Flight of the Falcon Read online

  Unfortunately, the armed forces have become the punching bags for all the ills of the country. Nothing is farther from the truth. The combat crews from the army, navy and especially the PAF have fought with indomitable courage to thwart a larger and more resourceful enemy in conflicts and the two wars. Who pushed us into the devastation of wars is a moot point and will be the focus of my book.

  The performance and sacrifices of the fighting men saved Pakistan, pushed to the brink by the self-proclaimed ‘Field Marshal’ Ayub Khan in 1965. Was the coveted rank of a Field Marshal worn in the tradition of FieldMarshal Rommel and Guderian or was it reminiscent of Field Marshal Raglan of the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ infamy in the Crimean war in which Raglan’s poor soldering qualities caused the death of 75% of the ‘Light Brigade’? Only an honest and courageous nation could have begged such a question.

  Have we learnt anything from history? The present generation should realize that when you allow yourself to be led by defeated persons you should not expect anything better. Did Ayub Khan’s controversial appointee, General Musa, have the wherewithal of commanding one of the best armies in the world? History says nay to both questions. So why is the nation surprised at what followed with such persons at the helm?

  After I had retired from active life and had time for introspection, all these thoughts gathered like a storm in my head. The nation had been fed abject lies for half a century and its people, including me, took it hook line and sinker. At the national level, there has been a lack of propensity for learning about the truth of how and why Pakistan had gone into a downward spiral soon after the death of the Quaid.

  In my early air force years, all we experienced was merit, integrity, honesty and passionate pride in wearing a Pakistani uniform. This was during the era of Air Marshal Asghar Khan and it lasted until 1971. Soon after, the PAF began to slide, as had the other institutions in the country since the mid-fifties. After the first Martial Law it was heydays for quislingsand courtesans in high places and mediocrity

  xviii | Flight of the Falcon flourished. This moral degradation was condoned at a grave risk which resulted in the professional and moral destruction of institutions and society. Why had mediocre people wrested the lead in every facet of life from national institutions to politics? Why were corruption and thievery condoned and honesty and excellence sniggered at? Yes, I was confounded by these questions and especially as to what happened to the Quaid’s vision of a Pakistan where justice, fair play, dedication to duty and merit was to be the yardstick for Pakistani citizens irrespective of their personal beliefs, their faith, and preferred way of life. It was mind boggling to grasp how far away we had drifted from the path the father of our nation had set for the country.

  Today, Pakistan has reached its nadir economically, morally and spiritually. Citizens have lost all rights to security, justice and freedom at the altar of the sham of democracy, owing to the dishonesty and graft of those very reprobates who stole from this poor country. We are now condemned as one of the most corrupt and dangerous countries in the world. Worse still, by some strange stroke of bad luck for this wretched nation, the same merry go round throws up leaders at regular intervals who claim to be custodians of the Quaid’s vision. Each change in leadership turns hope into despair in a matter of months as the nation reels at the receiving end of these leaders.

  What happened to the great sacrifice of precious lives and the national spirit which had propelled us aloft half a century ago? Undeniably, some thing terrible had started to happen soon after the Quaid-e-Azam lay gasping for breath in the back of a ramshackle ambulance, lying in the most putrid stench of the sea a few miles from Mauripur. Where were Liaquat Ali Khan and all the stalwarts who claimed glory for the creation of Pakistan when it truly belonged to just one man, who was dying in that ambulance with his loyal sister, Fatima fanning air in his collapsing lungs and shooing away droves of flies? From that day, fate may well have cast an ominous shadow for our condemnable neglect of the father of our nation.

  I have now completed my research into the past, uncovering many a conspiracy and acts tantamount to treason especially during the 1965 and 1971 wars with India. Thus far the only serious attempt at service history has been the official PAF history (The Story of the Pakistan Air Force). It is an exacting compendium of the history of the PAF from its inception. The 1971 War has been most accurately narrated. Sadly though, I discovered during intrinsic scrutiny of events chronicled by the historians that something went terribly wrong in several narratives of the events preceding and, during the 1965 War. Quite often controversial eventsand bad decisions were circumvented by the authors instead of presenting a candid and honest analysis. Hence, no lessons were spelt out. Possibly one reason could have been that the officers assigned the task were not professional historians but an integral part of the controversies. No wonder then that recently, Indian historians have asked the question as to

  Author’s Note | xix why the PAF insisted on some flights of fantasy when in fact it had performed so admirably against a much bigger adversary and why the entire Pakistani nation was being kept bemused with myths.

  While praising the overall performance of the PAF, the Indian historians have been critical of the PAF claims of 6th and 7thSeptember 1965, referring to the latter episode as the 'Sargodha Ghost'. They wonder why the PAF has deliberately propagated the myths of shooting down 5 Indian Hunters over Halwara on the 6thof September and then shooting down another 5 Hunters in 22 seconds near Sargodha on the 7thof September. In the opinion of the Indian historians, “Whether this was a belated attempt to boost the PAF for some internal power politics… it cannot be doubted that it was a cynical attempt”. The same Indian authors point out that till that moment on 6thSeptember, Sarfaraz Rafiqui was the highest scorer with 3 aircraft shot down and he deserved the highest credit till he was martyred. In the same vein, in 2005 another extremely well researched and better version of history, The India-Pakistan Air War of 1965 (IPAW) by Jagan Mohan and Samir Chopra gave the PAF more credit than ever before. Their book has elaborately chronicled the performance of the PAF kills in ground attack and in air combat, especially the destruction caused by our B-57 bombing at night, hitherto unknown to the PAF. These statistics were officially released by the Indian Government. India has admitted the loss of over 70 aircraft in each of the two wars to all causes. 2

  According to the IPAW, “The PAF did well in the war. It's a pity that its government and its leadership saw it fit to denigrate its achievements by making claims that have ensured that the PAF is associated with bragging as opposed to its actual praiseworthy achievements”. For all those pilots who fought the 1965 War with indomitable courage, these have been distressing remarks. This indignation motivated me to systematically reconstruct all controversies with professional incisiveness and lay the phantoms of the 1965 air war to rest; if for no better reason than to tell the world that we can accept failures as proof of our courage and can tell the truth without embarrassment. The PAF owes it to itself to correct the unacceptable claims and to restore its institutional dignity for the sake of those whose claims have not merely been acknowledged by the adversary 40 years hence but belatedly enhanced by India’s official declaration. The B-57 night bombing results are a case in point.

  For Pakistani researchers, regrettably and inexplicably, the PAF in recent years has become reticent about releasing statistics and facts about the two wars. Forty years after the event, this attitude is indefensible and in fact harmful as it deprives students of air war history and the present generation of pilots from the benefit of the lessons of history. T here has been one recent exception to the

  2 Website Bharat Rakshaklink, 1965 Indo-Pak Air War. xx | Flight of the Falcon inexplicable behaviour of the policymakers in the PAF; Air Cdre Kaiser Tufail’s excellent dissertation on the famous air battles by Pakistani fighter pilots in the Subcontinent and the Middle East has added a professional and sanguine chapter to PAF’s history.

  My cardinal purpose of researching controversies in depth is to recapture some epic stories of the two senseless wars fought against India. Also, to unveil the colossal blunders committed by the Pakistan Army high command. President Ayub Khan’s epoch and his legacy of usurpation of power which derailed and finally severed Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan, has been researched and brought into sharp focus. Intertwined with the story of my life are the events during the eras of dictators and despots. My intent is to clearthe opaque haze that has been perpetuated by vested interests over the past five decades.

  I have lived through Pakistan’s decline, being an eye witness to many a historical event. The prime mover and core of my autobiography is an investigation into why the 1965 and 1971 wars were started without a national aim or even a grand military objective. The treachery of the leaders during the interregnum will dominate my story.

  In writing this book, it is my prayer and hope that I can leave some thoughts to be pondered upon by the enthusiasts of history and the large segment of patriotic Pakistanis, especially the present generation. More specifically, I write this book for the combat elements of the PAF and other services who wish to discover veiled aspects of our national and military history in an honest exposé. I merely hope to provide a catalyst for much deeper and more incisive probes than have been done in the past, and urge greater respect for the lessons of history and their application.

  FOREWORD

  It is a privilege to have been asked to write this foreword by the author with whom I have enjoyed a long and cherished association. It all started on my return from flying training in the USA in 1964 as a newly commissioned pilot officer. I was instantly inducted into the 'Sabre-Jet' equipped No 19 Squadron of the PAF then commanded by Squadron Leader Sajad Haider, the author. I dare say w
ithin the first three days I wanted 'out'. I sensed a feeling of intimidation by the heavy presence and imposing personality of the Squadron Commander, who was highly demanding and expected performance on a war footing. Conversely, I thought I deserved a soft transition into the PAF environment (having been used to the relaxed surroundings of the USAF training establishments).

  Within weeks, however, my perceptions were to change dramatically as I got to know him better. Ironically, the change was to take place partly in the now banished institution of the 'Bar’. Despite being fated to oblivion in the years ahead, it had provided an amazing platform and culture for juniors to freely air their grievances while the seniors patiently permitted debate to the extent of acknowledging their excesses if they were convincingly argued. The author conformed to such a culture. But what impressed me most was his outstanding quality to protect and defend his subordinates whenever the situation so demanded. This resulted in raising the squadron morale, confidence, and developed a sense of camaraderie. Even to this day he jealously guards and defends the PAF if unjustly maligned. It was, however, in the 1965 War that he was able to demonstrate exemplary leadership.

  Today, other than a few exceptions, you see few aviators willing to put pen to paper to recount their experiences. That the author has mustered the courage and commitment to undertake such an exercise is commendable and hopefully a forerunner to setting a trend. Consumed by his passion to sifttruth from fiction, he took no less than six years to research his story, drawing on scores of publications by diverse sources which he has faithfully referenced.

  xxii | Flight of the Falcon The 1965 air war operations are subjected to a detailed scrutiny. There is no doubt that this war took place in an era of unadulterated airmanship and devotion with no diversions. The PAF's performance is widely acknowledged to have outdone that of a much bigger adversary. The author, however, goes on to question certain events and command decisions in a fresh reappraisal, partly made possible by accounts becoming increasingly available from across the border. The author's version, therefore, may 'add or subtract' from the official PAF history not privy to these inputs when published.

  While his core story spans over his two and a half decades of PAF service, it spills over either way when he paints a larger canvas covering critical national events on one side and his early family life on the other. The lion's share of space, of course, is reserved for the two cataclysmic and senseless Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. In a self-confessed 'no holds barred' approach, he is ruthless and comes down heavily on most of the national leadership who he holds responsible for consistent failure in leading the nation to its otherwise 'potentially' glorious status. The account in other places is punctuated by rich tributes to the sterling leadership of Air Marshals Asghar Khan and Nur Khan.

  In a society generally given to conformity, the author's penchant for outspokenness (such as the one when he criticized General Zia ul Haq's policies to his face, not to talk of his skirmish with the Shah of Iran during his diplomatic assignment in Washington) may have contributed to stunting hiscareer, potentially destined to the highest pinnacle. But what will ultimately stand out about him is his sterling performance in the 1965 War, the ultimate test of one's moral and professional calibre; a war in which he led from upfront and often beyond the call of duty. This was decidedly his 'finest hour.' He is bound to draw much comfort from destiny having bestowed upon him a heroic status, which all warriors crave but few are awarded.

  His story is gripping, fast pacedand lucid. While it will be read by the aviation fraternity in general besides students of the Indo-Pak wars on either side of the border, the uninitiated too will find it very absorbing. They will gain an insight into a career (that of fighter pilots) arguably the most challenging on the planet today; a profession that tests the combat aviator's physical, emotional and mental capabilities to their limits. Since the author describes some of the war missions most vividly, the reader will relive and feel the same excitement and self-belief as that of PAF combat crew – gladiators out to humble the mighty opposing force in the coliseum of air combat. So, you need to get your safety belts on to embark on a roller coaster autobiography that will keep you gripped to your seats.

  In the end, let me note that since the author has taken many leaders and commanders (civilian and military) to the cleaners for what he considers their

  Foreword | xxiii gross ineptitude, lack of integrity and mishandling of national or service affairs, this will assuredly provoke rebuttals, reactions and ripostes. Ultimately, it is the author's story, his research and his conclusions and he appears ever willing and ready to defend them and meet any potential onslaught head on. In the air force lingo, ‘He is on red alert.’

  ACM Mohammad Abbas Khattak

  Former Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force

  PROLOGUE

  A warm breeze ruffled the palm trees as I sat outside in the sun. I could see the Mediterranean Sea in the distance, the emerald green of the shore giving way to sky blue then a deep, cobalt blue as the coastline fell to greater depths. The villas between the fabled La Concha Mountain on my right and the Mediterranean on the left, glistened white in the sunlight, and my mind went, as minds do when in an idle state, to looking back over my life. And what a life it has been, I thought, with its hopes and utter disappointments, and its mercies and sweet charms, the blood in war and the sweat in peace.

  I was thousands of miles away from home, in the country of my adoption which I love. Yet I love my own country too, with an almost fierce passion that has ruled my actions for the past forty years. But it was therein Spain’s legendary Costa del Sol that I first thought of putting it all to paper.

  I felt a strange nostalgia about how I got to be where I was, after all those exciting yet turbulent years. I began tracing the broad strokes of fate on the canvas of my past, eventually steering me to the heavenly landscape on earth where I now was. The past started coming into sharp focus and Ifelt myself being transported back in time. It is truly amazing how the mind surpasses any computer invented. In a millisecond, the human mind can rewind decades into the past and stop or start at any point or moment in life that it wants.

  My mind scanned back to contemplate the most crucial turning points in my life. Besides the two intense wars and close misses with death, three indelible moments of my life came into focus with foreboding. The first dark memory that came back with flashes of anguish was when I was arrested and charged with treason and mutiny on trumped-up charges of being a part of the coup d’etat to over throw Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s (ZAB) regime. What hell that was! The second was several years later, while in Washington as Air Attaché when the Shah of Iran targeted me and asked ZAB in person to severely punish me for degrading him. Then came the coup de grace; during the famous address by the then dictator General Zia ul Haq, to his cabinet, the armed forces high command and the four military governors, renouncing his promise to the nation of holding elections. My riposte to his speech produced a predictably rancorous and vindictive reaction. He wished to see me with a begging bowl in my hand. (The

  Prologue | xxv entire incident is briefly described in a recent publication The Gold Bird by Mansoor Shah.) I had to walk away from my life in the air force, the only life I had ever known and loved.

  As it turned out, destiny had a different plan for Air Cdre Khaqan Abbasi who, (along with the then Air Chief), had targeted me on trumped up charges of treason. An even more pathetic fate awaited the Shah of Iran and General Zia ul Haq. In all my life, God’s miracles never ceased, not during my failures or in my triumphs. To Him I owe my strengths and good fortune.