Retired Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Abdul Qadeer has provided an intimate glimpse into the 1971 war, detailing the Pakistani military's complex operational challenges and strategic plans.
Qadeer's journey began in 1960 when he joined the military, driven by a passion that diverged from his father's initial vision of him becoming an engineer. After completing two and a half years of training at the Pakistan Military Academy and specialized training with the Special Services Group (SSG), he was posted to Chittagong, then East Pakistan.
The veteran highlighted a critical moment during the conflict, involving the strategic destruction of a bridge across the Meghna River. With Indian forces positioned approximately 400-500 yards away, Qadeer and a small team successfully demolished the bridge within 15-20 minutes, preventing potential enemy advancement.
"Commando training enables operations not just in our territories, but also deep within enemy zones," Qadeer emphasized.
A notable assertion in his account was that despite the intense conflict, Indian forces failed to capture any significant city, highlighting the defensive capabilities of Pakistani military units during the war.
