Day 4 of 1965 War: When Pakistan’s Brave Sons Stood Between Their Homeland and the Enemy

On the fourth day of the September 1965 war, Indian Foreign Minister Indira Gandhi claimed that India would use force to resolve the Kashmir dispute with Pakistan once and for all.

China openly supported Pakistan and said that India had committed aggression. China’s state-run newspaper, People’s Daily, reported that Pakistan’s armed forces had pushed Indian troops back from the Line of Control in self-defence after their incursion into Pakistani territory.

Pakistan’s General Headquarters (GHQ) ordered all formations to take defensive measures against India. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Afzal Rahman Khan also directed all Pakistan Navy ships to take defensive positions in Pakistani waters.

The Pakistan Navy prepared its long-range submarine and PNS Ghazi to monitor Indian naval movements. PNS Ghazi was also tasked with countering the threat posed by Indian warships, including INS Mysore and INS Delhi.

In the Jaurian sector, a platoon of 6 Frontier Force Regiment, led by Second Lieutenant Shabbir Sharif, attacked an important Indian position at Trawti. The battle was intense, and several Pakistani soldiers were martyred.

Second Lieutenant Shabbir Sharif showed exceptional courage by rescuing his troops from an Indian encirclement, reorganising them and launching another attack. He also brought back the bodies of six martyrs and 15 wounded soldiers.

He launched a third attack and forced an Indian artillery gun to withdraw. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, bravery and military skills, Second Lieutenant Shabbir Sharif was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force successfully foiled an attempt by the Indian Air Force to violate Pakistani airspace.