EVERY Sept 6, Pakistan marks Defence Day to celebrate the determination of the nation and its armed forces to defend the country against India’s aggression in 1965. The war lasted only 17 days, and peace was restored by the Tashkent Agreement of 1966. As happens in most wars, there were no real winners. India was unable to penetrate Pakistan’s defences. Pakistan could not liberate Jammu and Kashmir illegally occupied by India.
Regrettably, the experience of 1965 war did not prevent the two countries from fighting another war in 1971, leading to the separation of East Pakistan. In 1999, another limited war took place on the Kargil heights.