Introduction
3 Punjab has the honour of capturing the toughest portion of Hussain-e-Wala Salient on 3-4 December 1971. This was an outstanding achievement of about 200 soldiers of Islam who swashed the strongest Indian defence system with continuous daring action and in the process many of them achieved martyrdom. Due to the sacrifices of those gallant soldiers Pakistan acquired control of the Hussain-e-Wala Headworks, the rail and road bridge over the River Sutlej and a safe access for launching immediate offensive across the river, for capturing only 7 Km away, the strategic junction of Ferozepore.

In this article only the valiant action of 3 Punjab has been highlighted because, before the December 1971 war I had the opportunity to meet many of those daring soldiers who were infused with the spirit of Jehad. I saw the battleground from a distance and on 7th or 8th December during enemy shelling visited the utterly shattered enemy bunkers, pill boxes, many trenches, heaps of enemy weapons, ammunition and equipment. At places the stains of sacred blood of our Shaheeds were still visible.

Although major forces on both sides were not involved in this battle but it should provide inspiration for our young generation and is bound to cause a thrill of pride for following in the footsteps of those Shaheeds and Ghazis.

Visit to 3 Punjab - Game of Bridge
On 20 November 1971, I had visited 3 Punjab, my old battalion, in the operational area near Ganda Singh Wala on Kasur-Ferozepore road. The battalion was commanded by Lieut Col Ghulam Hussain Choudry. The companies were deployed in their respective battle locations. The Indian attack on East Pakistan was expected on 21st November and particularly the movements of troops and vehicles on the Indian side had ceased a few days before. Nearly all the officers had come to dine in the dug in officer's mess. I met Major Said, Major Zafar Iqbal, Major Arshad Zaman, Capt Arif Saeed, Capt Aftab Aziz, Lt Mallak and a few others. Before the dinner Lieut Col Ghulam Hussain Choudry desired to play a game of bridge saying "God knows whether we get another chance to get together because from tomorrow onwards all officers will be staying in the defences of their companies for 24 hours." These words were to prove ominous. I became his partner whereas Capt Arif and Major Said were the opposing partners. GHC called two spades, Arif called three hearts, I called three spades and Said over called four hearts. GHC jumped to five no trumps, Arif boldly over called six hearts, I supported GHC by calling six spades who after thinking for a minute exclaimed seven spades - grand slam. Calling is to a certain degree mechanical but playing is the more difficult part of the game. GHC played well and won his grand slam. According to GHC this was his first called grand slam and win. I told him he would certainly win a grand slam in the imminent battle.....more