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by Ikram Sehgal
(Friday 03 September 2004)
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"One does pray however that neither the Indians nor us throw anything at each other anymore."
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To this day most Pakistanis believe that on Sep 6, 1965, thirty nine years today almost to the day, the massive attack across the international borders that the Indians launched to capture Lahore and Sialkot was a surprise. It certainly seems to have been surprise for our military hierarchy, and in fact probably surprised the Indians more as to how and why we were surprised. In the words of Col (Retd) S G Mehdi, MC, “neither the Supreme Commander (Field Marshal Ayub Khan) nor the C-in-C (Gen Musa) and his General Staff, viewed the chances of a full scale war with India as “probable”, leave alone warranting the cancellation of leave”. Col Mehdi goes on, “it was a gross misconception and miscalculation of the operating factors which sent the Pakistan Army into battle on Sep 6, 1965 with 25% of its strength on annual leave, it was inexcusable because the C-in-C Gen Musa and his General Staff knew fully that the entire Kashmir Valley had been ablaze for over a month and ferocious air and land battles were being fought in Chamb-Jaurian sector, involving large formations of armour, infantry and artillery”, unquote.
Does this support Maj Gen Farman Ali Khan’s conclusion about 1965 that it was “diabolically stage – managed to get our army defeated”? Col Mehdi says that the 1965 war was a “betrayal, complete and total, and in all fields – geo-political, strategic and tactical”. Despite the gross mistakes of our general officers the young men of our Armed Forces fought the enemy against overwhelming odds to a standstill, they paid the price of failure of higher leadership with her lives, where have all the flowers gone? The courage and sacrifice of our young men will always be a matter of great pride for us and was no surprise, that it will be so in the future will also not be a surprise!
The rank that Syed Ghaffar Mehdi (MC) (Military Cross, World War 2) retired as, “Colonel”, testifies that brilliant, brave young officers of the armies of the world always choose not to remain silent, at the peril of their careers, and sometimes their lives. There is no future in being brash and outspoken on issues dear to the heart of those who may never have heard a shot being fired in anger, to quote Montague, “war hath no fury like a non-combatant”. As Commander of the elite Special Services Group (SSG), Col Mehdi became aware of “Operation GIBRALTAR” only in May 1965, for detailed briefing GHQ asked him to report to Maj Gen Akhtar Hussain Malik, GOC 12 Div, who had conceived of the plan and was in total operational control. Col Mehdi thought GIBRALTAR was a year or in the future, and even though he believed that as a concept the plan was sound there were critical variables missing, like timing, training, logistics, etc that needed detailed attention. Shocked when he was told that the start date was barely a couple of months away, he asked Gen Malik whether this was part of the GHQ Strategic Plan, he was told “no”. Col Mehdi immediately told Malik, “you won’t get away with it”. In fact it was Pakistan that did not get away with this ill-planned adventure, to quote Gen Nawabzada Sher Ali Pataudi, “it (the war in 1965) lasted 17 days starting from the 6th of Sep 65 but in those 17 days the few final nails in the coffin of a united Pakistan had been driven”, unquote.
Col Mehdi says “Musa also, indirectly, played Bhutto’s game by not opposing this childish plan from his powerful perch of C-in-C. But he may be excused only slightly, the General Staff possessed the professional acumen to comprehend the grave shortcomings and the ultimate consequences of the plan. But they elected to remain silent even when, he gave detailed reasons both verbally and in writing, militating against the success of this operation. Why then did these officers, who were rated as intelligent, shrewd and competent, allow Ayub and Musa – the professional simpletons, to be taken on a risky ride? One cannot keep silent on issues of this nature, when the nation’s destiny is at stake”, unquote. Col Mehdi says in “Mehdi Papers”, “the point being made is this: why those, who had the comprehension to conceive, did not protest? Did they project their views strongly enough – or at all – to those in authority? Did they ever think of offering their resignation?”, unquote. To quote one of the most outstanding of men, civil or military, to grace Pakistan, Air Marshal (Retd) Asghar Khan, “it is a pity that Ghaffar Mehdi served at a time when flattery and opportunism was at a premium and candour and courage were frowned upon. In another period – which we have yet to see in Pakistan – he would, I believe, have found his proper place”, unquote. Nations that do not honour their real heroes seldom rise above mediocrity.
Late Lt Gen Attiqur Rahman’s had this to say in his thesis on “Senior Leadership”, “I had opposed OPERATION GIBRALTAR as I saw it being launched in a total geo-strategic vacuum. To GHQ I had pointed out all its inherent contradictions both verbally as well as in writing. The authors of GIBRALTAR had mixed up commando-type operations with the classic guerrilla or insurrectional warfare. I am glad that I took a strong stand on these important issues, otherwise like many others, I would also be talking wisely with the knowledge of hindsight. Even if we were to ignore the conspiracy theory we cannot, but express with deep sorrow that it was a first-rate betrayal of hapless troops by their GHQ and own government which sent them in a place without doing its own geo-strategical spade of work”. Col SG Mehdi suffered the consequences, “I was posted out of the Command of the SSG on 31 August 1965 for telling the GHQ that in permitting to launch the half-cooked “Operation Gibraltar”, Pakistan was repeating its “Bay of Pigs”. Indeed it was fortuitous for Pakistan that Col Mehdi was moved post-haste to Sialkot to take over as Col Staff 15 Div. “I am terribly proud of one act of mine, i.e. deployment of 15 Div in their battle location a clear 48 hours before 6 September. I quoted to the GOC an Arabic proverb, “when you go out looking for the pug mark of a tiger, be prepared to come across the tiger as well”. The GOC (Brig Ismail and the four Brigade Commanders) saw the point and accepted my recommendation to move all troops to their battle locations” unquote.
With the entire Indian Armed Forces poised in offensive posture along the entire length of our borders in 2002, I was repeatedly asked at various international forums, “will you Pakistanis be able to hold the Indians?” My reply in the affirmative was based on conviction that (1) we had the military capability to hold them and (2) personal knowledge of the fighting spirit of our troops, this with grave reservations about anyone commanding Corps and Div Formations without having heard a shot fired in anger, pocket-Guderians interested only in real-estate operations, Phase by Phase. There is no substitute in command for combat experience. Subordinates are better judge of your character and ability than superiors. Credible Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) can only be given by the unit and the troops the officer has served with. Fighting on our soil and our survival, our youth in khaki, blues and whites will always be able to recall the spirit of 1965 (as opposed to 1971), containing anything that the Indians throw against us in men and material. One does pray however that neither the Indians nor us throw anything at each other anymore.
Read only what the brilliant Col SG Mehdi wrote in “Nawa-i-Waqt” nearly 25 years ago on July 3-4, 1980, “had our government initiated a probe into ‘concept’, conduct and consequences of 1965 war and raised the curtain from the acts of gross omission or that of criminal commission, the ignominy of 1971 could have been avoided. No objective study on the 1965 war would be complete without paying tributes to the great fighting spirit and unparalleled heroism of Jawans and junior officers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. The war of 1965 into which the country stumbled thus became a series of stray and isolated battles without any politico-strategic concept and perspective. Our Janbaz fought against the betrayal within and India’s regimented hordes without. They also fought against the international conspiracy of Anglo-Saxon powers. But for their glorious sacrifices, the saga of their actions, the feat of their arms, this society of ours, would be much poorer today than it already is”. And we are certainly that much poorer today for not having the wisdom to listen to the Col Mehdis of this country and this world!
Do you or anyone know if Col SG Mehdi ever wrote a book ?
Nope. He has not written a book. Just odd articles here and there.
Defence Day today
LAHORE: Nation will observe the 38th Defence of Pakistan Day on Monday (today) with a renewed pledge to defend the geographical and ideological frontiers of the motherland at every cost.
Various political, social and religious organisations will organise seminars and discourses to pay rich tributes to the gallantry of the Pakistan Armed Forces soldiers who sacrificed their lives while defending the motherland during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
In Lahore, special prayers will be offered for the prosperity and progress of the country at all the major mosques of the city after Fajr prayers. Maj-Gen Bilal Omer Khan, General Officer Commanding, will lay floral wreath at the Mazar of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal on Monday morning to pay homage to the great poet-philosopher of the East.
At Miani Sahib graveyard, Maj-Gen Naeem Ahmad will lay floral wreath at the grave of Maj Shabbir Sharif who was posthumously awarded the highest military award, Nishan-e-Haider, for laying down his life while defending the country in the 1965 war.
A similar ceremony will be held at the monument of Maj Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed along the BRB canal. Brig Syed Amjid Shabbir will lay floral wreaths on the graves of other martyrs of the September war at the Army graveyard.
Separately, a grand reception will be hosted by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Shahid Aziz at the Defence Services Officer’s Mess, Tufail Road, Lahore Cantt, in the honour of the Ghazis and the next of kin of Shuhada, and serving and retired garrison officers of Lahore and its surrounding as part of the Defence Day Celebrations.
According to ISPR press release, the Corps Commander will meet the officers and discuss with them matters pertaining to their welfare. Major (retd) Muhammad Sharif, father of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) will be chief guest on the occasion.
Senior serving officers of the local garrison and a large number of war veterans will participate the reception to pay tributes to the valiant sons of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the motherland.
Other events include Qur’aan Khawani and special prayers, flag hoisting at Army institutions, installations, units and formation headquarters of the garrison, including the Corps Headquarters. Special durbars, Bara Khana for the troops in the unit lines and band display at various public places and parks in Lahore, Kasur and Chunian will also be held.
The Pakistan Navy will also observe the Defence Day with traditional zeal and fervour to commemorate its bold and courageous operations during the Indo-Pak war of 1965. The daylong celebrations will commence with gun salute followed by offering of thanks-giving prayers and Qur’aan Khawani at all naval mosques.
Wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Mazar-e-Quaid and wreaths will also be laid at the memorials of Shuhada of Pakistan Navy at PNS Abdoze and PN Dockyard to pay tribute to their supreme sacrifices in defending the motherland. A static display of naval armament, weapons, and support equipment will be held at Pakistan Maritime Museum, Pakistan Navy press release said.
Defence of Pakistan Day declamation contests are being held at various schools to make the younger generation aware of the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Armed Forces during the 1965 war. Newspapers will bring out special supplements while Radio and TV channels will present specific programs to highlight the significance of the day in country’s history.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html
Borders to be protected at all costs: Musharraf
(Updated at 1840 PST)
ISLAMABAD: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that the borders of the country would be protected at all costs and efforts be made to further strengthen the Pakistani nation.
He said this while addressing a gathering during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new GHQ complex in Islamabad.
Musharraf said, “The presence of all the services headquarters at one place will significantly improve the performance of the Pakistan army and will result in the timely completion of projects and mutual understanding between the forces”.
The president said that the importance of time in modern day warfare couldn’t be undermined. He said that after the 1965 war it was decided that all the services headquarters would be transferred to Islamabad; however, due to scarce budget resources this project could not be completed on time.
Musharraf said that after the implementation of this project first of all the services headquarter of the Pakistan Navy was transferred to Islamabad from Karachi and after that the services headquarter of the Pakistan Air force was transferred to Islamabad from Peshawar.
He said that the decision to transfer the Pakistan Army headquarter was made in March 2000. However, the project was delayed due to important regional and international changes.
President Musharraf expressed the hope that the general headquarter will be transferred to Islamabad from Rawalpindi very soon which would be a paradigm of better performance and it would fulfill the future needs of the Pakistan army.
Earlier, the president laid the foundation stone of the new GHQ complex.
Federal ministers, chairman joint chief of staff committee, services chiefs and top civil and military officials attended the ceremony.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html
Nigerian defence team arrives
RAWALPINDI: A seven-member delegation of Nigerian Armed Forces headed by General Alexandar Odaredue Ogomudia, Chief of Defence Staff arrived on a 10-day long official visit to Pakistan. On arrival at the PAF Base Chaklala, the delegation was received by Director-General Training Joint Staff Headquarters Rear Admiral Nishat Rafi, says an ISPR press release. During its stay, the delegation will meet senior military and civil officials and discuss the matters related to the professional interest.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html
Mods please remove to another thread if appropriate.
Special edition of Jang on Defence Day:
http://jang-group.com/jang/spedition...6sep/page1.htm
Pakistani troops leave for UN tour of Burundi
KARACHI: An advance party of Pakistan Army troops left to join a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Burundi on Thursday. General commanding officer Maj Gen Asif Akhtar bid farewell to the departing troops, who were clad in blue barrettes and camouflaged uniforms. The Pak Army troops will be taking over their assignment at Cibitoke and surrounding areas. The advance party consists of 250 infantry and aviation troops and will maintain law and order in Cibitoke and its surrounding areas. The peacekeepers will be joined by two other groups. online
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-9-2004_pg7_47
aviation troops?? :confused: are they referring to army aviators or paratroopers?Quote:
advance party consists of 250 infantry and aviation troops
KARACHI (September 16 2004): Three teams participating in the Ideas 2004 defence exhibition separately called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC), General Aziz Khan, here on Wednesday.
The member of the teams from Turkmenistan, Jordan and Qatar discussed enhancement of existing bilateral relations in the field of defence production besides looking into avenues of co-operation.
The Turkmen team was led by Colonel Asherove Guchmurad. The Jordanian team was headed by Major General Abdullah (Retd) while the Qatari team was led by Brigadier Fahad Saif Al Khayarin.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
‘Armed forces to get 46 Al-Khalid tanks by 23rd’
By A H Khanzada
KARACHI: A contingent of 46 freshly prepared Al-Khalid tanks and field command vehicles SKAB will be handed over to the armed forces by September 23 this month.
This was stated by Chairman, Heavy Industries Texla, Maj-Gen Israr Ahmed Ghumman while talking to reporters here on Wednesday. He said that Pak-made tanks and other heavy military vehicles are of international standards in all capabilities and performance, and available at competitive prices.
Delegates from several countries, participating in the international defence exhibition ‘Ideas-2004’, have showed their interest to purchase these heavy military equipments and for this talks are going on positively, he said.
"There are a few countries in the world that have the ability to construct these sort of tanks and heavy military vehicles, that is why we have a huge market in this sector and through this production we can earn enough foreign exchange," he said. "Our heavy military products are the results of wars that we have had, while some of the countries manufacturing tanks have no war experience."
The chairman said: "Till date we have delivered to the armed forces about 100 tanks, which are being utilized in the units and delivering excellent results. Besides, we have supplied to the police 25 armoured vehicle ‘Mohafiz’ to fight with criminals."
Meanwhile, a mobility demonstration of the locally manufactured tank Al-Khalid, Al-Zarrar and other heavy military vehicles took place for the delegates participating in the Ideas-2004 on Wednesday. For this demonstration, an undulated field has especially been prepared where tanks Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar, and other heavy military vehicles like Saad, Maaz, SAKB successfully proved their capabilities.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html
Is Saad the new name for Al-Talha? and What is Maaz?Quote:
Originally Posted by Usman Shabbir
These 40 some tanks are going to Guides cavalry as far as I know and to the same unit Gen. Yousaf has server in the past.
Sultan, These are most definetly Army Aviation pilots, maintenance crews. Typically all Pakistani deployments overseas have an aviation component for transport, Recce/air observation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sultan
Maaz is name for the large all terrain vehicles on while missiles TELs are installedQuote:
Originally Posted by Shaheen
Army inducts mine detonation system
KARACHI (September 18 2004): Pakistan Army has recently inducted a system enabling troops to activate electrically fused mine detonations remotely via a radio link for initiation of demolition, in tactical and operational environments.
It can even be used for inoculation of radio controlled mine fields giving control on mine deployment. The system is particularly useful for intelligent mines.
A live demonstration of the gadgetry, made by a local manufacturer was prominent at the firing display held at Sonmiani (Balochistan) on Friday marking the culmination of five-day international defence exhibition Ideas-2004, organised at Expo Centre Karachi.
The system is designed for maximum reliability and safety. It has an extended operating range of up to 10km (LOS). High security is achieved by a two part firing key, only one known to the operator.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
KARACHI (September 19 2004): Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Muhammad Aziz Khan visited the Corps Headquarters here on Saturday, says an ISPR release.
On arrival at the Corps, the CJCSC was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Ahsan Saleem Hayat and introduced to staff officers.
According to sources, General Aziz Khan remained with the corps Commander for some time during which matters of professional interest came under discussion, the ISPR release concluded.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
Can anyone tell me if Pakistan makes the ERA (explosive reactive armour) for its tanks itself indigenously or is ERA imported from other countries and used on our tanks.
Does HIT have capability to make ERA ?
thanks
(MODS if you think this question is inappropriate delete it. Dont tell me to go to JANES and read the glossary) :)
Ammar,
Please run a search on the forum hopefully you'll find answers to your questions. If not check websites of DEPO, AWC, HIT, POF, etc.
Thanks for replying. HKhan please give me the URL of DEPO and HIT. I have the other websites. I have not been able to find the URL's of DEPO or HIT. I will really appreciate.Quote:
Originally Posted by H Khan
thank you.
http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/defencepr...sion/index.jsp
Not sure about ERA production being done in-house though. It does provide the spec. for the type of Composite ERA, but does not state if its made in Pakistan or somewhere else...
I will be very grateful if u can give me the exact link where ERA info is given. I cannot find anything like that on the LINK you gave.Quote:
Originally Posted by syed saad
thanks
Under the protection section at http://www.depo.org.pk/products/hit/alkhalid.htm
Not much to figure out if its locally produced or not.
Thanks a lot Syed Saad for your help. You have solved a great puzzle for me today. I needed to shut someone up . He was claiming PAK does not make ERA, so i showed him this link. Look at this :
http://www.depo.org.pk/products/ids/armour.htm
IDS makes ERA for Pakistan. They even release DETAILED specifications.
No problem. You did all the digging. ;)
RAWALPINDI (September 21 2004): General Muhammad Aziz Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee on Monday paid a farewell visit to Mangla, Kharian, Gujranwala and Sialkot garrisons.
On arrival at Mangla and Gujranwala, Lieutenant General Javed Alam and Lieutenant General Javed Hassan respective Corps Commanders warmly received the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Later, General Muhammad Aziz Khan who is also Colonel in Chief of Punjab Regiment addressed the troops of Punjab Regiment at Kharian, Mangla and Sialkot garrisons.
He also met the Corps Commanders Lieutenant General Javed Alam and Lieutenant General Javed Hassan in their respective headquarters.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
The VCOAS General Muhammad Yusaf Khan and CJCSC General Muhammad Aziz Khan will be retiring on the 7th of October 2004. Currently, both the officers are performing farewell visits to the different formations.
Any guesses who the new VCOAS (or COAS maybe) and CJCSC will be?
Cheers,
So no chance of extension for these two? pity as they had service left I think.
Ahsan Saleeem Hayat, Ghulam Mustafa, Ehsanul Haque are possible for VCOAS/COAS. CJCSC maybe the naval chief or one of the senior generals from Army.
Musharraf may appoint a new COAS and become CJCSC himself also.
Shaheen,
I dont know what you mean by service left. As I understand it, they are both going to complete their 3 years as a 4 star which is the standard limit.
Initially, i remember Kamran Khan used to start rumors about who the new chief is going to be. This time he is quiet as well. I guess only God and Prez knows who it is going to be :)
Cheers,
After the completion of their 3 year term they could vould get a 4th year extension by the law. Which i think will happen.
Rommel,
I was talking about the retirement age. I think both Aziz and Yousuf are below the retirement age. And as syed yusuf said above you can get an extension of one year (and beyond) after the 3 years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaheen
I doubt in these positions you get an extension. Only time the extension was given to ACM Shamim, Zia, and now Musharraf.
During ayub khan time there was also an extension to some of his favorite generals. I do not remember the name.
Gen. Musa.Quote:
Originally Posted by syed_yusuf
From what I have heard, there is absolutely no motivation to keep Gen. Aziz after he is done with his 3 year deal as he has indulged in a bit of politicking.
Quote:
Originally Posted by syed saad
How about Gen. Yousuf?
Pakistan Press International Information Services Limited
DISTRICTT.(HYD.): ARMY RECRUITMENT
HYDERABAD, Sep.17 (PPI): Army Selection and Recruitment Center
Hyderabad has announced its mobile recruitment schedule for the months of
September and October for recruitment of youth in Pakistan Army. According
to schedule issued here Friday Mobile Selection and Recruitment Center
Hyderabad would carry out registration and selection for recruitment in
Pakistan Army on September 20,2004 at Municipal Committee Mirpurkhas,
on September 22 at Municipal Committee Badin, on September 23 at Town
Committee Mithi, on September 27 at Town Committee Shahdadpur, on
September 29 at Municipal Committee Nawabshah,on September 30 at Municipal
Committee Sanghar, on October 4 at Town Committee Jhuddo, on October 6 at
Town Committee Mithi, on October 8 at Town Committee Hala,on October 11
at Municipal Committee Badin, on October 13 at Municipal Committee
Nawabshah, on October 14 at Municipal Committee Sanghar,on October 15 at
Municipal Committee Mirpurkhas,on October 18 at Town Committee Digri, on
October 20 at Town Committee Umerkot,on October 21 at Town Committee
Samaro, on October 27 at Municipal Committee Badin, on October 28 at Town
Committee Mithi and mobile recruitment team will recruit the youth on
October 29 at Municipal Committee Mirpurkhas. The interested candidates
have been advised to bring original domicile, PRC, Matric/Intemediate
Marks Certificate,School Leaving Certificate, photo copy of NIC/Form B
and 2 passport size photographs with them.
Very professional. However he probably will not be (and may not want to be) retained after the 3 year tenure.Quote:
Originally Posted by H Khan
That is not the reason. He was made khudday line after september 11 due to his religious self, so no motivation to give him an extension now. CJCSC is a largely ceremonial post to begin with.Quote:
Originally Posted by syed saad
General Aziz, to the best of my knowledge has no extremest religious connections or motivations. He as as religious as most of the other soldiers (Gen. Pervez included :)).
Cheers,