Scene 1: War Council at Dawn
Location: GHQ Rawalpindi | Date: September 1, 1965 | Time: 04:00 AM
A heavy silence blanketed the operations room as maps, markers, and field reports covered every flat surface. General Akhtar Malik stood in front of a massive wall map, tracing a line from Chamb to Akhnoor with a chalk.
"We strike at first light," he announced, turning to face the senior command.
Brigadier Nazir added, "Our objective is simple — seize Chamb, cross the Tawi River, and threaten Akhnoor. We cut India's logistics and split Jammu."
"Intel says the Indian 10th Division is scattered and ill-prepared," Akhtar said.
Lieutenant General Musa nodded gravely. "It's now or never. May Allah be with our boys."
Scene 2: Thunder at Chamb
Location: Chamb Sector | Time: 06:15 AM, September 1, 1965
Columns of Pakistani Patton tanks rumbled forward through the dusty plains of Chamb, supported by artillery fire from the rear. Infantrymen ran in formation along the cover of irrigation ditches.
Captain Farooq, commanding Alpha Company of the 4th Azad Kashmir Regiment, peered through his binoculars. Smoke rose in the distance.
"Enemy bunkers near the canal bridge!" he shouted.
A barrage of shells roared ahead. The earth trembled. As the tanks advanced, the Indian defenders scattered.
"Push forward! Flank right!" Farooq ordered. The unit moved with precision, taking the bridge after a short skirmish.
A soldier from his unit raised the green crescent flag over a captured post. Cheers erupted.
Scene 3: Fire at Jaurian
Location: Jaurian Sector, Near Indian Forward Post | Date: September 2, 1965
By midday, Pakistani forces had penetrated deep into Indian territory. The once quiet villages of the Jaurian sector now echoed with gunfire and the rumble of mechanized armor.
Major Tariq led the 11 Cavalry through a narrow gully.
"Incoming!" shouted a scout.
An Indian recoilless rifle exploded against the side armor of the lead tank. It lurched to the side, flames bursting from its hatch.
"Evade and fire! Left quadrant!"
Pakistani tanks opened up, and in minutes, two enemy bunkers were reduced to rubble.
The infantry moved in to clear remaining resistance.
Major Tariq radioed command. "Jaurian line breached. Proceeding towards Akhnoor road."
Scene 4: India Scrambles
Location: Indian Army Command Post, Jammu | Time: September 2, 1965, 08:00 PM
Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh stood with a cigarette in hand, his face tense as he listened to reports.
"Pakistan's armored units have moved dangerously close to Akhnoor. We underestimated them," his aide reported.
Singh snapped, "Mobilize reinforcements. And alert Delhi. This could be their big move."
Behind him, a map showed red pins falling closer to vital supply lines.
"We will not let them take Akhnoor," he muttered, clenching his jaw.
Scene 5: Delay and Change of Command
Location: GHQ Rawalpindi | Date: September 2, 1965, Late Night
In a darkened conference room, a controversial decision was underway.
President Ayub Khan, surrounded by his top brass, paced slowly.
"General Akhtar has done well, but we must think politically. Time for General Yahya Khan to take over the operation."
Lieutenant General Musa looked uneasy. "Sir, mid-operation command change could jeopardize the momentum."
Ayub's tone turned final. "Do it."
By morning, General Yahya Khan was en route to the front, with new directives.
Scene 6: Soldiers in the Mud
Location: Near Akhnoor | Date: September 3, 1965
Rain turned the battlefield into a muddy wasteland. Tanks slowed, and infantry movement became grueling. Supplies were delayed.
Captain Farooq's unit took shelter in a ravaged barn.
"Water's low. Ammo's half-stocked. Still no air support," a junior officer said.
Farooq leaned against a wall, eyes red. "We had them running. Now we wait?"
Scene 7: UN Steps In
Location: United Nations HQ, New York | Date: September 4, 1965
The Security Council convened in urgency. Reports of escalating conflict and international concern over nuclear tensions drew global attention.
The Pakistani delegate spoke passionately: "We acted only after provocation and encroachment."
The Indian delegate countered: "This was a planned offensive masked as defense."
UN Secretary-General U Thant proposed a ceasefire. Diplomatic channels buzzed.
Scene 8: Pullback and Reflection
Location: GHQ Rawalpindi | Date: September 5, 1965
General Yahya returned from the front lines.
"We've taken Chamb. The road to Akhnoor remains closed—but our forces are exhausted, supplies strained."
Ayub nodded solemnly. "We proved our point. Let the diplomats speak now."
Brigadier Nazir whispered to another officer, "We won the ground, but not the war."
Outside, a soldier lit a cigarette under a fading sky.
End of Chapter 17