September 7, 1965: Pakistan Air Force Dominates the Seventh Day of War

The seventh day of the 1965 war, September 7, saw intense fighting between Pakistan and India on several fronts.

India threatened to extend the war to East Pakistan. An Indian spokesman admitted that attacks on Lahore, Sulemanki and Ferozepur had failed, while Indian forces were facing heavy losses on different fronts.

On September 7, Pakistan claimed that 31 Indian aircraft were destroyed, bringing the total number of Indian aircraft destroyed to 53.

President Ayub Khan praised the Pakistan Air Force for its outstanding performance. He said that only a plebiscite could bring lasting peace to Kashmir and called on the United Nations to fulfil its promises to the Kashmiri people.

The spokesman of the Kashmir Revolutionary Council warned India that Kashmiris would defeat Indian plans.

Commander-in-Chief General Musa ordered retired military officers and soldiers to report for duty. East Pakistan Governor Abdul Monem Khan also warned India that any aggression against East Pakistan would have serious consequences.

Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral A.R. Khan urged naval forces to meet the expectations of the nation. Pakistan Navy ships Babar, Khaibar, Badr, Jahangir, Alamgir, Shah Jahan and Tipu Sultan kept the enemy contained within its own waters.

Major General Akhtar Hussain was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat for showing outstanding bravery in the Jaurian sector of Kashmir.

President Ayub Khan also called on UN Secretary-General U Thant to fulfil the promises made to the people of Kashmir.

Pakistan assured the Sikh community that the sanctity of their holy places would be protected under all circumstances.