Niazi and 1971 war

Published December 17, 2014

THE Fall of Dhaka in December 1971 was the culmination of a series of blunders and mistakes committed by the people in power and some politicians of that era.

These days one is hearing frequently about the surrender by Lt-Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi in what was then East Pakistan. Success or defeat in a conflict is, for the most part, not linked to an individual’s caste or creed.

The Instrument of Surrender in the 1971 War was negotiated over several days, and in consultation with the political leadership of the time. Hence blaming only Gen Niazi for the debacle is unfair.

The statements alluding to Gen Niazi are in the context of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who also happens to be a Niazi. Our politicians should refrain from politics propagating a hatred for individuals on the basis of caste or creed and work towards removing the socio-economic ills that afflict this country.

Ada Fatima Malik
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.