December 16 is not just a day—it is a haunting reminder of the price of neglecting justice and equality. It is a lesson that if power is abused and voices silenced, no nation, no matter how strong, can hold itself together….. By Syed Atiq ul Hassan.
Today, December 16, marks the anniversary of the Fall of Dhaka. On this day in 1971, the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan was shattered as the nation split into two. East Pakistan, an integral part of the country and home to those who helped lay its foundation, separated from West Pakistan. Within just 25 years of its creation, Pakistan lost a significant portion of itself, and a new country, Bangladesh, emerged on the global map.
The world watched in astonishment as the largest Muslim country, formed with the dream of establishing a modern Islamic welfare state, crumbled into two halves. While the Islamic world mourned, a strange silence prevailed in West Pakistan. Life carried on as usual, with no public grieving or acknowledgment of the loss. Those who sought to observe mourning or discuss the injustices faced by East Pakistan were silenced under strict military regulations imposed by the governments of General Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan and then civilian dictator Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
The Unfolding of a Political Tragedy
For nearly a decade leading up to 1971, the political and social struggle of East Pakistan was either ignored or censored in the media of West Pakistan. Fatima Jinnah, the sister of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and president of the Muslim League, was confined to her home, barred from issuing political statements, and her name or photographs were prohibited from being published in the media.
In Sindh’s urban areas, particularly in Karachi, where the majority of the population consisted of migrants (Muhajirs), speaking up for Fatima Jinnah or East Pakistan’s rights often resulted in fabricated cases and imprisonment. At one point, General Ayub Khan, addressing the Muhajirs, infamously remarked:
“You left India and came to Karachi, but remember, the sea lies ahead of you.”
The Muhajir community, which played a significant role in the creation of Pakistan, found itself marginalized and treated as second-class citizens. Their legitimate demands for basic rights were denied, and their leadership was often manipulated by the military for its own interests.
Silencing Voices of Justice
Prominent political leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League, Maulana Noorani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Wali Khan of the Awami National Party stood up for the rights of East Pakistanis and advocated equality between East and West Pakistan. These leaders, along with Fatima Jinnah, were silenced through fabricated charges and imprisonment and titled as “Traitors”.
Successive regimes under Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, and later civilian dictator Zulfikar Ali Bhutto labelled any discussion of East Pakistan’s demands as treason. Karachi, which was a stronghold of opposition, became a target. It was during this period that Ayub Khan decided to move the capital from Karachi to the newly-built Islamabad in Punjab, spending millions of dollars on its development.
Fatima Jinnah, confined to her home in Karachi, became a symbol of resistance. However, those who dared to raise their voices in her favour were swiftly jailed under false charges. Tragically, she was accused of treason and eventually found dead under suspicious circumstances. While the official narrative claimed her death was due to illness, later revelations suggested she was strangled to death—a crime that remains unsolved to this day.
If the murderers of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan were never brought to justice, how could one expect accountability in Fatima Jinnah’s case? The feudal lords of Punjab and Sindh, who supported military regimes for their own gains, ensured that justice was never served.
December 16: A Day of Reflection or Silence?
December 16 arrives and passes every year, but no national mourning or reflection takes place. Those responsible for the disintegration of Pakistan—the same generals who forced 90,000 soldiers to surrender to Indian forces—show no remorse. In fact, they justify the separation, claiming it was necessary to rid themselves of “troublesome Bengalis.”
Today, Bangladesh, once scorned by these same individuals, has surpassed Pakistan in development and prosperity. Ironically, diplomatic ties with Bangladesh are now being pursued, driven by economic desperation.
The Continuation of Injustice
The story of injustice did not end with the Fall of Dhaka. December 16 also marks the anniversary of the tragic Army Public School attack in Peshawar, where 150 children were brutally (Martyrs) killed. Questions about the possibility of internal complicity in such incidents continue to haunt the nation.
The Struggle of Imran Khan: A Modern Parallel
Today, Imran Khan faces a struggle that echoes the historical injustices of Pakistan’s past. His efforts to save Pakistan have been met with imprisonment and suppression, much like Fatima Jinnah’s ordeal. Many fear that he may suffer the same fate,
with official narratives claiming his death to be the result of “illness.”
Pakistan has the dubious distinction of being a nation where its people harbor deep resentment towards their own military. This stems from decades of betrayal, exploitation, and suppression of its citizens. The injustices faced by the resilient people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan today are a continuation of the atrocities committed in East Pakistan.
A Dark Agenda at Play
Allegations abound that Pakistan’s military serves international interests, aiming to fragment the country further by separating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan to create foreign military bases. Punjab’s feudal elites may welcome this prospect, content with a reduced Pakistan under their dominance. However, such a division would spell disaster for the nation’s very existence.
Conclusion: A Lesson We Cannot Ignore
Seventy-seven years after its creation, Pakistan continues to grapple with the same issues that led to the Fall of Dhaka. Injustice, inequality, and betrayal remain deeply rooted in its political fabric. If history’s lessons remain unheeded, Pakistan risks further disintegration.
December 16 is not just a day—it is a haunting reminder of the price of neglecting justice and equality. It is a lesson that if power is abused and voices silenced, no nation, no matter how strong, can hold itself together.
(The writer is a Sydney-based journalist, human activist, political analyst and editor, Tribune International, Australia. He is also a recipient of harmony & peace and lifetime achievement awards. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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