History Of Pakistan | What Happened in 1965 # 001 | Faisal Warraich

Summary

In the 1960s, Pakistan's leadership, including President Ayub Khan, Gen. Musa, and Foreign Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, strategized on resolving the Kashmir dispute. Despite India's refusal to acknowledge it as a dispute, Bhutto advocated military action within Indian-occupied Kashmir. Gen. Akhtar Hussain Malik's leadership revitalized the 12-Division, boosting morale and defense. The script details the escalation to Operation Gibraltar, a covert military plan to incite an armed struggle in Kashmir, aiming to force India to the negotiation table.

Takeaways

• 😐 In the 1960s, Pakistan's leadership, including President Ayub Khan, Army Chief Gen. Musa, and Foreign Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, strategized on how to bring India to the negotiating table regarding the Kashmir issue.
• 🏁 Indian leaders, including Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri, refused to engage in talks with Pakistan on Kashmir, considering it an integral part of India.
• 💪 Bhutto advocated for military action within the Indian-controlled territory of Kashmir, while Gen. Musa expressed concerns about the readiness of the Pakistani army for such an offensive.
• 🔄 The Line of Control between Azad Kashmir and Indian Occupied Kashmir was known as the Ceasefire Line in 1965, with a significant numerical disparity between the forces of India and Pakistan.
• 👥 The Azad Kashmir Regular Force, which was part of the 12-Division of the Pakistan Army, was not up to the standard of the regular army and faced issues with morale and resources.
• 🔝 Major Gen. Akhtar Hussain Malik's leadership revitalized the 12-Division, improving conditions and boosting morale among the Azad Force soldiers.
• 🚀 Gen. Malik and Bhutto pushed for a military solution to the Kashmir issue, advocating for a proactive approach to force India to address the dispute.
• 🌟 The Pakistani government, under Ayub Khan, initially reluctant, eventually considered a military operation due to India's unyielding stance on Kashmir.
• 🔥 The Runn of Kutch conflict in April 1965, where Pakistan achieved a victory, bolstered President Ayub Khan's confidence in taking military action in Kashmir.
• 🛑 Operation Gibraltar was planned and approved, aiming to infiltrate guerrilla forces into Indian-controlled Kashmir to initiate an uprising and eventually lead to a larger military confrontation.

Q & A

What was the main issue discussed by Pakistan's leaders in the 1960s?

The main issue discussed by Pakistan's leaders in the 1960s was how to bring India to the negotiation table to resolve the Kashmir issue, as India did not consider it a dispute and had declared Kashmir an integral part of India.

What was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's stance on the Kashmir issue?

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto believed in using force instead of talks to resolve the Kashmir issue and advocated for military action inside the territory of Kashmir occupied by India.

Why was General Musa hesitant about a military solution to the Kashmir issue?

General Musa was nervous about a military solution because he felt that the Pakistan Army was not ready for such an offensive and suggested delaying the matter for a year or two.

Who was the new commander of the 12-Division of the Pakistan Army, and what changes did he bring?

Major Gen. Akhtar Hussain Malik was the new commander of the 12-Division. He rejuvenated the division by demanding more funds, improving the pay-scale and promotions for the soldiers, and boosting their morale.

What was the situation of the Azad Force before Gen. Malik took command?

Before Gen. Malik took command, the Azad Force was not trained to the standard of the regular Pakistan Army, lacked free food and uniform, and their morale was declining, leading to a weakening command and control system.

How did the Indian government's actions in Kashmir affect the situation in the 1960s?

The Indian government's actions, such as extending the jurisdiction of the Indian Supreme Court to Occupied Kashmir and formally annexing Kashmir to India, led to protests and a decline in the living conditions of the Kashmiri people, escalating the conflict.

What was the significance of the Runn of Kutch incident in 1965?

The Runn of Kutch incident in 1965 was significant as it resulted in a defeat for India, leading to a new demarcation of territory that incorporated 800 square miles of Indian land into Pakistan, which boosted the confidence of President Ayub Khan.

What was Operation Gibraltar and what were its phases?

Operation Gibraltar was a secret military operation planned by Pakistan to force India to resolve the Kashmir dispute. It was to be executed in three phases: infiltrating guerrilla forces into Occupied Kashmir to weaken Indian control, helping Kashmiris initiate an armed struggle, and finally, marching into Indian-held Kashmir with Pakistani troops and Azad Force to gain control.

What was the role of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in advocating for military action in Kashmir?

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, was a strong advocate for military action in Kashmir. He, along with Gen. Malik, persuaded President Ayub Khan to consider a major military action across the Ceasefire Line.

What were the concerns of General Musa regarding an immediate military action in Kashmir?

General Musa was concerned about the readiness of the Pakistan Army for an immediate military action in Kashmir. He cited the military strength disparity with India and the lack of a domestic military industry in Pakistan as reasons for his concerns.