By Rana Irfan Rafi
Recently, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Hafiz Asim Munir, visited the Sialkot sector near the Line of Control (LOC), where tensions are once again rising. What made this visit powerful and historic was the sight of General Asim Munir standing on top of a Pakistani tank, fearlessly facing the enemy. His brave action and bold words became a strong message to India, and a wave of motivation for the Pakistani people. That single moment reminded the whole nation of a similar time in our past — the 1965 war and the famous Battle of Chawinda.
In 1965, India launched a large-scale surprise attack on Pakistan. Their aim was to enter the Sialkot region and break Pakistan into two. They sent nearly 600 tanks, including Centurion and Sherman models, during the night of September 8. India believed Pakistan would not be able to resist such a huge force, especially under the cover of darkness. But they were wrong. Pakistan’s soldiers, with fewer tanks and resources, stood firm with full courage and unmatched patriotism. The small town of Chawinda became the centre of this historic clash. At that time, Pakistan had only around 300 to 350 tanks, mainly Patton tanks. But what we lacked in numbers, we made up for in bravery and belief in our mission. The army was led on the battlefield by Major General Abrar Hussain, while General Tikka Khan arrived at the front lines and gave a speech that touched the hearts of everyone present.
His words were so powerful that they did not only encourage the soldiers, but also moved the local people. After General Tikka Khan’s emotional speech, civilians from nearby areas began to come to Chawinda to help the army. Some brought food and water, others helped the wounded. And there were even some who showed extreme courage — tying bombs to their bodies and lying down in front of enemy tanks, sacrificing their lives to stop the Indian advance. These were not trained soldiers, but ordinary citizens who had become part of Pakistan’s defence. Their love for their homeland was greater than any fear of death. The battle at Chawinda soon became one of the largest tank battles in world history after World War II. The Pakistani army, with fewer tanks, managed to stop the massive Indian assault. In this intense fighting, India lost around 120 to 150 tanks, while Pakistan lost about 40 to 60. The Indian army could not break through.
Chawinda earned a new name after that battle: “The Graveyard of Indian Tanks.” That moment in history still lives in the hearts of Pakistanis. And now, in 2025, the situation again feels familiar. Once again, India is placing tanks near the LOC. Once again, they are testing Pakistan’s patience. But this time, Pakistan has General Asim Munir — a soldier known not only for his leadership but also for his personal courage. By standing on a tank in a live battle zone, he reminded both friend and foe of one thing: Pakistan will never be afraid. General Asim Munir’s message was clear. He reminded India that this is not 1965 when they thought they could win through a surprise attack. This is 2025, and Pakistan is ready. The modern Pakistani army is stronger, better trained, and well-equipped. More importantly, the spirit of sacrifice among the people is still alive — just like it was in 1965.Pakistan is not just a land — it is a belief. It is a country built on the idea of Islam, and its people are not afraid to give their lives when their faith, honour, or freedom is challenged. The people of Sialkot and Chawinda have a history of giving sacrifices for Pakistan. General Asim Munir understands that well.
He knows that if war is forced upon us again, the people of this land will rise up, just as they did before. Pakistan does not want war. We believe in peace. Our country wants development, jobs, education, and a bright future for our youth. But if war is brought to our borders, Pakistan will never step back. We will respond with full strength, courage, and unity. That has been our history, and that will be our future too. The visit of General Asim Munir, his brave stance, and his message have once again awakened the spirit of Chawinda. It is the same soil. It is the same nation. And the same powerful message echoes across the land: If India chooses war, it must be ready to face not only the army, but a nation of believers ready to sacrifice everything. From the fields of Chawinda in 1965 to the tanks at the LOC in 2025, one thing is clear — the Pakistani spirit is alive, and Pakistan is always ready to defend its honour.
The author is a free-lance writer and associated with development sector
