Tapping Experience In Tackling Disaster
Faced with debacle in both areas of desert operations in 1971, flexibility in changing plans prevented the debacle from turning into a catastrophe. 33 Div was moved from its forward concentration area in Rahimyar Khan to take over the Chor-Umarkot sector of the Rajasthan Desert. To assist Maj Gen Naseer GOC 33 Div, Lt Gen KM Azhar, than Governor NWFP (and now Jamaat-i-Ulema Pakistan (JUP stalwart) was sent post-haste as Advisor. In 1965 (then) Brig KM Azhar, Commander 55 Bde, captured vast areas of the Southern Rajasthan desert, mostly through 18 Punjab (CO Lt Col (later Brig) Mumtaz, SJ) which included (then Maj) Brig Muhammad Taj SJ & Bar. By coincidence the leading battalion (44 Punjab, now 4 Sindh) of 60 Brigade being rushed to Chor-Umarkot area was commanded by (then) Lt Col Taj. Both Gens Azhar and Naseer were wounded on 12 Dec but the line was held at Chor, the Indians were pushed back. Flexibility, experience (and a little bit of courage) are always winning factors in battles. One cannot describe the effect of Taj’s personality on the frontline in galvanizing the soldiers. The smell of cordite, the booming of artillery guns and small arms fire enveloping the area seemed to bring out the best in him. No one can substitute experience and flexibility, not only on the battlefield but in any crisis. Flexibility in changing plans and the combined experience of Azhar and Taj made the difference.
