After the time of independence, Pakistan has faced numerous hardships and troubles and is still facing now. In just the span of 76 years, Pakistan country has confronted many difficulties that one could hardly imagine them. India and Pakistan have always been the bitter foes of each other. In only 76 years, there have been three wars between the two countries and still they are controversial on the Kashmir issue.
1965 WAR:
The conflict of 1965, also referred to as the second India-Pakistan war, lasted for approximately a month from August to September. It began with Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, aimed at sending forces into Jammu and Kashmir to incite rebellion against Indian rule. The 17th week of the war witnessed significant casualties on both sides, marking the largest deployment of bombproof vehicles and the biggest tank battle since World War II. Tensions between the nations eased following an armistice declared by UNSC Resolution 211. The majority of the fighting took place in Kashmir and along the borders of the two countries, with India emerging as the dominant force when the ceasefire was implemented.
The outcome is viewed as a strategic and political setback for Pakistan, as it did not manage to protect Kashmir. India, on the other hand, was unable to accomplish its aggressive goals in the attack. Prior to the 1965 conflict, the United States and the United Kingdom were key military allies of both India and Pakistan, serving as their main sources of military equipment. However, both countries felt let down by the lack of adequate support from these allies. Despite this, the Pakistani forces prevented India from achieving its war objectives.
India invaded Pakistan on September 6 in Lahore and Sialkot, but Pakistani forces successfully repelled them. Pakistan suffered 3000 casualties during the 1965 war and destroyed over 100 Indian tanks. The parties declared the ceasefire on September 20, 1965. Both nations claimed victory in the conflict. Numerous courageous soldiers, including Captain Muhammad Sarwar, Pilot Rashid Minhas, Major Tufail Muhammad, Niak Saif Ali Janjua, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, Major Shabbir Shareef, Major Muhammad Akram, and Major Muhammad Hussain, sacrificed their lives for the defense and honor of their country. The Pakistani authorities posthumously awarded them the Nishan-e-Haider.
Defense day:
Pakistan observes “Defense Day” annually on September 6 to honor the memory of these valiant martyrs.
WAR OF 1971:
This military conflict that took place in East Pakistan from 3-16 December 1971 was a result of the liberation of Bangladesh and involved Pakistan and India. The root cause of this war can be attributed to Pakistan itself, as General Yahya Khan failed to transfer power to Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman of West Pakistan after the 1970 general elections. India’s involvement further escalated the ongoing conflict. Eventually, after 13 days, India emerged victorious, with the military of East Pakistan surrendering in Dhaka on 16 December 1971. India took around ninety thousand Pakistani soldiers as prisoners, while the civilian casualties in Bangladesh ranged from 0.3 to 3 million. Additionally, approximately 8-10 million people sought refuge in India.