EDITORIAL: Lessons of 1965 War
By the Editor

NATION observed the Defence of Pakistan Day on Tuesday to commemorate Pakistan’s great victory over the much stronger enemy in 1965.

India had launched unprovoked aggression against Pakistan on this day four decades ago and the Pakistani nation had risen to the pinnacles of unity and resolve to inflict a humiliating defeat on it.

Pakistan’s valiant Armed Forces fought the enemy with unparalleled courage and bravery to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 6th September thus has a special significance in Pakistan’s history.

It’s certainly a day of reckoning. It demands the nation, Armed Forces, parliamentarians, politicians, intellectuals and other segments of society to evaluate the causes of our success in 1965 war as well as our weaknesses if any with a sense of prudence and pragmatism to draw the lesson to lead the country towards still greater successes in future.

To us, the major factor that inspired the Armed Forces to fight the enemy that was ten times stronger militarily was the nation’s unprecedented support behind them.

The Indian aggression had galvanized the whole nation and President Ayub’s soul inspiring address to the nation on the occasion had welded the people into an invincible force.

The nation stood solidly behind the Armed Forces. Ironically, that is not evident to that extent today.

It’s, therefore, an occasion to pause and ponder over the causes of dissipation of this spirit.

We have consistently maintained that the Armed Forces must have full public backing to be able to deliver in case of any situation.

As there are no permanent enemies and friends in international affairs, it’s imperative that the Armed Forces should always enjoy public backing.

It’s specially important for Pakistan since India is not a dependable neighbour and can act impulsively any time in pursuit of its hegemonic and expansionist agenda.

Both the people and the Armed Forces need to be conscious of this lesson of 1965 war.

It’s, therefore, hoped that effort will be made by every-one to see that lackluster attitude towards the Armed Forces should never overtake the people of Pakistan under any circumstances.

As there is also a vital role in store for Pakistan in the world affairs as a leading Muslim nation with nuclear capability, it can ill afford any weakness on this count in specific.● 

 -  Mumtaz Hamid Rao
www.MumtazRao.net