The Battle of Hussainiwala and Qaiser-I-Hind ─ The 1971 War

This book narrates a fascinating firsthand account of a battle fought in 1971 at Hussainiwala in former West Pakistan. The author, as a Commanding Officer at the time, led his newly formed battalion against heavy odds to greatly contribute to the victory of the 106 Brigade against Indian forces. He describes the unfolding chain of events that led up to the Battle in the Hussainiwala and provides intricate details of the battle, along with its plans.

What makes this battle particularly noteworthy is that it was fought against the backdrop of the larger military defeat and debacle of East Pakistan. Determined not to fail, the tenacious troops of the 106 Brigade under Brig M. Mumtaz Khan HJ, SJ of the Frontier Force Regiment fought courageously in Hussainiwala prevailing against the very strong opposition of the Indian forces and finally defeated them. This well-crafted book takes us behind the scenes, leaving us wiser and more appreciative of how unyielding troops could help defend a nation and protect its future.

The author, now in his late seventies, was inspired to write this book to uncover factual details of the event and help both the armed forces and the civil society understand the intricacies of how this difficult battle was fought and won. The book also pays homage to the officers and men who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Habib Ahmed, Infantry officer (retd.), Baluch Regiment, Kakul

Lt Col. (retd) Habib Ahmed SJ was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Baluch Regiment in 1954 from 9th PMA Long Course at Kakul. He is also a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta and the National Defence College, Rawalpindi. He was posted at various locations including former East Pakistan in both line and staff positions. He had the rare opportunity of raising a new battalion which he trained and then subsequently commanded during the 1971 war. He was decorated with the Sitara-i-Jurat for displaying the highest act of gallantry and leadership resulting in the capture of Hussainiwala Salient which also included the strongly defended fortress tower of Qaiser-i-Hind, the fall of which allowed our forces to shatter the pride of a very strong Indian defence.