Facts about the 1965 War

Published September 1, 2018

• This conflict is known as the 1965 war or Second Kashmir War and it took place after the Pakistan army’s Operation Gibraltar in India Occupied Kashmir. The 1965 war caused casualties on both sides.

• India attacked across the international border on September 6 and a full-scale war broke out which concluded with a ceasefire on September 22. Peace between the two countries was negotiated under Soviet auspices in Tashkent on January 10th, 1966.

• On September 8, India launched its main attack against Sialkot using its armoured division and other strike formations. Analysts consider this to be the largest tank battle since World War II. It was a hard and bitter struggle fought over many days and nights, resulting in many casualties on both sides. In the end India’s armoured division was forced to withdraw, owing to very high losses in men and materiel.

• The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also played a significant role in this war, which was the first time that the air forces of both states were facing each other. PAF pilots displayed remarkable skills despite its smaller size and its best example was that of Squadron Leader M.M. Alam, who shot down five Indian fighter planes.

• On 7th September in 1965 Pakistan Navy, under the guidance of Commodore S. M. Anwar, attacked the Indian naval radar station that was set up on the coast of Dwarka in India, which is approximately 320km to the south-east of Karachi Port. The operation was successful and it boosted the morale of our soldiers and the nation as a whole.

• During this war, 1617 sq. miles of territory was occupied by Pakistan as compared to 446 sq. miles of Pakistan’s open and undefended territory occupied by India. In this war the Pakistan Army captured 20 Indian officers, 19 junior Indian Commissioned Officers and 569 other ranks.

• On January 10, 1966, a declaration of formal cessation of hostilities was signed by the presidents of both Pakistan and India. From Pakistan’s side General Ayub Khan and from India’s side Lal Bahadur Shastri were there on this occasion.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 1st, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....