India Under P.M. Modi

By Sajjad Shaukat

Since the leader of the Hindu fundamentalist party, BJP Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India; Indian society is rapidly radicalizing, as unprecedented rise of Hindu extremism, persecution of minorities, ban on beef and cow slaughter, inclusion of Hindu religious books in curriculum and creation of war-like situation with Pakistan have been accelerated. These nefarious moves have put questions about India under P.M. Modi. While, the constitution declares India to be a secular state, granting equal rights to the religious minorities, but in practice, ideology of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) prevails. Hindu politics and culture, dominated by the fundamentalist parties such as BJP, RSS VHP, Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and other extremist outfits have been propagating Hindutva. Provocative utterances of their extremist leaders have resulted into unending violence against the Muslim and Christians including other minority groups.

Radicalization of India by Hindu fanatic parties could be judged from various recent developments. On May 28, 2014, Rashtriya Hindu Andolan, a Mangalore-based indutva outfit and activists from various right wing groups organized a protest in Mangalore in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner by demanding the authorities to ban the morning Muslim call to prayer (Azan) across the country. Besides, forcing the Muslim employee in a Parliament Canteen by BJP leader to break his fast by stuffing piece of bread in his mouth, statement of Deputy Chief of Goa, declaring India as a Hindu state, opposition to declaration of Sania Mirza as Ambassador of Indian state by calling her daughter-in-law of Pakistan might be cited as example. In this regard, in September 13, 2008, the communal riots in Uttar Pradesh killed more than 200 Muslims. In one of the most tragic incidents in Assam, Hindu extremists burnt alive six members of a Muslim family. Similarly, in the recent years, assaults on Christians, their churches and property have been executed by the Hindu mobs in various cities of India. In this respect, at least 100 Christians have been assassinated by Hindu extremists, mostly in the state of Orissa. In the recent past, frequent incidents of gang rape, specially the rape of elderly Nun shows the ugly face of India, under Modi.

Other anti-Muslim incidents like the discovery of the unmarked graves of thousands of the innocent Kashmiris, killed by the Indian security forces in the Indian-held Kashmir, pre-planned destruction of the Babri Masjid (mosque) in 1992, and participants of the Indian high officials in the events especially be cited as instance. Particularly, brutal killings of innocent Kashmiris by Indian forces –an Israeli pattern followed on instructions of Modi/ BJP continues unabated. It is mentionable that forced conversions of other religious minorities into Hindus also continue. In this regard, Bajrang Dal, an offshoot of the RSS, converted at least 57 Muslim families (200 people) into Hindus at a ‘Purkhon Ki Ghar Vapsi’ (Coming home of the ancestors) or Shudhi (Purification) ceremony in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Previously, in early September 2014, Christians were also forcefully converted to Hindus which created unrest among Christian clergy. Four months ago, a similar event in Aligarh saw Christian families converting to Hinduism. However, since installment of BJP government in the center, RSS and its offshoots have accelerated their efforts for minorities’ conversion into Hindus.

As regards persecution of minorities in India, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Testimony by Human Rights Watch presented before US Senate Committee (2014) on atrocious attitude of Hindu majority has highlighted the plight of minorities in India. It is of particular attention that on November 7, 2011, leader of the VHP, Pravin Togadia, in his furious speech questioned the past of Muslims and Christians, and further gave a call to Hindus to capture the Islamic holy places in Arab and Vatican of Europe. But, it is strange that US government denied visa to Modi on the basis of his involvement in Gujrat pogrom, however, after his election as Indian prime minister, American changed to his favour. Undoubtedly, more than 2500 Muslims were massacred in 2002 in the BJP-ruled Indian state of Gujara where Modi was Chief Minister. Therefore, someone has rightly called him as ‘Butcher of Gujrat’. In relation to that massive genocide, both Human Rights Watch in 2002 and Amnesty International in 2003 charged the “Gujarat state administration” for involvement in “a massive cover-up of the state’s role in that massacre” and pointed out numerous police officials—specifically ministers, high officials and leaders of the VHP, BJP and Bajrang Dal as participants.”

It is noteworthy that particularly, on the basis of anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan slogans, BJP got a land sliding triumph in the Indian elections 2014, and enabled BJP hardliner, Narendra Modi to become Indian prime minister who is implementing his party’s agenda. Therefore, he is also giving impetus to Hindu chauvinism against Pakistan, as under his direction, New Delhi has intensified unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir and Working Boundary across Pak-Indian border. Besides, Modi refused to wear a cap presented by Muslims during election campaign. But, during is trip to the United Arab Emirates, he visited a mosque, while putting on Muslim prayer cap, which shows his ‘hypocrisy”. Notably, Indian Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, while using the Hindi phrase “kante se kanta nikalna’ (removing a thorn with a thorn) assertively said on May 23, 2015, “We have to neutralize terrorists through terrorists only…why does my soldier have to do it…the issue could not be discussed beyond this…there are certain things that I obviously cannot discuss here.”

In this context, while addressing a ceremony during his Bangladesh tour, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly stated on June 7, this year that Indian forces helped Mukti Bahini to turn East Pakistan into Bangladesh. He elaborated that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played an active role in separating Bangladesh from Pakistan, and he had also come to Delhi in 1971 to participate in the Satyagraha Movement, launched by Jana Sangh as a volunteer to garner support for the Mukti Bahini members. But, Indian former Army Chief Gen. VK Singh confessed that during his tenure, he supervised special army unit, Tactical Support Division (TSD) on the instructions of the then defence minister to sponsor subversive activities in Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, and to bribe the Kashmiri leaders. Recently, Modi played his role in the release of Swami Aseemanand, a Hindu right-wing leader who had already confessed during a court hearing that he and Indian Lt. Col. Purohit, including several RSS preachers were directly involved in planning, financing and executing Malegaon, Samjhauta Express, Ajmer and Mecca Masjid blasts. Especially, Modi governmet nurtures cold blooded murderers who burnt alive innocent Pakistanis in Samjhota Express.

In fact, Modi who was also a volunteer worker of the extremist Hindu terrorist outfit RSS since 8 years of age is a natural born Hindu extremist, while RSS involved in Muslim genocide, rape of women, demolition of mosques and alive burnings of the innocent persons. However, these blatant admissions clearly prove that New Delhi has been sponsoring worse kinds of terrorism inside Pakistan, and India. Hence, it is the right hour that the West and especially the US must abandon its double standard by taking appropriate steps against India. Otherwise, dangerous radicalization of India by Hindu extremists, under Modi’s rule may cause World War 111 or clash of civilizations in wake of global war against terrorism.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

9/11 Tragedy & US Misperceptions about Pakistan

By Sajjad Shaukat

The grim tragedy the United States suffered on September 11, 2001 through suicidal bombings on World Trade Center and Pentagon resulted into the death of more than 55000 persons. In the aftermath, the US held Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden responsible for the incident, and attacked Afghanistan where he had taken shelter. A majority of the small and major countries joined American global war on terror, and Pakistan also joined it as the frontline state because the country was not only facing acute financial crisis, but also hostile factor of India. Pakistan was also granted the status of non-NATO ally by Washington because of its successes, achieved by Pakistan’s Army and country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) against the Al Qaeda militants. Within a few years, when the US-led NATO forces felt that they are failing in coping with the stiff resistance of the Taliban in Afghanistan, they started accusing Pak Army and ISI of supporting the Afghan Taliban. US high officials and their media not only blamed Pakistan for cross-border terrorism in Afghanistan, but also presumed that a plot to attack the US homeland would be prepared in FATA where safe-havens of Al Qaeda exist. They also emphasized Pakistan to ‘do more’ against the militants coupled with drone attacks on Pakistan’s tribal areas by ignoring the internal backlash in the country.

And without informing Pakistan, a helicopters-raid of the US covert forces killed top Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011. His death triggered celebrations across the US, India, Israel and some western countries–by ignoring Pakistan’s sacrifices, during war against terrorism—deliberate propaganda campaign started against Islamabad. In this context, a blame game against Pakistan Army and ISI was revived by them. They said that Bin Laden lived in Pakistan compound—5 to 6 years, and as to why Pakistan’s security and intelligence agencies were unaware of his presence. It is mentionable that during war against terrorism, Pakistan sacrificed more than any country in terms of collateral damage, economic losses and political instability. While Pakistan faced a continued wave of suicide attacks, bomb blasts and targeted killings. However, in its misperceptions, especially, the US ignored the sacrifices of the Pakistan’s armed forces which had broken the backbone of the Taliban militants through successful Swat and Malakand military operations, while ISI had arrested renowned Taliban commanders including other militants and masterminds of Al Qaeda, namely Abu Zubaida, Khalfan, Abu Hamza Rabia, Mullah Abdul Ghani Bardar etc. In this respect, the then Interior Minister, Rehman Malik stated on, May 2, 2011 that ISI has castigated more than 2,000 suicide attacks. In this context, on the one side, American high officials admired Pakistan, while on the other; they continued their blame game against Pakistan’s security forces and intelligence agencies.

It is notable that the then Director General of ISI, Ahmed Shuja Pasha pointed out that Osama’s compound in Abbottbad was registered under a fake name. He elaborated that after the Tora Bora operation, Osama Bin Laden became an enemy of Pakistan. He was living in a residential area and it was not in the knowledge of the agency. Besides, the ex-Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Army Spokesman Maj-General Athar Abbas (R) also refuted foreign allegations in connection with Osama and ISI. It is worth-mentioning that Bin Laden was living in the Abbotabad compound, and despite its vast resources, technical intelligence e.g. satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles and human intelligence—extraordinary long-range aerial military capacity, the ability to strike at will from the space at any point on the globe, US secret agencies, CIA and FBI failed in detecting his presence in Pakistan and destroying Al Qaeda’s terrorist network in the ten years of America’s war against terrorism. Similarly question also arises about the September 11 suicide attacks. It was described as the greatest intelligence failure of the American spy agencies. However, compound where Osama Bin Laden was living was a norm rather than exception. A number of people have been living in the neighbourhood of that compound at Abbottabad. While, Pakistan’s various television channels showed the interviews of the neighbourers, living there, who remarked that they were never suspicion about Osama’s presence. So ISI did not have a magic to know the whereabouts of Bin Laden there. It was also not possible for this spy agency to check all the houses of Pakistan or to interfere in peoples’ privacy so as to find out Bin Laden.

In fact, US, India and Israel wanted to fulfill a number of clandestine aims by continuing their propaganda against Pakistan. Notably, American cost of war against terrorism had reached 8 trillion dollars, and was increasing rapidly—acute recession inside the country had given a greater blow to the US economy. In that scenario, American public was particularly worried about the failed campaign in Afghanistan. So Osama’s episode could be used to distract the attention of its general masses from internal crisis, and for re-election of Obama as President. Similarly, under the pretext of Osama’s demise, and with the tactical support of America, India and Israel which had well-established their covert network in Afghanistan intended to implement their hidden agenda to destabilize Pakistan, Iran and China by assisting the insurgency against In this connection, since 9/11 catastrophe, by availing that golden opportunity, both India and Israel which had joined the Bush’s anti-terrorism campaign to crush the wars of liberation, being waged by the Kashmiris and the Palestinians, intensified their state terrorism to keep their occupation on these territories. They have continuously been exploiting the world phenomena of terrorism and anti-Muslim approach of the west so as to obtain their nefarious designs. In this regard, Indo-Israel lobbies which are penetrated in the US Administration and are working in other western countries became pro-active to manipulate the war on terror. Pakistan which is the only nuclear country in the Muslim World, having close ties with China is another major target of the Indo-Israeli secret diplomacy. The fact of the matter is that New Delhi and Tel Aviv are collectively exploiting the double standards of the west in relation to terrorism and human rights vis-à-vis Pakistan, China and Iran.

While, the capability of Pakistan’s Armed Forces could be judged from the one year progress of the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb which started on Jun 15, 2014 against the militants in North Waziristan Agency (NWA). On June 10, this year, while showing the progress of the Zarb-e-Azb, Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Raheel Sharif said, “Terrorists have been cleared from their strongholds in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency and fight now is moving into last few pockets close to Afghan border.” He laid emphasis on “continuation of the operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups and sanctuaries.” While addressing a ceremony of the golden jubilee celebrations the 1965 war regarding Pakistan’s victory and defeat of India, Gen. Raheel again said on September 6, this year, operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched at a time when terrorist networks had solidified in the country that the Armed Forces had been fighting an untraditional war for the past many years, elaborating, “our success is the result of our martyrs and ghazis in Karachi and Balochistan, peace has returned, where militants have been surrendering their Nevertheless, since June 15, 2014, the jets of Pakistan Air Force have bombed militants’ hideouts in North Waziristan, and killed thousands of insurgents including foreign militants, while Pak Army has also killed several terrorists through ground offensive and many of them surrendered before the Army. While, ISI and other law-enforcing agencies captured several terrorists in various regions of Pakistan, including suicide-jackets and weapons—thus thwarted their pre-subversive acts. They have successfully broken the network of the terrorists.

During the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 incident, its is of particular attention that what the US-led NATO countries could not do in Afghanistan, and America in other volatile countries in the last 14 years, Pakistan’s Armed Forces have done in one year against the terrorists. Therefore, US and other western countries have started appreciating the capabilities of Pakistan Army and other security agencies, and are, now, recognizing the sacrifices of the country against terrorism. They also recognize the fact that terrorism or stability in Pakistan and Afghanistan is interrelated. It is regrettable that New Delhi is destabilizing the regional countries in general and Afghanistan and Pakistan in particular. In order to obtain its secret designs, aimed at augmenting Indian hegemony in the region, India is foiling the peace process between Afghanistan and Pakistan by managing terrorist attacks like the recent ones in Afghanistan and Pakistan to create a rift between Islamabad and Kabul, and to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Moreover, on the direction of the Indian leader of the fundamentalist party BJP and Prime Narendra Modi Indian forces have accelerated unprovoked shelling across the Line of Control and Working Boundary, while creating war-like situation between Pakistan and India.

Taking note of these developments, a change has occurred in Americans towards Islamabad, who know that stability in this region is essential for American global interests. Besides, these developments also rectify the US misperceptions by proving that Pakistan’s Army and ISI which have successfully been coping with terrorism and Al Qaeda had no knowledge about Osama Bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Role of Pakistan Navy in the 1965 War

By Sajjad Shaukat

Besides Pakistan Army and Air Force, Pakistan Navy also played a key role in defeating India in the 1965 war due to its excellent performance. Hence, by celebrating golden jubilee celebrations of that war, on 8th September, the whole nation pays tribute to martyrs and Ghazi’s of Navy. In the war of 1965, the Operation Dawarka marked the first use of the Pakistan Navy in that war. The naval attack was launched by Pakistan on September 7, 1965 on western Indian shores.  The town of Dwarka was chosen to be a target of the attack due to its historical relevance for Pakistan. In this context, Ghazi, the only submarine in the conflict arena was deployed to attack heavy ships of the Indian Navy, and the ships, aiding Operation Dwarka. For the purpose, a flotilla of the Pakistan Navy under the command of Commodore S.M. Anwar, carried out a bombardment of the Indian Navy’s radar station coastal down of Dwarka, which was 300 km., south of the Pakistani port of Karachi. In this regard, Operation Dwarka was a significant naval operation.

When the Indo-Pak war broke out on 6 September 1965, the Ghazi was assigned to keep a vigil off the Bombay harbor which at that time was packed tight with Indian warships including the aircraft carrier Vikrant. The Ghazi was told not to tinker with smaller vessels, but focus on the heavier units. So effective was its blockade that no Indian warships dared run the gauntlet. It was the bottling-up of the Indian fleet by the Ghazi which enabled the Pakistan flotilla to move in and blast the Indian naval fortress of Dwarka. The Pakistani operation was successful and its warships harboured in Bombay, making the Indian Navy unable to sortie. Throughout the war Indian Navy’s aircraft-carrier was besieged in Bombay. The Ghazi’s audacious performance won it 10 awards including two decorations of Sitara-i-Jurat and the President’s citations said, “The Commander Karamat Rahman Niazi operated the submarine in the enemy territorial waters from 6th September to 23rd September 1965 with courage and strong determination. His personal example of valour, sound judgment and aggressiveness inspired his officers and men to maintain a high degree of operational efficiency of the submarine in the face of the enemy”. The second-in-command Lieutenant Commander Ahmed Tasnim and Lieutenant Zafar Muhammad Khan won Sitara-e-Jurat. The attack on Dwarka caused the Indian Navy led to questions, being asked in India’s parliament and subsequent post-war modernization and expansion, with an increase in budget from Rs. 35 Crores to Rs. 115 Crores.

However, Pakistan’s first submarine, the Ghazi, blazed a trail of raw courage and professional skill and national dedication which has inspired and guided the young naval arms and motivating the marines ever since. It established the tradition of aggressive patrolling across the strategic expanse of North Arabian Sea. In this respect, an account of the Pakistan Navy’s performance is offered by India’s Vice Admiral Mihir Roy, a former Commander of the Vikrant and Commander-in-Chief of India’s Eastern Naval Command, in his 1995 book, “War in the Indian Ocean”. He writes, “But the Bombayites failed to understand the lack of success by the Indian fleet especially with sirens wailing, Jamnagar attacked and Dwarka shelled with the Indian fleet still preparing to sail was an affront to the sailors in white who could not understand what was holding the fleet back”. Now, Pakistan Navy is in accordance with the modern trends of the naval warfare. In this context, a three-day joint seminar of Pakistani and Turkish navies was inaugurated at the Bahria Auditorium in November 2002. Commander Pakistan Fleet Real Admiral M.A. Tahir who was the chief guest, termed the seminar a viable platform not only to discuss modern naval warfare techniques, but also to provide an opportunity to the naval officers to improve upon their procedures and concepts in order to keep pace with the ongoing changes in the naval tactics and doctrines—for better conduct of naval operations in periods of peace and tension.

The basic aim of Pakistan Navy is to defend the territorial waters of the country, for which all sectors of the service are playing the role in a befitting and professional manner. In this connection, at the passing-out parade of a batch of Pak Marines at the Marines Training Centre, PNS Qasim, the Chairman, Port Qasim Authority, Karachi, Rear Admiral Sikendar Waqar Naqvi has stated in the recent past, “PNS Qasim played a vital role in training the Navy personnel to the optimum level of professionalism—these well-groomed and proficient mariners not only can defend the coastal areas, but will also play an important role in the inland protection”. He elaborated, “In the present scenario of modern warfare tactics, any laxity and negligence would not be spared by the enemy. Complete self-confidence, highest degree of professionalism and total commitment to the task are the only tools to have an edge over the enemy”. Nevertheless, Pakistan Navy is focusing on improving their professional skills and concepts according to the latest trends, and is equipped with modern submarines, war ships etc.

Notably, on this very occasion, one is reminded by the soul-stirring memories of the 1965 war against India, when naval officers and sailors instilled with the highest spirit of patriotism. Pakistan Navy’s courageous expeditions in defeating Indian Navy in that war and national commitment of defending the sea-frontiers of Pakistan by its heroes the naval personnel remains alive today. Drawing inspiration from the unparallel conducts of the 1965’s war, Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to meet any challenge of the enemy. Nonetheless, the role of Pakistan Navy in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 is highly appreciable. While, securing Pakistan’s coasts, it played a vital role in defeating India in the 1965 war. Therefore, this 8th September is a special day due to the golden jubilee-ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Pakistan Won Aerial Warfare in the 1965 War

By Sajjad Shaukat

Pakistan is celebrating golden jubilee of the 1965 war which India imposed on September 6, but the latter was defeated by Pakistan’s Armed Forces. On September 7, Air Force Day (Yum-e-Fizaiya) is being celebrated by every Pakistani in the memory of the martyrs and heroes of that war, and to pay tribute to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) which won aerial warfare by defeating India. On September 6, 1965 when India suddenly attacked Pakistan, its forces crossed the international border and the BRB canal, and captured a town of Batapore, Lahore, (Lahore-Burki sector) the same day; a counter offensive of an armoured division and infantry division supported by Pakistan Air Force forced the Indian 15th Division to withdraw to its starting point.

Similarly, when Indian forces launched an offensive towards Sialkot, aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force supported the Pakistan Army, and Indian forces were compelled to retreat. Besides, aircraft and valiant personnel of the PAF supported the ground forces in the sectors like Rajastan (Sindh), Khem Karan (Punjab) and Chumb (Kashmir) including other ones. Despite Indian surprise invasion in 1965, while displaying valour, and without bothering for their lives, the pilots of the PAF castigated the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the aerial warfare. In this regard, Squadron Leader M. M. Alam set new records in history of air warfare on 7th September by defending Pakistan’s airspace against the aggressors, and shot down five Indian aircraft in less than sixty seconds at Sargodha. He is rightly branded as a “hunter of the hunters”. And Flight Lieutenant Yunus Hussain fought in air battles aggressively and fearlessly. 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. While 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. But, then his guns jammed due to a defect.

However, Rafiqui refused to leave the battle area instead he ordered his No. 2 to continue the engagement, while his end was never in doubt, but, he chose to disregard it and, his aircraft was shot down and he was martyred. As regards the victory of PAF, a writer of the Pakistan Air Force elaborates, “To achieve this, PAF adopted an aggressive and courageous approach, which ultimately provided an impregnable shield to the country’s airspace. This was also attributable to the leadership of Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Asghar Khan and dynamic leadership of Air Marshal Nur Khan—said on 4th September that superiority in numbers does not decide air battles; better training, morale, and above all fighting spirit in fact are the deciding factors—what many don’t know is that it was the PAF who played a major role in denying General Chaudhry of Indian Army his cocktail party at Gymkhana Lahore. PAF air support at this crucial juncture turned the tables on the enemy—at this crucial juncture, appeared 06 PAF Sabres led by SQN LDR Sajjad “Nosey” Haider and wrought havoc with the enemy armor and infantry trying to cross the BRB Canal-- air support continued as 18 more F-86 Sabres kept pounding guns, tanks which were trying to advance towards Lahore, Jassar and Kasur. PAF was instrumental in saving Lahore.” However, Pakistan Air Force made it possible for the ground troops to recapture the territories from India, and also to take from Indian forces various regions like Khem Karan Rajastan, Chumb etc.

It is notable that the marvelous performance of PAF was substantiated by a letter sent by President of Pakistan to Air Marshal Nur Khan, complimenting the PAF on its first two days of full-scale operations. Subsequently, PAF remained in virtual control in vital battle areas as the IAF, after 7th September, showed growing reluctance to engage an aerial combat. This record-breaking role of PAF is primarily attributable to salient aspects of leadership and brevity. The employment of the bomber fleet was also very well-panned by the PAF top leadership. Besides the fighters, the bombers also made significant contributions by undertaking regular night bombing operations against a number of Indian airfields, damaging most of them. The brilliantly-flown PAF Sabers inflicted more losses on the IAF Hunters, Gnats and Mysteres. PAF also exhibited a classic example of unconventional mans utilizing its C-130 fleet for night bombing. The speed with which the idea was adopted and the necessary modifications incorporated reflected the PAF’s pilots and engineer’s genius for improvisation.

The 1965 war saw the best of the PAF’s war-fighting abilities, and made history by shooting down 13 aircraft in one day. PAF emerged as glorious because of a very high standard of its leadership and a determination, springing from the realization that national survival was at stake. During that war of 1965, PAF had destroyed 104 Indian aircraft on ground and in the air, while damaged more than 10—not counting the losses, inflicted by PAF’s night bombing on the India airfields and bases and other military installations.

It is mentionable that some opine that India and Pakistan have made contradictory claims of victory during the aerial warfare of the 1965 war. But facts cannot be denied, which prove that PAF won this war. In this respect, while realizing Indian failures, Indian Air Chief Marshal (R) P.C. Lal who was the Vice Chief of Air Staff during the Indo-Pak war of 1965, points to the lack of coordination between the IAF and the Indian army. While, in his book, titled “The Duels of the Himalayan Eagle: The First Indo-Pak Air War”, which is being released on September 1, this year, ex-Indian Air Marshal Bharat Kumar admitted the Indian defeat in the war of 1965, as disclosed by The Times of India. He reveals, “It was the first air battle between India and Pakistan. The Indian Air Force was numerically superior, with 28 combat squadrons to PAF’s 11, but it was saddled with technologically inferior fighters. IAF’s latest history of its operations in the 1965 war acknowledges it suffered disproportionately higher losses than PAF. But, it says the force showed resilience and determination to set aside initial losses and gradually turn the tables on its adversary with effective counter-strikes to prosecute the war till the ceasefire came into effect on September 22”. The book indicates, “There is no doubt that Indian losses in aircraft were higher” than those of Pakistan—tried to use just this figure alone to proclaim its victory”. Undoubtedly, in aerial warfare between IAFF and PAF, the latter emerged as victorious in the I965 war. Pakistan Air Force gained a lot of credibility among Pakistan military and international war writers for successful defence of Lahore and other important areas of Pakistan and heavy retaliation to India. Thought-out the war, PAF not only maintained its air superiority, but also remained vigilant in informing armed forces and general masses regarding the air attacks of Indian fighters.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

50th Anniversary of the 1965 War

By Sajjad Shaukat

Although every year September 6 is celebrated as the defence day to pay tribute to the Pakistani soldiers who defeated India in the 1965 war, yet this very day has come at a time when BJP-led government of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has planned to celebrate the golden jubilee of that Indo-Pak war, which New Delhi had never celebrated in the past. In order to propagate that war of 1965 was won by them, they have decided to celebrate September as a victory month. They have started preparing campaigns for print and electronic media besides other social events, depicting the war to have been a “one sided” affair. While, in his book, titled “The Duels of the Himalayan Eagle: The First Indo-Pak Air War”, which is being released on September 1, this year, ex-Indian Air Marshal Bharat Kumar admitted the Indian defeat in the war of 1965, as disclosed by The Times of India. 

However, on the 6th of September in 1965, India crossed the international border, on the western front marking an official beginning of the war. An attempt to cross the BRB canal was made over the bridge in the village of Barki, Lahore. Besides the Kashmir and other sectors, similarly, Indian forces launched an offensive towards Sialkot. Pakistan found itself with an extremely challenging situation, as India suddenly attacked, while Pakistan’s Armed Forces were not exactly expecting. But, Pakistan’s Armed Forces rose to the occasion, and in Lahore, they held the bridges over the canal or blew up those it could not hold, effectively stalling any further advance by the Indians. One unit of the Indian Regiment had also crossed the BRB canal and captured the town of Batapore (Jallo Mur) on the west side of the canal. The same day, a counter offensive consisting of an armoured division and infantry division supported by Pakistan Air Force forced the Indian 15th Division to withdraw to its starting point. In this regard, the huge credit goes to the all men of Pak Army, who were deployed in the Lahore areas of Wahgah, Burki etc. Among them, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti played a huge role in the outcome of the Lahore battles and was martyred (Shaheed). 

As regards Sialkot, the aim of the Indian attack was to seize the key Grand Trunk Road around Waziristan and the capture of Jassoran which would enable domination of Sialkot-Pasrur railway, thus completely cutting off Pakistani supply line. The 1965 war witnessed some of the largest tank battles since World War II, and was fought at Chawinda in Sialkot sector—The Battle of Chawinda resulted into victory of Pakistan whose armoured forces destroyed 120 tanks Regarding aerial warfare between Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the latter emerged as victorious in the I965 war. Pakistan Air Force gained a lot of credibility and reliability among Pakistan military and international war writers for successful defence of Lahore and other important areas of Pakistan and heavy retaliation to India. During that war, PAF had destroyed 100 Indian aircraft on ground and in the air, while damaged more than 10—not counting the undermined losses inflicted by PAF’s night bombing. It is notable that the then Squadron Leader  M. M. Alam rewrote the history of air warfare on 7th September by setting new records, while defending Pakistan’s Airspace against the aggressors, and shot down five Indian aircraft in less than sixty seconds at Sargodha. He can genuinely be branded as a “hunter of the hunters”. 

The role of Pakistan Navy in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 is also appreciable. Securing Pakistan’s coasts, it played a vital role in defeating India. In 1965, the Operation Dawarka marked the first use of the Pakistan Navy in the war. The naval attack was launched by Pakistan on September 7, 1965 on Western Indian shores. The town of Dwarka was chosen to be a target of the attack, because it has historical relevance for Pakistan. The Pakistani operation was successful and its warships harboured in Bombay, making the Indian Navy unable to sortie. In this context, Ghazi, the only submarine in the conflict arena was deployed to attack heavy ships of the Indian Navy, and the ships, aiding Operation Dwarka. It won 10 awards including two decorations of Sitara-e-Juratand the President’s citations. The commanding officer Commander Karamat Rahman Niazi operated the submarine in the enemy territorial waters with strong determination.

Besides, Pakistan Army launched a number of successful covert operations to infiltrate and sabotage Indian airbases and military installations. On September 7, 1965, the Special Services Group (SSG) commandos were parachuted into enemy territory. According to Chief of Army Staff General Muhammad Musa, about 135 commandos were airdropped at three Indian airfields. The commando mission affected some planned Indian operations. Nevertheless, despite Indian surprise invasion in 1965, while showing courage, and by sacrificing their lives, the Pakistani forces’ counterattack not only recaptured the territories from India, but also took Khem Karan from Indian forces including various regions of Rajastan, Sindh, and Chumb sector in Kashmir. It is mentionable that during the war, the whole nation showed solidarity with Pakistan’s Armed Forces and the air of the country was full of radio waves, carrying national anthems and patriotic songs, especially in Noor jehan’s voice which prompted every soldier to fight harder. There were a lot of national heroes like Brigadier Ahsan Rashid, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, SQN LDR M. M. Alam, SQN LDR Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui etc.,  most recognized, many unsung, we remember them always and particularly in this September, marking the defense day.

Now-a-days, it is a convention for military fans in India and Pakistan to talk about the war of 1965. According to many sources, Pakistan won that war, while Indians claim that they won the war. But, besides the already mentioned admission by Indian Air Marshal Bharat Kumar, there is other evidence of Pakistan’s victory. In fact, when Indians were at the edge of loss, some of their officials went to the USA and requested for ceasefire. It is quite clear that India first thought about ceasefire because they did not want further loss. However, the war between the two countries ended after a ceasefire was declared following diplomatic intervention by the Soviet Union and USA and the subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration. India’s Prime Minister Shastri suffered a fatal heart attack soon after the declaration of the ceasefire because he was not able to bear Indian further losses.

It is noteworthy that The “Official History of the 1965 War, “drafted by the Ministry of Defence of India 1992 was a long suppressed document which revealed Indian miscalculations. According to it, on 22 September when the Security Council Security was pressing for a ceasefire, the Indian Prime Minister asked commanding Gen. Chaudhuri, if India could possibly win the war, were he to delay accepting the ceasefire. The general replied that most of India's frontline ammunition had been used up and the Indian Army had suffered considerable tank And Indian top military officials realized that Indian military intelligence gave no warning of the impending Pakistan invasion. The Indian Army failed to recognize the presence of heavy Pakistani artillery and armaments in Chumb and suffered significant losses as a result. Air Chief Marshal (R) P.C. Lal who was the Vice Chief of Air Staff during the conflict, points to the lack of coordination between the IAF and the Indian army. These statements and ground realities prove that there is no doubt that Pakistan won the war of 1965 by defeating India.

Undoubtedly, despite the qualitative and numerical superiority of India, it was due to the spirit of sacrificing their own lives, motivated by Pak Army’s Motto–Iman, Taqwa, Jihad and Fi Sabilillah that Pakistan’s Armed Forces fought bravely and courageously. In this context, in his historical address, the then President of Pakistan, Field Marshal Ayub Khan gave reference of Kalama-e-Tayyaba. Nonetheless, on the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war, Pakistanis pay tribute to every Shaheed and Ghazi whom they salute to symbolize country’s love for those men in uniform, as they would live alive due to their deeds.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com