their contributions are forgotten is because the Navy is the most overlooked sector of our Armed Forces. Not a good sign. History is witness, you cannot achieve true dominance until your Navy can achieve dominance. A weak Navy is like an "Open For Invasion 24/7" sign on the front door of any country with a watery coast. Anyway, I didn't mean to rant. Well written piece by FlyingEagle.

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