Defense Day commemorate at the Rabita Forum International
To commemorate Defense day, revisit the series of events and victories during war of 1965, Rabita Forum International (RFI) organized a seminar with title “Youm e Fateh e Mubeen- Securing the future through peace and stability” on 4th Sep 2024 in Karachi. The panelist comprised Mr.Nusrat Mirza, Chairman (RFI), Lt Gen (R) Moinuddin Haider HI (M), Commodore (R) Syed Muhammad Obaidullah, Air Commodore (R) Zahid Ul Hassan and Dr. Uzma Shujaat of University of Karachi, while it was attended by people from all background.
Lt Gen (R) Moin Uddin Haider, briefly explained the scenario as how Pakistan, despite inherently deficient in resources especially arms and ammo, faced the four times bigger enemy in 1965 War. “It was due to SEATO and CENTO that Pakistan had enough weapons and artillery to defend itself”, he commented. He dispelled the impression that India conducted a surprise attack on Pakistan, as he physically participated in the war and was at the rank of Captain, he commented that though it was not expected yet there were speculations that conflict in Kashmir may internationalize and Armed forces of Pakistan were ready to brace the enemy attack as they were already moved to the forward posts since March 1965.
He further said that after 23 days of war between the two countries, Pakistan emerged victorious in terms of territory captured, number of damages and prisoners of wars captured. He praised Armed forces for the exceptional courage and display of professional capabilities in the defense of homeland. He lamented about the losses in the war and economic fallout after that but termed this event as Nation Builder.
Speaking in the seminar, Air Commodore (R) Zahid Ul Hassan discussed the role of Airforce in the war. “Despite limited resources, only 3 Airbases and a smaller number of fighter planes, PAF outnumbered the enemy and frightened Indian Air Force”, he said. Moreover, he discussed the PAF fighter’s professional capabilities and resolve in the war that deterred Indian Army and IAF alike which is valid till today.
Commodore (R) Syed Muhammad Obaidullah, discussed as how Indonesia, Malaysia and other brethren countries stood with Pakistan in the war. He explained the Operation Somnath during war in which Pakistan Navy destroyed Indian radar system in Dwarka. He said that Operation Somnath demoralized Indians and subsequently boosted Pakistan’s resolve in defending the country.
Dr. Uzma Shujaat of University of Karachi, shed light on the loss of lives and property due to armed conflict in areas. She held that progress can’t be made and development can’t be sustained when human security is not guaranteed and positive peace is not maintained. She argued that in order to avoid conflict, there should be peace, justice, governance and acceptance. Dr. Uzma maintained that Pakistan is facing nontraditional security challenges like food security, population buldge, natural disasters, corruption, poverty therefore, every stakeholder in Pakistan including Armed Forces should once again play their part like 1965 to defend the homeland against these challenges.
Mr. Nusrat Mirza, Chairman RFI, thanked all the speakers and participants who came to pay tribute to the defenders of homeland. He praised the Armed Forces of Pakistan for their courage and unmatched skills. He said that in 1965 war, whole nation stood behind our forces and contributed with whatsoever they had. Crimes were decreased, prices of commodities were reduced and self-discipline was imposed, he continued. As the seminar delved into the conclusion, speakers were presented mementos by RFI.
