Pakistan, Sept. 5 -- September 6 is one such date in the history of Pakistan which will always be remembered with dignity, self respect and national pride.

On that day in 1965, when Indian forces crossed the international border and launched a major offensive towards Lahore, Pakistan's armed forces stood between the aggressor and the homeland. What followed was not merely a military confrontation. It became a defining demonstration of national unity, courage and sacrifice.

The road to war had already been paved by growing tensions over Kashmir, the Rann of Kutch clashes and subsequent fighting in Kashmir. When India widened the conflict by opening the Lahore and Sialkot fronts, Pakistan was compelled to defend its territory.

The defenc...