50th anniversary of 1965 War: Remembering the bitter defeat of India
Lahore, Pakistan: Senior citizens with fading memories still remember how Pakistan crushed India in 1965 war. Those who boasted to have breakfast at Lahore Gymkhana leading an army many times bigger in size and armour than ours were found beating a quick retreat.
A 70-years-old Rasheed Ahmad Shah was just 20 year old and first
year student in 1965. Recalling those old days, he described how the inspirational speech delivered by President Ayub Khan made him travel to Lahore from Multan to fight side by side with the brave soldiers of Pakistan Army.
Describing the enthusiasm of the people of Lahore, he said,
the Sep 6 sky was filled with warplanes and fire over Lahore with Pakistani fighter jets forcing the Indian planes to flee. “I heard people shouting in Punjabi (Thallay Sut Oye Enun)”,
Rasheed Shah told state run news agency APP. He said he witnessed Lahorites handing over food items, biscuits, cigarette packs and other things to soldiers who were part of a convoy moving towards Wagah border. The slogans of ‘Pakistan Zinda Baad’ were echoeing all over with the roaring sounds of fighter jets, tank fires and anti-aircraft guns.
He boarded a Double Decker to reach Walton boys scouts headquarters where then provincial secretary boys scouts Mian Abdur Rauf assigned him the task of keeping people away from the danger areas.
“I also helped injured soldiers undergoing treatment at CMH Lahore and write letters to their respective families.”
Scores of people were always there to donate blood and help soldiers in whatever way they could. Such was the passion of the people for their country and the armed forces, Rasheed Shah recalled.
Subedar Major R) Anwar Ali, who had served engineering wing of Pakistan Army at Sialkot during 1965 war, said, “Wherever we went, people were there to shower their love. They provided us food.”
Anwar said that Chewinda tank battle proved to be the decisive one that forced the Indian soldiers flee leaving their tanks behind. “I’ve heard there were around 500-600 tanks marching forward but brave Pakistani soldiers fought fearlessly and sacrificed their lives in the repulsive attack that forced Indians to flee desperately,” Anwar said.
The families of martyrs of 1965 war still feel pride in the sacrifices rendered by their loved ones.
Elderly woman Sharifaan Begum, who is undergoing treatment for some neuro disease, said that she was sadenned upon receiving the information regarding Shahadat of her husband Naik Akhtar Ali Shaheed. “Every one gets sad in such situations but the feelings of pride that her husband laid down his life for the
country were stronger than the grief”, she added.
Sawar Muhammad Bakhsh Shaheed of Katcha Khoh (Khanewal) was awarded Tamgha-e-Harb upon his Shahadat in 1965 war. His son-in-law Haq Nawaz recalled that the martyr’s sister and mother heard the news graciously and patiently.
Rashid Qayyum of Multan, the nephew of Sawar Jamil Ahmad Shaheed, said that his uncle was called to join war only two months after his marriage. “I still remember my grandmother Muhammadi Begum telling the whole family that she was proud of her son Sawar Jamil Ahmad.”
Ruqayya Begum, the widow of Lance Naik Farzand Ali Shaheed of Mianchannu, said: “I am proud of being a widow of a Shaheed.”
Jamil Ahmad, the son of Sepoy Haidar Ali Shaheed, said that he was proud of his father who was awarded Sitara-e-Harb. He said that he was taking forward the mission of his father by imparting free education to students from class one to MA in his ancestoral town Chak 168/EB in Vehari.
War veteran Dafedaar (R) Rana Abdul Sattar, who had fought 1965 war at Chamb Jorian as part of a tank crew, said that Pakistan Army was among the world’s best armed forces. Their unmatched bravery makes them distinct. A brave commander can infuse the spirit in his unit, company or battalion.
He recalled how Indian fighter planes swiftly opted for the altitude and subsequent return flight after one of their
fighter plane was shot down from the ground at Narowal.
The 1965 war veteran heaped praise on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Shareef stating that he belongs to the family of brave soldiers decorated with coveted military award Nishan-e-Haidar and Pakistan Army can defeat any enemy under his command.
He said that fighting an open enemy like he did in 1965 was rather easier than battling a hidden enemy i.e the terrorists.
He said that the passion and enthusiasm that he witnessed among the people in 1965 war still exists today. The fight against the hidden enemy may be difficult but it can be won with the support of the people.
