6th September, commonly known as Defence Day, is marked as a prominent day in the history of Pakistan. On this day, our brave soldiers and armed forces defended our beloved country in war with India, which broke on 6th September, 1965. This day is celebrated every year in commemoration of those who sacrificed their lives for the better cause of the country. So, let us have a look over the reasons behind the war and the events that took place.

Reason Behind 1965 War:
The 1965 war was actually fought over Kashmir; as we all know, Kashmir is a disputed piece of land between Pakistan and India. This dispute grew in August 1965, when Gibraltar Operation was launched by Pakistan. This operation was an attempt to invade forces in Jammu and Kashmir in order to incite the Kashmiris to rebel against Indian governance, resulting in a war breakthrough by the Indian military on 6th September 1965.

Events of 6th September, 1965:

Indian Military Attack on Lahore: On September 6, 1965, the war took a dramatic turn when the Indian Army started a full-scale onslaught against Lahore, one of Pakistan’s prominent cities near the border. India planned to weaken Pakistan’s defenses by striking from the Wagah Border, which is only a few kilometers from Lahore. Indian soldiers sought to seize Lahore and force
Pakistan into a defensive posture.
Lahore Battle: In the early hours of September 6, India’s troops breached the international border in an effort to invade Lahore. The attack shocked Pakistan, but the Pakistan Army replied immediately. The Battle of Lahore saw severe action in significant strategic locations, including Wagah, Burki, and the BRB Canal (Bombanwala-Ravi-Bedian Canal), which was essential to Lahore’s
defense. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) played an important part in defending the city, with fighter jets launching air strikes to repel India’s approaching forces.
BRB Canal Defence: The BRB Canal, a man-made waterway near Lahore, became an important line of defense. Pakistani soldiers bravely defended the canal, stopping Indian forces from breaking it and entering Lahore. One of the most renowned instances of this defense was Major Raja Aziz Bhatti’s brave leadership of his troops in defending the region. Major Aziz Bhatti, despite being surrounded and under heavy fire, continued to lead his soldiers until he was killed.
Nation’s Inclusion in the War: The attack on Lahore sparked widespread national mobilization in Pakistan. Civilians, including volunteers, began to contribute to the war effort by donating blood, supplying supplies to soldiers, and boosting morale. Patriotic songs, such as Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan’s “Aye Watan Ke Sajeelay Jawano” (O Brave Soldiers of the Nation), became symbols during the conflict. Whole nation was in support of their brave armed soldiers to defend the country.
Counter Attack by Pakistan: Despite being taken off guard surprisingly, Pakistan’s Army and Air Force responded with counter attacks. They did not only defend Lahore but also advanced into the Chhamb-Jaurian sector and other places such as Sialkot and Kasur.

Our Heroes of 6th September, 1965:

In the war of 1965, many soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country’s defense, and we especially organize this day every year in their memory. Some of them who were the lead heroes of 6th September are as follows:
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti: Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was the commanding officer of the 17th Punjab Regiment, stationed at the important BRB Canal (Bombanwala-Ravi-Bedian Canal) in Lahore, where one of the most intense fights occurred. On September 6, 1965, Indian soldiers launched a huge attack on Lahore in an attempt to break the BRB Canal. Despite being outnumbered and under constant artillery bombardment, Major Bhatti, who was commanding his company, refused to leave his position. For five days, he led his men and defended the territory with great courage. On the final day of the battle, Major Bhatti was offered relief from the frontlines owing to the ferocity of the fighting, but he decided to remain with his troops, saying, “I will not abandon my men when they need me the most.” On September 10, 1965, while leading the defense, he was hit by enemy fire and killed. His unrelenting dedication and sacrifice kept Lahore secure from the Indian invasion.
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was posthumously granted Pakistan’s highest military award, the Nishan-e-Haider, in recognition of his courage and leadership. He is recognized as a national hero, his sacrifice embodying the selfless service to the country.
Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui: Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui was a highly skilled fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), known for his daring and aerial combat abilities. He was instrumental in the air combat against Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. On September 6, 1965, Rafiqui commanded a formation of PAF F-86 Sabre jets in an air raid on Indian Air Force (IAF) stations. During a dogfight above Halwara Airbase, Rafiqui’s jet experienced mechanical difficulties, with its cannons jamming during engagement. Despite this, instead of leaving the combat, he stayed behind to protect his buddies. His heroic actions enabled his wingman and other pilots to complete the mission and effectively attack Indian fortifications. Rafiqui ultimately engaged in close combat with the Indian jets but was shot down and killed during the battle.

Rafiqui’s bravery and refusal to abandon his companions in dire circumstances gained him a great deal of admiration. He was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat and Hilal-e-Jurat, Pakistan’s highest military honors for bravery. His name is linked with courage and sacrifice in the Pakistan Air Force, and he continues to be a symbol of the country’s air superiority.
Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti: Imtiaz Bhatti was another renowned hero of the Pakistan Air Force who played an important role in the 1965 war, particularly in defending Pakistan’s airspace. On September 6, 1965, Bhatti and his squadron were tasked with intercepting
Indian Air Force planes that had attacked Pakistani airbases. Bhatti, famed for his extraordinary flying abilities, shot down multiple Indian jets, delaying their operations and preventing harm to critical infrastructure. His precise and daring movements not only protected crucial airbases but also helped Pakistan regain control of the sky during critical stages of the conflict.
Imtiaz Bhatti’s brave actions were a source of pride for the PAF. He was given the Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery. His contributions were critical to Pakistan’s air defense triumph, and he is now remembered as one of the war’s most celebrated personalities.
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz: Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz from the 15th Punjab Regiment became one of the most recognized heroes for his daring commitment to the battle for Lahore’s defense. On the night of September 6, during violent combat on the Wagah-Attari border, Lance Naik Mahfuz’s platoon was heavily attacked. Despite being seriously wounded and outnumbered by the enemy, he charged at the Indian trenches, wielding a bayonet. Despite having a damaged arm, Mahfuz was able to kill numerous enemy soldiers in close battle.
His courageous charge generated confusion among the enemy troops, slowing their approach and giving his comrades an advantage in the battle. Mahfuz was martyred during this conflict, yet his acts had a lasting influence. Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his unwavering bravery and sacrifice. He is recognized as a symbol of unwavering heroism, and his deeds continue to motivate Pakistan’s military.
Major Shabbir Sharif: Major Shabbir Sharif’s most important activities occurred later in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, but he had made substantial contributions in the 1965 war. He was an exceptional officer in the 6th Frontier Force Regiment who played an important role in the Sialkot sector fighting during the 1965 conflict. During the Battle of Sialkot, Major Shabbir Sharif’s unit was charged with holding
key positions against an overwhelming Indian armored assault. Despite inadequate resources, his regiment was able to repel many attacks, including tank-led offensives, thanks to his leadership and strategic thinking. His bravery under fire gained him respect as a rising star in the Pakistan Army. Later, during the 1971 conflict, he made the ultimate sacrifice and was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider.
Major Shabbir Sharif’s name is synonymous with leadership and valor. His reputation as one of Pakistan’s greatest military heroes is recognized in military history, and his sacrifices during the 1965 and 1971 wars are still remembered throughout the country.
Air Marshal Noor Khan: On September 6, 1965, as Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Marshal Noor Khan played a critical role in defining the air defense and strategy that would influence the fate of the Indo-Pak War’s first stages. Despite the enormous strain from India’s larger and more resourceful air force, Noor Khan’s leadership was vital in ensuring Pakistan’s airspace was preserved and its forces could counterattack effectively.
When Indian forces launched a ground onslaught toward Lahore on September 6, 1965, Noor Khan decided to conduct preemptive air strikes on Indian airfields. Under his command, the PAF attacked key Indian airbases such as Pathankot, Halwara, and Adampur. These airstrikes were critical in limiting India’s ability to launch retaliatory strikes on Pakistani cities and military sites. At Pathankot, the PAF destroyed ten Indian aircraft on the ground, severely reducing India’s air force early in the fight. Despite the dangers and the greater foe, Noor Khan’s strategic vision ensured that these air assaults caused major damage to the Indian Air Force, providing time for the Pakistani Army to reorganize and strengthen its fortifications.
Air Marshal Noor Khan’s daring actions on September 6 showed his willingness to put his pilots in disastrous situations for the sake of national defense. His decision to authorize aggressive strikes rather than defensive ones swung the momentum in Pakistan’s favor, despite the fact that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was outnumbered. His leadership on that day and throughout the war demonstrated his sacrifice, as he not only put his air force’s safety at risk but also orchestrated the air defense with unwavering dedication, ensuring
Pakistan’s air operations’ survival and success during a critical period of the conflict.

These are our national heroes and prominent figures who risked their lives to save the country from invasion. While remembering our armed forces, we cannot forget our civilians who took part in the war by volunteering soldiers, donating blood for them, providing supplies, and being the backbone of their saviors. civilians played a great role in encouraging the armed forces and the
defense of the country.

Introspection on Defence Day:
On this day, while remembering our heroes and their sacrifices for this country, we must need to reflect our contributions to the country: what good things we are doing for this country, what changes have we made for the better future of this state, and what can we do for the better future of it? Definitely, we are trying to make this country a better and safer place to live, but very little. We have to work a lot for this beloved motherland, yet we have to sacrifice our time, our ego, and our selfishness to make great changes to create a united, harmonic, peaceful state for our children and youth. After all, we should not let waste sacrifices our heroes and people made just to defend our homeland, Pakistan. Should we?

Maria Qureshi

Blogger