by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
India, once again, has resorted to its old and familiar pattern of aggression by attacking civilian populations under the cover of darkness. This cowardly tactic, reminiscent of the night of September 6, 1965, reflects not strength but a deep-rooted fear of facing a determined and united nation head-on. That historic night, India miscalculated Pakistan’s resolve and spirit, believing a surprise assault could shatter our defences and will. But instead, what followed was a resounding lesson in courage, patriotism, and unity — a lesson written in the blood and sacrifice of our brave soldiers and the resilience of our people.
Today, the same story seems to be repeating itself, albeit in a different context and time. But the essence of Indian hostility remains unchanged; treachery, deceit, and targeting innocents in hopes of breaking the moral fabric of our nation. What the enemy fails to understand, however, is that Pakistan is not a nation to be broken by such tactics. Our strength lies not just in our weaponry, but in our unwavering faith, unity, and deep-rooted love for our homeland.
The enemy should remember that there is a big difference between 1965 and 2025. This is a different era — one where Pakistan stands as a nuclear power, equipped with advanced missile technology, modern warplanes, and a robust defence system. Yet even greater than these material strengths is the spirit of faith and martyrdom that burns bright in the hearts of our people — a spirit the enemy utterly lacks. Our technological might is formidable, but it is the unshakable conviction in our cause that truly sets us apart.
Every Pakistani today, whether in uniform or not, is a soldier of this land. Our armed forces stand alert and fearless, but behind them stands an entire nation that shares their courage and conviction. Just as Major Raja Aziz Bhatti laid down his life defending Lahore in 1965, and MM Alam etched his name in history by downing five enemy aircraft in a single sortie, our sons and daughters today are imbued with the same fire and passion. Their spirits are not shaken; they are steeled by history, faith, and an unyielding belief in Pakistan’s sovereignty and justice.
The enemy’s mistake is to assume that the passage of time has dulled our memory or diminished our spirit. They have underestimated the resolve that courses through the veins of every Pakistani, from the rugged mountains of the north to the coasts of the Arabian Sea. This is not just a conflict of arms, but of principles — and we have always stood on the right side of history. Our cause is just, our intentions clear, and our faith unshaken. We do not desire war, but we will never back down from defending our land, our people, and our honour.
God willing, this time too, the response will be such that the cowardly enemy will never forget. Not only will their current aggression be repelled with force and fury, but the lesson we deliver will echo across generations. The future children of those who today raise their hands against Pakistan will be told tales — not of valour, but of the humiliation they inherited because of reckless decisions and misplaced arrogance. Our reply will not only be on the battlefield but will also manifest in the unity of our people, in the strategic brilliance of our commanders, and in the unshakable resolve that binds us as a nation.
We have never been the aggressors. But when provoked, we have shown time and again that the people of Pakistan are second to none in bravery, sacrifice, and love for their motherland. The skies may witness our fighter jets once again scripting legends like MM Alam. The borders may once again echo with the courage of soldiers who hold their ground like Aziz Bhatti. And the cities and villages of Pakistan will stand tall, united in prayer and patriotism, ready to contribute to the cause in every way possible.
This is not merely a matter of national security; it is a matter of national pride. It is about sending a clear message to those who believe they can intimidate us with cowardly actions. Let it be known — we are ready. Ready not just to defend but to respond with such strength and resolve that the very thought of repeating such actions will become a nightmare for the enemy for generations.
In times like these, it is not just the weapons or the numbers that matter — it is the spirit of the people. And in Pakistan, that spirit is unbreakable. We draw strength from our martyrs, from our history, and from our faith. We are a nation forged through sacrifice, tested through trials, and made stronger by each challenge we overcome. The path may not be easy, but our direction is clear. Victory, with God’s will, shall be ours — not just in the battlefield, but in the hearts and minds of all those who stand for justice, peace, and sovereignty.
And so, we stand today, just as we stood in 1965 — firm, fearless, and faithful. Let the enemy come in the dark if they must. We are the nation that lights up the darkness with the fire of our resolve. We are ready — not just for today, but for every challenge that tomorrow may bring.