Heroes of 6 September 1965 war (Defence Day)

The Defence Day of Pakistan has significance in many ways, but national unity and trust between the people and the army is the spirit of 6th September. During 1965 war, people irrespective of sect, language, region or province had demonstrated what Quaid-i-Azam had exhorted – Unity, Faith and Discipline. From Khyber to Cox’s bazaar in former East Pakistan, people paid tributes and lauded the soldiers and officers of Pakistan army, navy and air force for showing the valor and resilience when India attacked our motherland. The coordination of the army, navy and air force from Lahore, Karachi, Run of Kutch to Chamb Jorian, had made all sectors the graveyard of unaccomplished dreams of Indian leadership and army commanders.

Every year, on September 6 the nation pays tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives while defending their country during 1965 war between Pakistan and India – six times bigger in population and size. This is one of the most important events in the annals of Pakistan’s history when our military officers and soldiers heroically foiled India’s attempt of undermining Pakistan. During 17 days of war, the entire nation was turned into a cohesive unit. Politicians shunned their differences; despite even though nation was divided after presidential election between Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and General Ayub Khan all political parties and people of Pakistan stood by the armed forces. The national priorities were clear and unambiguous in those days, any danger to the country called for unity and unstinted support to the government and the armed forces. There was no question of any political party or leader taking advantage of the war.

However, war has political, strategic, and tactical sides also that can guarantee total victory or defeat against a worthy opposition. You may win a hundred battles and still lose the war; or lose an equal number of battles yet still win the war. It all depends on how you plan, execute, react, and adapt to the changing dynamics. The 17-day conflict, fought mainly in Kashmir, Sialkot and Lahore sector, ended in a UN sponsored ceasefire with both sides. The war has gained nearly mythical status in both countries with both sides claiming victory for various reasons and is often celebrated in their respective popular cultures. The fact of the matter is that official narratives on both sides of the border are skewed and one sided; both sides have attempted to highlight their respective successes and omitted their blunders and setbacks. But if we go back in history we would find that,Since their independence from the British in 1947, Pakistan and India have clashed several times. The 1965 war wasn’t their first face-off, they had fought, during 1947-1948 to claim Kashmir as their territory. The two countries clashed again on 6th September 1965 when India attacked Pakistan across the international border without a warning or declaration of war.

India’s goal to be a regional power was shredded into pieces when Pakistan army in various sectors including Chwinda frustrated India’s destructive designs. The battle of chawinda has been described as one of the largest tank battles since second world war . Indians intended to take control of the Grand Trunk Road and Sialkot-Pasrur railway, to disconnected the supply line to Pakistani forces but Pak army fought back fiercely, leaving no stone unturned. Pakistan navy had played its part by launching a successful operation Dwarka, when fear from submarine Ghazi kept the enemy at bay and away from Pakistani coasts. Pak Navy’s complete control over the waters despite very limited resources was indeed a miracle. It was for the first time Pakistan Navy participated in India-Pakistan wars and stood victorious. The objective of the operation was to destroy the radar station Dwarka, which was guiding Indian soldiers. Pakistan Air Force had also proved its mettle by continuous air attacks and the Pakistan Army’s resistance for each inch of land was remarkable.

The Defence Day of Pakistan reminds us of the indomitable courage and unmatched sacrifices of our heroes. Today we will recall some of those brave souls who will be remembered and cherished by us as a nation and who proved the world that Pakistan is unassailable.

Sepahi Maqbool Hussain
Sepahi Maqbool Hussain was a Pakistani soldier who is known for his capture and brutal imprisonment for four decades in Indian jail. He got wounded during the war of 1965 and was taken as a prisoner by Indian troops but the Indians did not register his legal status as a prisoner of war, stripping him of certain rights. While in the custody of Indian forces, Hussain was notoriously subjected to severe torture by Indian army. He was asked to give any information he knew so that they could jeopardize Pakistan’s security but he remained defiant. He was regularly harassed and put under pressure to insult his nation with various phrases such as Pakistan Murdabad, to which he actively responded with Pakistan Zindabad each time. To get the information about Pakistan, they tried every possible way. They did all sorts of mental and physical torture, but they could never break Maqbool Hussain’s resilience. His persistent refusal angered them even more, and their barbarity extended to the level that one day they cut off Hussain’s tongue and rip his nails off but the brave son of soil started writing Pakistan Zindabad on the walls of Indian jail with his blood.

Finally, after 40 years, he was released in 2005 during a prisoner exchange between India and Pakistan at the Wagha border. He had already lost his senses due to the ruthless torture he faced in the Indian jail. Therefore, whenever he was questioned about his identity, he kept replying by writing: “No. 335139”, which was his army bearing number. After inquiry, Hussain’s service in the War of 1965 was discovered. On 23 March 2009, Sepahi Maqbool Hussain of the Azad Kashmir regiment awarded the Sitara- e -Jurat for the acknowledgment of his sacrifices.

M.M Alam (Muhammad Mahmood Alam)
M.M Alam joined the PAF in 1953. Alam, nicknamed as ‘Little Dragon’ .During 1965 war he made unforgettable history by knocking down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in less than a minute which is a world record in shooting most jets in the shortest time till day and altogether, he destroyed nine warplanes in the aerial combat of 1965 war. For the exceptional flying skill and valor, he was awarded Sitara e Juraat.

Major Fakhr e Alam
KP(the then NWFP) also take part in 1965 war with zeal and enthusiasm and confront the enemies on the front line, making us proud of them. We have heard stories of bravery and loyalty about them but they have lived those stories.

Major Fakhr e Alam was such a hero who got martyred in the war of 1965. He was leading the unit of soldiers who were in the front line in Kashmir. During the fight between both side soldiers, Pakistan had pushed back the Indian troops successfully from their position. As major Fakhr e Alam was going further to combat the Indian troops and checking out the battle field ,meanwhile a bomb struck by the Indians ,cut off his hand from his body .Despite of being injured he encouraged the soldiers to fight fearlessly .He told his fellow soldiers to buried his cut hand and not to leave it for enemies. His injury was severe and he was bleeding constantly but he didn’t lose courage. After giving first aid, he was taken to the hospital, where he was continuously worried for his soldiers and asking doctors that after recovery, he will get back to the battle field but he couldn’t recover from that injury and attain a high level of martyrdom.

Fakhr e Alam belongs to Peshawar. There is also a road in Peshawar by his name that is Fakhr e Alam road.

Capt.Abdul Jalil Orakzai
“If I died, I want to die like a soldier fighting in battle field with enemies”, these are the words and wish of a Abdul Jalil that he told to his younger brother.

Abdul Jalil belong to Bhanamari ,Peshawar.He got Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 1947 and Bachelors (BA) in 1953. He was a good athlete and made record in Pole Vault jump in inter collegiate sports. He was also Secretary / Member of Athletic Team and Proctor in Edwards College Peshawar 1951 -1953. In 1954 he went to University of Peshawar for Masters in English, completed his part one but missed Final Exam due to army duties.

His last wish was fulfilled when he got martyrdom during 1965 Pak-India war in place of Kaali Dhar, Kashmir, in an effort to capture Indian security posts. His body was handed over to family in March 1966 after recovered from India. His body was identified by his closest friend Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik (Dental Surgeon) from that gold tooth which was implanted by him.

He is buried in an Orakzai Qabristan, Nothia, Peshawar.He was awarded Sitara e Jurat the third highest military award of Pakistan due to his supreme sacrifice in order to safeguard the honor and dignity of the nation.

Pakistani Cities Hit by Torrential Rains and Flash Floods

Rainfall variation can be observed in the past few years in Pakistan owing to climate change. These variations in the ongoing year have led to submergence of one of the economic hubs of Pakistan i.e. Karachi. Annual rainfall is the worst this year and the city of Karachi is mostly underwater, roads have been turned into rivers, houses have been destroyed and people have to find shelter and food at their own disposal without or hardly any support from the federal or provincial government.

The recent spells of record-breaking rain have wreaked havoc on people of Karachi killing at least 41 people, city officials said Friday. Residents have been without electricity and cellular service for nearly 72 hours.

More heavy rains are expected in southern and southwestern Pakistan in the next 48 hours, creating fears of further damage among masses.

Residents blamed the authorities for the disaster, saying there was no preparation before the start of the normal rainy season.

In the wake of recent disasters, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to clean drains of Karachi and not Sindh government. This decision was criticised among various political circles. In wake of these decisions, NDMA cleaned five major nullahs but it couldn’t solve the drainage issues of Karachi as the real problem was not only cleaning of nullahs but the storm drains of Karachi being encroached by buildings and thus blocking the drain flow and resulting in floods and thus damages.

Heavy rains that hit 22 districts in Baluchistan province on August 7 caused floods and damaged bridges and highways, closing the main Gwadar-Karachi, Quetta-Jacobabad highways in major cities. Several parts of the province were flooded, and military personnel were called in to evacuate the area. In Bolan area, flash floods damaged the Quetta-Sibi highway in various areas, destroying the area and the provincial capital. Earlier, it was reported that the Jhal Magsi, Jafferabad, Sibi, Harnai, Naseerabad and Kachi districts were badly affected by the floods. In Jhal Magsi district alone, six UC and 40 villages were completely flooded by severe flooding. In addition to the damage to infrastructure and the destruction of houses, seven people were reported dead and more than 50 injured, while floods washed away crops and livestock on the way to Jhal Magsi and Jafferabad districts.

Monsoon rains and associated floods continue to plague Pakistan, resulting in at least 90 deaths and 40 injuries, according to media more than 1080 houses, 5 bridges and 10 roads were damaged or destroyed. On August 24-25, rescue operations in Karachi, and Dadu Districts (Sindh province) saw 1,544 people evacuated, following floods and landslides. Media report 3 people killed, and hundreds of homes and streets flooded.

The previous record at that observatory was 298.4mm in 1984. The Hub Dam, one of Karachi’s two major water sources and located in the vicinity of Balochistan, was flooded with more than 339 feet of rainwater. Years ago, the supply of water to Karachi from Hub Dam was often suspended as it burns.

People got stuck in their cars in need of emergency assistance as their vehicles were damaged due to flooded roads. The city’s electricity and cellular services have also been badly affected, adding to the problems.

The never-ending issues of flood and poor management led to more disasters and economic catastrophe. For a developing country like Pakistan, which is facing economic challenges on multiple fronts, these floods are adding fuel to fire. In these situations, disaster authorities need to be vigilant and should use modern technology to predict rains early and accordingly. The proper collection of data should be ensured to simulate and predict early floods and early warning systems should be installed in sensitive areas. The anti-encroachment drives with a full blow are the call of the day to open the blocked storm drains. The ban on plastic bags and safe disposal of waste should be ensured across the city. Above all, dynamic leadership need to be demonstrated to undertake some sensible and rational decisions for the safety of the city and people.

PTM exposed internationally

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)), a non-political movement and self-proclaimed sole representative of the Pashtuns rights was once used to be very popular among the Pashtuns living outside Pakistan and this was the reason that a large number of Pashtuns in Europe, America and other countries of the world were regularly supporting PTM financially for its cause and since it came into being PTM has received millions of Rupees from its supporters outside Pakistan.

However, the foreign aid to PTM from its supporters suddenly stopped which has pushed the movement into a huge financial crisis and has also put a question mark on the status and survival of PTM in upcoming years.

A close aide of Manzoor Pashteen on the condition of anonymity told us that PTM is currently passing through a hard time because the movement is facing many serious issues including financial problems and internal rifts among the top leadership. The source further said that the reason for stopping the financial aid from the PTM supporters living in foreign countries was that many of PTM senior leaders were involved in corruption and embezzlement of funds they received from their supporters outside Pakistan.

The source without disclosing his name further said that Manzoor Pashteen is now planning to hold public gatherings in different districts of the province for the purpose to collect some donations for the movement as they were already facing huge financial crunches.

Furthermore, the so called non-political movement is also facing some internal rifts on many issues as some of its top leadership has developed differences on whether to join Parliamentary politics or remain non-political. Such rifts among PTM leadership had risen even before but, due to interference of the top leadership, the issues were resolved.

However, according to many political experts and sources privy to PTM leadership, the differences have widened more and PTM is likely to face divisions over the same issue in coming days. It is pertinent to mention that in the Pashtun sit-in in Islamabad, Manzoor Pashteen had proclaimed that the movement would remain a non-parliamentary body to avoid controversies among Pashtuns on political grounds. Moreover, sources within PTM have also informed us that PTM’s international supporters are against Parliamentary politics. They perceive that a neutral position could help the movement achieve its long and short-term interests.

On the other hand, in the 2018 general election, two of its top leaders were elected as parliamentarians, violating the same founding principle of the movement. The subsequent development within PTM has led to differences among activists regarding political goals of the movement. Pashteen on many occasions has strongly criticized the two leaders but is still unable to influence PTM activists on this very critical issue.

Another recent issue in PTM which is considered like a bone of contention among the top leadership of PTM especially Manzor Pashteen and Mohsin Dawar is the upcoming Local Government elections as Mohsin Dawar is pushing the leadership of the movement to convince Manzoor Pashteen to announce its participation in LG elections; however, Manzoor and his other close aides are against such stance and do not want to start practical politics.

While commenting on the matter Aizaz Durrani a member of PTM said that the internal rifts and huge financial crisis is likely to affect the narrative of PTM and Manzoor Pashteen in near future because the movement was divided into many parts and every part was trying to influence the other for its personal and political goal.

Talking about the drop in PTM’s international support Aizaz Durrani said that PTM used to be very famous and popular among the Pashtuns living in different countries, but this support has come to its end as most of the PTM leaders have been allegedly involved in corruption and embezzlement in the money sent for PTM’s support by Pashtuns living in USA and Europe.

The development indicates the evolution process within the party and also shows that everything is not as rosy as depicted by its leadership. PTM is extensively criticized by a large population due to its closeness with the Afghanistan government and ethnically exploiting common governance issues.

The question of movement or political party is significant but, if PTM has to survive and retain its support, it needs to base its politics on objectivity. The method of instigation, agitation and politics based on ethnicity has harmed movement pushing away its supporters. It must be noted that many political experts believe that Pashtun Tahafuz Movement is a group of people having different political and personal goals and sooner or later this so-called movement for basic rights will be exposed because it has no clear agenda but to run propaganda against the Pakistan army and security agencies.