Eighth Day of September 1965 War: Pakistan Forces Launch Fierce Attacks, Destroy 70 Indian Aircraft

Islamabad (Web Desk) — On the eighth day of the September 1965 Pakistan-India war, the Indian forces suffered setbacks on every front. Deeply frustrated by continuous failures and retreats, the Indian Air Force reportedly began targeting civilian populations. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces launched effective counterattacks, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.

The Indian Air Force bombed civilian areas in Wazirabad, Chiniot and Sargodha, as well as hospitals and district courts in Sialkot. In response, the Pakistan Army carried out effective operations, forcing Indian troops to retreat from areas around Lahore and Sialkot. In the Sialkot sector, Pakistani forces reportedly destroyed 21 enemy tanks and seized a large quantity of military equipment. The remarkable successes of Pakistan’s armed forces sparked great enthusiasm among the public, with large numbers of citizens taking to the streets to encourage and support their troops. On the occupied Kashmir front, Indian forces also suffered heavy losses, while an important three-mile-long road linking Srinagar with Kargil was completely destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force also inflicted significant losses on the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional operational skill, the Pakistan Navy reportedly carried out a successful 12-hour operation against India’s strategically important naval base at Dwarka and its radar station, leaving them severely damaged. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force launched a powerful attack on Indian Air Force bases at Halwara near Ludhiana and, according to the account, destroyed more than 70 Indian aircraft within just 36 hours, establishing complete dominance in the skies.