Effects

Military impact

*Surrender of Pakistan Army*

Surrender Details
Date: December 16, 1971
Location: Ramna Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan), Dhaka, East Pakistan

Commanders Involved
Pakistani Side: Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi, the commander of the Pakistan Eastern
Command

Indian Side: Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the commander of the Indian and
Bangladesh forces in the Eastern Theatre

Key Numbers and Figures

Pakistani Troops Surrendered: Approximately 93,000 Pakistani military personnel, including
soldiers, paramilitary forces, and police.

*Prisoners of War*:

The captured Pakistani personnel were held as prisoners of war (POWs) in India. They were
eventually repatriated to Pakistan after the Simla Agreement in 1972.

*Hamood ur Rehman Commission*

Formation and Purpose

Established: December 1971

Chairman: Chief Justice Hamoodur Rahman

Purpose: To investigate the circumstances surrounding the military and political failures that led
to the 1971 defeat and the loss of East Pakistan.

Findings

Military Failures: The report highlighted numerous operational and strategic failures by the
Pakistani military, including poor planning, inadequate coordination, and failure to respond
effectively to the Indian military’s tactics.

Political Mismanagement: It identified political mishandling, lack of foresight, and failure to

address the political grievances of East Pakistan as key contributors to the crisis.

Human Rights Violations: The report documented widespread human rights abuses and atrocities
committed by the Pakistani military in East Pakistan.

Leadership Accountability: It recommended the trial of senior military and political leaders
responsible for the debacle.

Recommendations
Military Reforms: It recommended comprehensive military reforms, including better training,
restructuring of command, and improved coordination among different branches of the military.

Accountability: The commission called for accountability of military and political leaders,
suggesting court-martials and trials for those found responsible for failures and human rights
abuses.

Political Reconciliation: It urged political reforms to address regional grievances and foster
national unity

*Reforms of Military*

The The defeat in the 1971 war led to a significant reassessment and restructuring of the
Pakistani military. There was an increased focus on strengthening and modernizing the armed
forces.

The War Enquiry Commission was very critical of the performance of the military from 1947–
71, and stressed it on a singular command structure to provide combat synergy between nation’s
each armed service.: 145 [3] In 1976, the bureaucratic structure was modeled and build in an
accelerated schedule by establishing the JS HQ, which was set up to improve coordination,
command, and communication between the branches of the Pakistan Armed Forces.[4] In 1977,
the JS HQ began to issue directives on mission parameters and requirements for development of
nuclear weapon design to the nation’s weapons laboratories

In 1984—86, many of the Army GHQ’s directorates, mainly the weapon system procurement,
deployments, weapon selections, and overall mission preparedness and execution of the military
operations, were transferred to the JS HQ in light of recommendations provided by the War
Enquiry Commission (1975) and the Packard Commission (1985). : 48–50 [1] This directive
strengthened the role of the JS HQ’s command and control of the Pakistani military with chiefs
of the staff of army, navy, and air force, still maintain their control of their respected services.
*nuclear programme of Pakistan*

The loss of East Pakistan prompted a shift from civilian nuclear research to the development of
nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto played a pivotal role in this transition.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who became President and later Prime Minister after the 1971 war, was a
strong advocate for a nuclear weapons program. He famously stated that Pakistanis would “eat
grass” if necessary to develop a nuclear bomb, indicating his determination to achieve nuclear
capability.

Key Initiatives: Bhutto convened a meeting of top scientists in January 1972 at Multan, signaling
the official shift towards a weapons program. This meeting laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s
pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Enrichment Capabilities: By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pakistan had developed the
capability to enrich uranium, a critical component for nuclear weapons.
Testing and Weaponization: Pakistan’s efforts culminated in the successful detonation of nuclear
devices in May 1998, officially making it a nuclear-armed state. These tests, known as Chagai-I,
confirmed Pakistan’s status as a nuclear power.

Hence Pakistan ultimately achieved its “islamic bomb” after 28 years of Debacle of East
Pakistan

Bhutto’s Quote on the Atomic Bomb

*”If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass or leaves, even go hungry, but we will get one of
our own. We have no other choice."*

*Loss of Territory and Population*:

Pakistan lost approximately half its population and a significant portion of its territory with the
secession of East Pakistan.

1971 Estimates (before separation):

East Pakistan (Bangladesh): Approximately 70 to 75 million people

West Pakistan: Approximately 60 to 65 million people

East Pakistan

East Pakistan, which is now the independent country of Bangladesh, had an approximate area of
147,570 square kilometers

Pakistan was only limited to.four provinces of West Pakistan(Modern day Pakistan) with
approximately 881000 square kilometers

*Economic impact*

East Pakistan contributed approximately 56% to Pakistan’s overall GDP, while West Pakistan
contributed about 44%.Hence Pakistan lost around 56% of GDP after fall of Dhaka

Jute Production: East Pakistan accounted for over 80% of Pakistan’s jute production, making it a
crucial sector for export earnings around 70% exports held from East Pakistan hence after loss of
East Pakistan, Pakistan lost major source of its generation of foreign reserves
*Constitution 1973*

The separation of East Pakistan highlighted the importance of addressing regional disparities and
ensuring greater provincial autonomy within Pakistan.
It underscored the need for a federal structure that respected the autonomy and rights of
provinces, reflecting the lessons learned from the political and economic grievances that
contributed to the separation, ultimately constitution of Pak was adopted on 14th August 1973

-Federal Structure:

The Constitution of 1973 established Pakistan as a federal parliamentary republic under Article 1
of the constitution, with provisions for a bicameral legislature (National Assembly and Senate)
and provincial assemblies.
It emphasized the distribution of powers between the federal government and the provinces,
aiming to provide greater autonomy to provinces in managing their affairs

-Provincial Autonomy:

The constitution included provisions for provincial autonomy, ensuring that provinces had
legislative, executive, and financial powers within their jurisdictions.
This was a response to the perceived neglect of East Pakistan and aimed to prevent similar
grievances from emerging in other regions of Pakistan. The provincial autonomy was taken to
new heights by 18th Amendment which was adopted in 2009 and granted substantial control to
the provinces over their subjects.

*Rise of Regionalism*
After the separation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistan
experienced significant shifts in regional politics, marked by the rise of regionalism, separatist
movements, and their impact on the country’s political landscape.

Sindh: The Sindhi nationalist movement, represented by parties like the Jeay Sindh movement
and later the Sindhi nationalist factions within the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), advocated for
greater autonomy and recognition of Sindhi cultural rights.

Balochistan: Baloch nationalist movements, such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and
the Balochistan National Party (BNP), emerged to assert Baloch ethnic identity and demand
political autonomy and control over local resources

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly NWFP): Pashtun nationalist movements, including the Awami
National Party (ANP), advocated for Pashtun rights and greater provincial autonomy.

Wali Khan’s Quote on Pashtun and Pakistani Identity:

*”I am a Pakistani by accident. I am a Pashtun by conviction*

This quote shows deep sub-nationalism Pakistan’s political landscape after fall of East Pakistan

*political instability*

August 1973: Bhutto became the Prime Minister following the first general elections under the
new constitution.

Nationalization: Bhutto’s government pursued socialist policies, including nationalization of key

industries such as banking, steel, and education, aimed at reducing economic disparities.
Labor Unrest: The nationalization policies sparked resistance from business owners and
industrialists, leading to labor strikes and social unrest.

1974: Bhutto’s government nationalizes several key industries, including banking and basic
industries, which sparked significant economic changes and political debates

1977 – General Elections and Political Unrest:

March 7, 1977: General elections are held. Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) wins, but
allegations of electoral fraud lead to protests and accusations from opposition parties,
particularly the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA).
July 5, 1977: Amidst widespread allegations of rigging, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Chief
of Army Staff, stages a military coup d'état against Bhutto's government

Suspending the constitution and imposing martial law.

Aftermath and Bhutto’s Execution:

1977-1979: General Zia-ul-Haq consolidates power, suppresses political dissent, and begins
Islamization policies.
1979: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is tried and sentenced to death on charges of conspiracy to commit
murder. Despite international appeals for clemency, he is executed on April 4, 1979.

The period from 1972 to 1977 was marked by the aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War,
the emergence of a new constitution, economic changes through nationalization, and ultimately,
the onset of military rule under General Zia-ul-Haq. These events set the stage for further
political turmoil and shifts in Pakistan’s governance and societal structure.

*East Pakistan n Two Nation Theory*.

The “Two-Nation Theory” was a foundational concept in the creation of Pakistan, positing that
Hindus and Muslims of the Indian subcontinent were distinct nations and thus deserved separate
homelands. However, the events leading to the secession of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in
1971provided opportunity to the critics that the separation of East Pakistan challenged and
effectively negated two nation theory.

The separation prompted soul-searching within Pakistan regarding its national identity and
ideological foundations. The Two-Nation Theory, which justified the creation of Pakistan, was
called into question by the events of 1971.

Pakistan’s identity as an Islamic state and its commitment to pluralism and federalism were
scrutinized in the aftermath of the secession

How ever this is not true as The fall of East Pakistan stemmed largely from perceived economic
exploitation, political marginalization, and cultural issues rather than a fundamental rejection of
the Two-Nation Theory itself.

*Geopolitical impact of east Pakistan*

After the separation of East Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistan faced
significant diplomatic challenges that influenced its foreign relations and international standing.

December 1971 – Recognition of Bangladesh:

December 6, 1971: India formally recognizes Bangladesh as an independent state following the
Pakistani military crackdown in East Pakistan.
Immediate Post-Separation Period:

December 1971 – January 1972: Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation as countries begin to
recognize Bangladesh diplomatically. India actively supports Bangladesh’s entry into
international forums and organizations.

United Nations and International Reaction:

December 1971: The United Nations General Assembly convenes to discuss the situation in East
Pakistan. Pakistan’s position faces strong condemnation, with many countries supporting
Bangladesh’s right to independence.

January 1972: Bangladesh is admitted to the United Nations, further solidifying its international
recognition.

Relations with India:

1971-1972: Pakistan-India relations deteriorate significantly following the war. The Simla
Agreement of 1972, facilitated by the Soviet Union, establishes principles for bilateral relations,
including the return of 93k prisoners of war and normalization of relations.

Islamic Conference and OIC Dynamics:

1972: Pakistan faces challenges within the Islamic world as some countries, including Saudi
Arabia and Iran, recognize Bangladesh over Pakistan’s objections. This strains Pakistan’s
relations with key Muslim-majority nations and influences its standing in the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Rebuilding International Relations:

1972 onwards: Pakistan engages in diplomatic efforts to rebuild its international image and
relations. It seeks support from non-aligned countries and Western nations to regain diplomatic
footing

Impact on Foreign Policy and Security Doctrine:

The loss of East Pakistan prompts Pakistan to reassess its foreign policy priorities and security
doctrine. It shifts focus towards strengthening relations with China and maintaining a robust
defense posture vis-à-vis India.

Long-Term Implications:

The diplomatic fallout from the separation of East Pakistan continues to shape Pakistan’s foreign
policy approach, particularly in South Asia and within the Muslim world. It underscores the
challenges of managing internal diversity and maintaining national cohesion in a complex
geopolitical environment.