INDIA once again violated our airspace, damaging mosques and martyring innocent civilians, including women and children. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) retaliated by downing multiple Indian planes, including the much-boasted French-made Rafale. This was besides the destruction of an Indian air defence battery, a brigade headquarter and several posts along the Line of Control (LoC).

While the armed forces were busy teaching the Indians a lesson or two, my heart bled when I saw friends of the main opposition political party siding with the enemy by forwarding fake Indian news and propaganda against Pakistan. One has every right to be against the ruling party for one`s grievances, but supporting the enemy`s viewpoint, and that, too, at a time when we needed national unity, was not patriotic by any means.

I still remember the unity we had during the 1965 war with India about 60 years ago. I was in 9th class, quite young and energetic. We would dig trenches, take out processions in support of our forces, and take up guard duty to ensure thatnoparatrooperdroppedbythe enemy could hide, and that blackouts were strictly followed. We also took first aid training from the Red Cross, and civil defence training organised by the government.

We would usually jump into the trenches as soon as the siren sounded, but on one occasion when an Indian plane flew over our heads, engaged in a dog fight with a PAF F-86 Sabre, we came out of the trenches chanting slogans. I do not know what had overtaken us. Now I cannot name those emotions; was it anger against the enemy, or our love for the homeland.

All I remember is that I was trembling and shouting as hard as I could. And the same was the case with everyone else.

Interestingly, our parents, who would never allow us to remain outside after sunset, did not stop us from going out at night during air raids. Emotions were running high. There was no sectarian or political divide, and the whole nation stood united and resolute against India.Things seem to have changed now. At least thisistrue ofthe opposition party and its followers. They are consumed by politicalandpersonalagendas.Thisis seriously unfortunate and disappointing.

Malik ul Quddoos Karachi