18th Day of September 1965 War: Pakistan Forces Continue Their Victorious Advance

RAWALPINDI: The 18th day of the September 1965 war further highlighted the courage, determination and battlefield resilience of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, as Pakistani troops maintained pressure on Indian forces across several fronts.

By this stage of the war, Pakistan’s military narrative portrayed India as having suffered major losses in men and equipment, while Pakistani forces continued to hold the initiative on important battlefronts.

Heavy Losses for Indian Forces

According to Pakistani wartime figures, Indian forces had lost 453 tanks and 106 combat aircraft, while 18 Indian tanks had been captured by Pakistani troops.

These figures were cited in Pakistan’s wartime accounts as evidence of the heavy price paid by Indian forces during the conflict.

Pakistan Maintains Pressure on Sialkot and Jammu Fronts

On the Sialkot and Jammu fronts, Pakistani troops continued their advance and maintained strong pressure on Indian formations.

Pakistani forces also captured additional positions while inflicting further losses on Indian troops and military equipment.

In the Wagah and Attari sectors, Pakistani troops destroyed seven Indian tanks and captured 10 Indian soldiers as prisoners of war.

Indian Attacks Defeated at Khem Karan

The Khem Karan front once again witnessed fierce fighting.

Pakistan’s artillery maintained continuous fire against advancing Indian formations and successfully repulsed four Indian attacks, preventing them from achieving their objectives.

The Pakistani defence at Khem Karan became another example of the resistance offered by Pakistani troops against Indian advances.

Victories From Fazilka to Akhnoor

Pakistani forces also continued their battlefield operations in Fazilka, Rajasthan and Akhnoor, where they claimed further successes against Indian forces.

In the Rajouri sector, Pakistani troops launched an attack against an Indian battalion and killed three Indian soldiers.

The continued operations demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to keep pressure on Indian forces across widely separated fronts.

PAF Strikes Ambala

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) once again displayed its combat capability by striking the Indian Air Force base at Ambala.

According to Pakistani accounts, the attack caused severe damage to military installations and destroyed four Canberra bomber aircraft.

The strike added to the pressure being placed on Indian air operations and demonstrated the reach and effectiveness of the PAF during the war.

Pakistan’s Spirit Remains Unbroken

The 18th day of the war became another chapter in Pakistan’s military history, marked by determined resistance on the ground and aggressive air operations in the skies.

From Sialkot and Jammu to Khem Karan, Rajouri and Ambala, Pakistani forces continued to defend national territory while taking the fight to Indian military positions.

The bravery of Pakistan’s soldiers and airmen during the 1965 war remains a significant part of the country’s military heritage and continues to be remembered as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and national resolve.