Dear Ms. Andleeb Rathore,
Your post on WhatsApp about the tragic and Black Day of Pakistan alludes to the dismemberment of Pakistan on December 16, 1971. So many books in English and Urdu have been written on this tragic event. After the downfall of Baghdad, the debacle of East Pakistan is a scar on the brow of Muslims. The foreign writers have mostly blamed Pakistan army for mishandling the political deplorable situation in East Pakistan and criticized the genocide of the Bengalis by their own army. I have very judicious and neutral approach towards the East Pakistan debacle. It needs volumes to throw light on this matter. In my some books particularly in my book titled “ Moderate Meditations , I have opined on this sad saga. Once, I read the Urdu book of Brigadier Siddique Salik titled, ہمہ یاراں دوزخ ( All Friends in Hell). I was so depressed ashamed and agonized to read the miserable treatment by the Indians with the Pakistani prisoners of war incarcerated in different jails of India. It was so humiliating that I was shuddered. This tragedy happened because of some
undeniable factors.
1- The civil and military rulers totally ignored them in sharing power. They felt as they were being ruled by West Pakistanis and were their slaves. From the British colonialist, they got freedom and had become the slaves of the Punjabis.
2- Their economic position was in abysmal. Poverty and illiteracy had made them paupers. Some people opine that the rich West Pakistanis used to visit East Pakistan only for prostitution as they could get young girls on cheaper rate than any other country. Once, I was told by an East Pakistani that you people had made our land a brothel. The West Pakistani civil and military officials were involved in this nasty abhorrent practice. Whether this blame is true or false, such realization amidst Bengalis erupted the pent up lave of revenge and sloth against the West Pakistanis. Whenever and wherever such heinous acts of immortality take place, you can not stop revolt and rebellion. The blazing fire of hatred in the hearts of youth can not be extinguished.
3- The Hindu teachers at school and college level brainwashed the Bengali youth against Pakistan. No government of Pakistan took any notice of the plan and plight as majority of the military and civil rulers were incapable and visionless.
4- Shaikh Mujeeb- ur- Rehman from the very creation of Pakistan was planning for secession. Once, in the presence of great Bengali leader, Hussain Shahid Suhrawadi, he expressed his ardent desire of separation and was reprimanded by Mr. Suhrawadi for his pernicious intent. Later, a treason plan was hatched at Agar Tala to break Pakistan. Field Marshal Ayub Khan arrested him for his anti- Pakistan activities. But he was released on the pressure of selfish and visionless politicians.
5- The six points of Shaikh Mujeeb were a clear preponderance of dirty agenda to dismantle the fabric of Pakistan. He announced to have separate army, trade, currency and postal services. He only accepted to have combined foreign ministry. It was a Polotical agenda to seize power and then announce independence.
6- General Yahya Khan is equally involved for this tragic incident as he wanted to continue as president. Sheikh Mujeeb declined to accept him as president and he in reaction unleashed army on civilians. India intervened and took the advantage of our idiotic policies. Mukti Bahani was trained and armed to fight Pakistan army.
7- Lt. General Sahib Zada Yaqub Khan was a great patriot and he disagreed with the policies of General Yahya Khan to curb and crush the whole Bengali nation by coercion and military action and stressed on the political solution of the problem. His proposal was turned down. As a great honorable soldier and a patriot, he resigned from army.
8- On the other hand, the generals like Tikka Khan and Abaidulah Niazi massacred their own Muslim brethren and their young daughters were ravished and raped.
Once, I had a detailed talks with president Field Marshal Ayub Khan on this tragic event. He simply and briefly answered “ Mujeeb was a traitor and agent of India whom I intended to punish but selfish politicians pressurized me to release him”.
The lesson what our younger generation should learn from this national tragedy is that we must be vigilant in protecting our land. Pakistan is our only safe abode. We must not compromise on the solidarity, stability and safety of Pakistan. We must resolve political differences with dialogue and tolerance. Only and only democratic culture can save Pakistan. We must look after the genuine demands of all provinces and sections of society. No one is a born traitor in Pakistan. Unjust treatment and social injustice make rebels and traitors. The elite culture must be abolished and social justice must be maintained. No justice: no stability.
Dr. Maqsood Jafri
New York
December 16, 2021