1971 War, A Historic Event

1971 commenced as the most tragic year of Pakistan's history. Failing to resolve a political problem by political means, a Martial Law regime, manipulated by some maniac politicians, resorted to military action in East Pakistan on 25th night of March. International Airline's planes, over-flying about 5000 miles non stop via Sri Lanka in the first week of April 1971, the longest operational air move by Pakistan Army. By May, routine situation was restored, thanks to the fast reaction, dedication and cool courage of our soldiers, sailors and airmen operating in a hostile environment under adverse climatic conditions, without adequate medical support. India's immoral secret and hidden armed interventions failed.

By October it had concentrated four times our strength in over 12 divisions (400,000) supported by five regiment of tanks, and about 50,000 activists trained and equipped by Indian Army. Indian Navy's one aircraft carrier, eight destroyers and frigates, two submarines and three landing crafts, against our four gunboats, eight Chinese coasters and two landing crafts. Eleven Indian Air Force squadrons, four Hunters, one SU-7, three Gnat and three MiG 21 against five airfields around East Pakistan faced our one valiant Number 14 squadron of F-86 Sabres based on a single airfield around Dhaka.

Near the West Pakistan front, on 3rd December 1971 , India attacked with the main effort against Shakargarh sector with three infantry divisions supported by three armored brigades against our 8 Division front, operating under our 1 Corps. The attack was halted in the tracks, inflicting heavy casualties. 8 (Independent) Armored Brigades effectively blocked and destroyed enemy penetration our minefield and saved Zafarwal from being outflanked by enemy armor. In Jammu and Kashmir , Chhamb, Lahore , Kasur, Sulemanki and Rajasthan sectors, war was carried into Indian territory , with success at some points, not so successfully at others due to inadequate forces and air support. For the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force this conflict was their finest hour. Fighting against overwhelming odds in both wings of the country raged with full fury. Before our counter offensive could be launched in West Pakistan , India asked for cease-fire in the United Nations. The Ghazis and Shaheeds proved in their supreme hour of trial all the military virtues of Faith, Honour, Valour, Fortitude, Endurance, Loyalty, Group Cohesion and Unlimited Liability, and above all, the spirit of Jihad.

On 4 December 1971 , the United States moved a draft resolution calling for cease-fire and withdrawal of Indian forces, which was vetoed by Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Thereafter, another six resolutions including one by China were introduced calling for cease-fire and withdrawal of forces, some of which were accepted by Pakistan. However, due to behind the scene political machinations by India and it's allies, their passage and implementation was stalled till Dhaka fell on 16 December 1971 and the cease-fire had been perfidiously converted to surrender.

Flawed national and operational strategy proved to, be disastrous for Pakistan , both politically and militarily. Power, national and operational strategy, the methodology of crisis and conflict management, and higher direction of war in which we had been found wanting in 1971.