On September 3, 1965, the third day of the war between Pakistan and India, Pakistani forces reported significant military gains on multiple fronts.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claimed to have shot down three Indian aircraft. One plane was reportedly downed by Flight Lieutenant Hakimullah at Peshawar airfield. Flight Officer Abbas Mirza successfully forced an Indian Gnat E1083, piloted by Squadron Leader Brijpal Singh, to land at Peshawar. The captured pilot became a prisoner of war.
In the Chhamb sector, Pakistani forces reportedly captured 500 Indian soldiers and seized 15 tanks along with other military equipment. Pakistan Army Chief General Muhammad Musa visited wounded Indian soldiers at a field hospital.
In an unusual incident, Lieutenant Colonel Nasirullah Babar inadvertently landed his helicopter at an Indian position in the Bhimber sector of Kashmir. Using quick thinking, he managed to capture 30 Indian soldiers despite being armed with only a pistol.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri attempted to reassure his nation about Pakistani air attacks.
