PAKISTAN AND THE WORLD
By Sofjan
SINCE the start of the political crisis in Pakistan, observers all over the world have noticed variations in Pakistani politics. These have been confusing in many ways. Political activities were banned throughout Pakistan with the proclamation of Martial Law. Foreigners can be expelled and locals punished under the latest regulations. But certain politicians are allowed still to make statements and do activities. Bhutto, Quayum Khan, Daulatana, Maulana Maududi and some others are exempted. It seems that Pakistani laws are applied differently.
Like other observers, this writer also was watching with interest the developments of Pakistani situation. It was reported President Yahya Khan evolved a formula of solution with the majority party leader Mujib. Further steps were being taken to implement the formula. Yahya Khan accepted the honour of a guest at Dacca. He left Dacca unceremoniously on 25th night. Even his host Mujib did not know until the milltary invaded his residence and started indiscriminate killing of unarmed people. It appears Millitary action followed the departure of the President Yahya Khan and did not wait for the declaration of Martial Law. Clearly, Yahya Khan left firm order to his General. The declaration of Martial Law was followed immediately by an announcement by Radio Pakistan that the situation in East Pakistan was calm. This was quite anomalous to the world.
National and International reporters were thrown out. Every measure was taken against leakage of any information. The soldiers were aollowed to play their brute game under the guise of the calm situation. India’s natural position afforded it opportunity to get information of horror. Foreign residents who were evacuated told grim stories. West Pakistani businessmen are returning to Karachi, presumably for good. They have full knowledge of the situation there. They are forbidden to disclose anything. But some of them could not keep it secret any more. On private interview, a few simply said they would not go there again though their business there was profitable. They even said “military rule how long”. Much against humanity Bhutto found reason in killing.
From reports of impartial sources and the attitude of military rules, it may be gathered that the situation is not what the rulers say. Prevention of International Red Cross Society and the British M.Ps. on flimsy pretext make it clear that armed forces activities were brute and inhuman. They wanted to cover it anyway. For his purpose, two phrases “anti-state elements” and “Indian infiltrators” were invented.
East pakistani Government servants in Islamabad are all suspects. Some of the high ranking ones have already been replaced to lesser importance. Still some other are reportedly awaiting trial. Fate of some East Pakistani military personnel were doomed at bullets along with their wives and children. Kiling of intellectuals, teachers, students was a common game. The women were raped.
East Pakistans only crime was that they demanded autonomy which they needed in view of geographical situation of the country. In times of any national emergency they were dependent on the mercy of the Islamabad, which at times were not timely and most inadequate. During the last cyclone, government came after the foreign help already reached to the people. Foreign donations sent to the government were not even utilised there, accordng to many unbiased reports.
The declaration of independence by Bangla Desh leaders was thrust upon them by the situation created by the military rulers. Sheikh Mujib long before warned of the conspiracy against democracy. His warning finally evoked not only killing of demoracy but also brought massacre to people. Mujib was taken prisoner.
It is lately reported that an enquiry was held by Pakistan on hijacking of an Indian plane. The enquiry was led by a Judge who found the Indian conspiracy in the hijacking. India herself conspired & preplanned it to stop overflying between West & East Pakistan. It was earlier reported that Bhutto congratulated the two hijackers and the government of Pakistan granted them asylum and freedom against India’s demand for compensation and return of the hijackers. It is difficult how these two contradiction can be reconciled.
It is for the leaders of the world to judge the whole situaton and exercise their power and influence to stop killing for the sake of humanity. But one thing demands immediate attention. East Pakistan is already a deficit area in food. Last cyclone damaged food crops of a large area. People in East Pakistan are facing starvation besides dearth of medicines and medical care. Milltary rulers do not seem to have any sympathy for the suffering people. Leader countries must come forward urgently and do something to save human lives, pending solution of the political situation to time and people concerned.
Reference : The Djakarta Times, 27.05.1971