India's advance towards Lahore during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was effectively stalled due to the strategic defensive actions taken by the Pakistani Army, primarily centered around controlling or destroying key bridges.
Strategic Defense of Lahore
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indian forces aimed to capture Lahore. However, their progress was halted at a critical juncture just short of the city's main defenses.
The Critical Role of Bridges and Canals
The primary reason for the halt in the Indian advance was the formidable defensive strategy employed by the Pakistani Army concerning the bridges over the canal that lay on the approach to Lahore. This canal served as a significant defensive barrier.
- Holding Key Positions: The Pakistani Army successfully held control over crucial bridges spanning the canal. By maintaining their grip on these vital crossings, they prevented Indian troops from establishing a bridgehead and continuing their push towards the city.
- Demolition of Unheld Bridges: For any bridges they could not defend, or strategically chose not to hold, Pakistani forces resorted to blowing them up. This tactic created impassable obstacles, effectively destroying any direct routes for the Indian Army to advance further.
These decisive actions by the Pakistani Army effectively stalled any further significant advance by the Indian forces on Lahore, preventing the city from being captured. The combination of the canal acting as a natural barrier and the deliberate control or destruction of its bridges created an insurmountable obstacle for the Indian Army, despite their initial incursions.