ALTAF HUSSAIN CALLS FOR REFLECTION ON EAST PAKISTAN TRAGEDY: URGES MILITARY TO ABANDON OPPRESSIVE POLICIES
LONDON. [UK]. December 16: Addressing the 186th Thought-Provoking Session, MQM founder Altaf Hussain urged Pakistan's military establishment and political leaders to learn from the tragedy of East Pakistan, warning against repeating the mistakes that led to the country's division on December 16, 1971.
He highlighted that suppressing citizens with force and neglecting democratic principles were key factors in the creation of Bangladesh and called for an end to oppressive policies in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other regions.
Hussain outlined the events leading to the East Pakistan crisis, pointing out that the Awami League’s victory in the 1970 general elections was ignored by the military regime of General Yahya Khan.
He criticized PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s divisive actions, including his opposition to transferring power to the Awami League and his infamous slogan, "Idhar hum, udhar tum" ("Here we rule, there you rule").
Instead of resolving the crisis democratically, the military launched the brutal "Operation Searchlight" in March 1971, resulting in widespread massacres, rapes, and displacement of Bengali civilians.
The conflict ultimately led to India’s intervention and the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops, culminating in the creation of Bangladesh.
He stressed that Pakistan’s rulers have failed to learn from the past. “The same oppressive policies continue in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, citing the killings of thousands of Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Muhajirs over the decades.
He also condemned the ongoing suppression of political dissent, including the ban on his own speeches and writings since 2015, and the military’s actions against MQM offices, including the demolition of the party's headquarters, Nine Zero.
Drawing parallels with the rejection of the 1970 election results, He criticized the military for allegedly manipulating the 2024 elections by sidelining the Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI) and installing a fraudulent government through electoral rigging. He condemned the violent crackdown on PTI supporters, particularly the firing on peaceful protesters in Islamabad on November 26, 2024, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.
He warned that continued military operations and repression in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could lead to the rise of “Free Balochistan” and “Free Pashtunistan.”
He urged Punjab's intellectuals, journalists, and leaders to take responsibility, emphasizing that Punjab which benefits the most from the country’s resources, must also contribute the most to its preservation.
“Pakistan’s salvation lies in ensuring that all institutions, including the military, stay within their constitutional boundaries,” Hussain said.
He called for the military to end its interference in politics, labeling it unconstitutional and against their oath. He also urged citizens from all regions to unite and take practical steps to secure Pakistan’s future.
“Bullets and guns may conquer territories, but they cannot conquer minds,” Hussain remarked.
“To save Pakistan, we must abandon oppression and embrace justice, equality, and democracy", he argued.