THIS is apropos of Ahmad Faruqui's article, 'The darkest December' (Dec 7). The writer has rightly observed “Unless the bitter lessons of what befell Pakistan 38 years ago are shared widely with the people, the nation will continue to wallow in conspiracy theories.”

Our media should update the masses on the causes of the 'great tragedy' which resulted in a setback to the two-nation theory in the form of surrender of our forces on Dec 16, 1971 in Dhaka .

The same Dhaka where the All India Muslim League was formed and under whose banner Indian Muslims fought for an independent state (Pakistan) was now the venue of a surrender ceremony.

Much has been written on this 'tragedy of errors'. Each year Dec 16, the darkest day in Pakistan's history, quietly passes away with no mention in the media of our wrongdoings so that our new generation could learn a lesson from history.

The first 25 years of Pakistan's history is full of exploitation of the former East Pakistan, whose people were never given a chance to rule.

Dissolution of Nazimuddin's government by Ghulam Mohammad was widely welcomed in the western wing.

Moreover, Justice Muneer, hailing from the western wing, upheld the governor-general's unconstitutional decision, thus providing legal cover to exploitation of the majority province by the minority.

The print media of western wing added fuel to the already volatile situation. ZAB who was having crucial talks with Mujibur Rahman said in a very emotional manner

“Udher tum jeetay ho , idher mai. Udher tumhari taqat hai, idher meri”.

But one Urdu newspaper of West Pakistan, daily Azad, changed ZAB's wordings to “Idher hum udher tum”, thus misguiding the people of both wings.

Till to day many Pakistanis believe that Bangladesh appeared on the world map because of ZAB's utterings.

When operation 'Searchlight' was ordered by Gen Yahya in East Pakistan on Dec 16, 1970, ZAB was witness to that from the balcony of Intercontinental Hotel, Dhaka.

On his return to Lahore, when a journalist asked ZAB about developments and future of Pakistan, his only reply was “Khuda Pakistan ko bachai”.

But Pakistan's official newsagency APP completely changed the reply of ZAB and twisted it to report “Khuda nay Pakistan bacha liya.”

Only one newspaper had the courage to correctly publish the wordings of ZAB as said by him.

The separation of East Pakistan was due to the failure of political talks between the leaders of the two wings, it was the result of not giving a chance to the majority to rule.

Lt Gen (r) Kamal Matinuddin in his book “Tragedy of Errors” has very nicely and correctly outlined the causes of dismemberment of Pakistan when he narrates his meeting with Khondkar Mustaq Ahmad who became the president of Bengladesh, and I quote

“I was greeted by him in polished Urdu. Later he began speaking in English in which he was equally fluent. Hearing him speak both Urdu and English, I asked him politely in which language shall we carry on the conversation, in English or Urdu as I do not know Bangla?

“Pat came the remark, 'Janab isi wajhe se Pakistan toot gaya' (That is the precise reason why Pakistan was dismembered).

Unfortunately, most of the books available on this subject are in English, written either by retired armed forces personnel or the people in authority at that time. It is time we informed the people in the language they understand.

AAMIR AQIL
Lahore