Indian forces dreamt to capture major cities of Pakistan and suddenly attacked on Pakistan to give practical shape to its dream in September 1965 and used maximum strength of air and ground forces for the purpose. Sialkot district was attacked by Indian army with heavy gun fires and shelling while air force attacked Sialkot railway station and historic Fort as a result of which several parts damaged while a large number of people lost their lives and property was damaged badly. The Indian army was advancing with the help of tanks to Pakistani territory for capturing Sialkot to de-link it from other parts of the country. About 600 tanks entered in Chawinda, Phalora and Alhar area for controlling Sialkot and its adjoining areas to use as base for accelerating the operation within Pakistan once captured.

Pak Army retaliated, which resulted in the biggest tank battle after World War-II fought in Khanawali area where Pakistan army repulsed aggression and Indian army faced humiliating defeat. Khanawali area is still remembered as "Graveyard of Indian Tanks" where 600 tanks were blown up. The local people had constructed a monument in Khanawali in the memory of heroes of 1965.

During a visit to this historic area (Khanawali) on Tuesday it was witnessed that a large number of people belonging to different walks of life are visiting graves to offer Fateh to those who embarrassed Shahadat in defence of their motherland and flower wreath were laid on the graves of Shuhada. It was also observed that a large number of females, males and students of various institution were also visiting memorial of Shuhada of September 1965 war and also visiting Khanawali to witness the battle field where the biggest tank battle was fought.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019