Team Interaction
The 1965 war between India and Pakistan was a defining moment in their history, deeply tied to the long-standing Kashmir dispute. What began as skirmishes in the Rann of Kutch quickly escalated into a full-scale war on September 6, when India launched an attack on Lahore and Sialkot. In response, General Ayub Khan, the then president, addressed the nation, calling for unity and resilience in defending the homeland. Despite being initially caught off guard, the Pakistani military and civilians displayed remarkable courage. The Pakistan Army, though outnumbered, fought heroically in battles like Chawinda and Jassar, successfully repelling Indian advances. The Pakistan Navy carried out a bold operation against the Indian port of Dwarka, while the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) dominated the skies with decisive strikes on Indian airbases at Pathankot and Halwara.
Throughout the conflict, Pakistan witnessed extraordinary acts of bravery, with heroes like Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) making the ultimate sacrifice. The war also united civilians, students, and the media in an unprecedented display of patriotism. As both nations suffered heavy losses, the war ended in a stalemate, paving the way for the Tashkent Agreement under UN mediation. Facing American disapproval and recognizing the need for diplomacy, Ayub Khan took significant steps to improve ties with the Soviet Union. His efforts, along with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s skilled negotiations, led to Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin visiting Islamabad in an attempt to normalize relations.
The same year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, delivered a resolute address at the United Nations General Assembly, accompanied by atomic scientist Aziz Ahmed. With unwavering determination, he articulated Pakistan’s stance on nuclear deterrence, famously declaring, “If India builds the [nuclear] bomb, we will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will get one of [our] own… We have no other choice.” His words featured Pakistan’s deep commitment to developing nuclear capabilities in response to regional security challenges.
Following this bold declaration, Bhutto worked closely with renowned scientists Abdus Salam and Munir Ahmad Khan to strengthen Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure. This teamwork led to significant strides in nuclear power development, including a commercial nuclear power plant agreement with General Electric Canada, alongside additional accords with the United Kingdom and France. These efforts laid the foundation for Pakistan’s long-term nuclear goals.
However, in 1966, Bhutto’s political career took a turbulent turn when he vehemently opposed the Tashkent Agreement a peace accord signed to resolve the Indo-Pakistani conflict. His strong dissent put him at odds with President Ayub Khan, ultimately leading to his dismissal from the cabinet. Bhutto’s removal sparked widespread protests and labor strikes, particularly in West Pakistan, where public discontent with Ayub Khan’s leadership grew. The unrest further eroded the President’s authority, marking a turning point in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Amidst this political turbulence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League unveiled a six-point program in 1966, advocating for substantial regional autonomy. This proposal was firmly rejected by Bhutto, leading to heightened tensions between East and West Pakistan. Concurrently, economist Mahbub ul Haq published a report highlighting economic disparities and the concentration of wealth among a selected few families, intensifying calls for systemic reforms.
In an attempt to showcase the nation’s progress, Ayub Khan commemorated a “Decade of Development” in 1968. Contrarily, this celebration was met with intense criticism from student organizations and leftist groups, who accused his administration of promoting crony capitalism, exploiting workers, and suppressing the rights of various ethnic groups, including Bengalis, Sindhis, Baloches, and Pashtoons. These grievances further fueled nationalist sentiments, especially in East Pakistan, where the demand for autonomy gained momentum.
In response to the growing demand for change, a socialist convention convened in Lahore in 1967, bringing together leftist intellectuals and activists. This assembly culminated in the formation of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), with Bhutto elected as its inaugural chairman. The PPP leadership, including figures like J.A. Rahim and Mubashir Hassan, pledged to challenge Ayub Khan’s regime through the mobilization of popular support. The PPP’s emergence coincided with a surge in labor strikes and civil unrest throughout the country, as diverse groups united in opposition to Ayub Khan’s policies. International criticism, notably from the United States, further eroded his authority. By late 1968, escalating protests and political pressure compelled Ayub Khan to resign, leading to the imposition of martial law under General Yahya Khan.
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Post-Independence history of Pakistan (1965-1968)
