It is a bombastic speech playing to the galleries. He cites Wilson to the Americans, Algeria to the French in talks about self determination. Despite his weary country having failed to achieve a decisive victory over India he pledges to fight for a thousand years..
What follows is a brilliant display of theatrics as Bhutto fakes receiving a call from President Ayub Khan. He then explains how is willing to fight for a thousand years but his President has ordered him to accept the ceasefire.
Classic ZAB.
Classic ZAB.
Reference
‘Once Ahmed Bugti was hosting some people. ZAB, spotted him & asked if he could join. Bugti declined. Years later, ZAB seated at a high table, sighted him and said, ‘Do you remember the time when you would not let me sit at your table?Well this time, I won’t let you sit at mine’.
“Oh chamcha! I do not need you. I know how to eat with my hands!” -ZAB
Classic Bhutto.
Classic Bhutto.
A lot of people cite this dramatic speech by ZAB, in December 1971, as the moment East Pakistan was truly lost.
The traditional account goes like this, ZAB ripped up a ceasefire document that could haves the Dhaka surrender.
On first glance that appears true.
The traditional account goes like this, ZAB ripped up a ceasefire document that could haves the Dhaka surrender.
On first glance that appears true.
It is a great display of oratory and dramatic effect but if you look at the actual Polish ceasefire document (see below) there is truth in what he is saying.
This wasn’t a ceasefire agreement, it was at best a peace agreement and at worst a surrender agreement.
This wasn’t a ceasefire agreement, it was at best a peace agreement and at worst a surrender agreement.
ZAB gets blamed unfairly for his role here.
The Military regime had convinced itself that foreign powers i.e., US and China would intervene on its behalf and it had lied for so long to the general public that any agreement signed would be seen as a surrender.
The Military regime had convinced itself that foreign powers i.e., US and China would intervene on its behalf and it had lied for so long to the general public that any agreement signed would be seen as a surrender.
In simple terms ZAB had neither the authority nor the support nor the desire to agree to a document like the resolution.
December 1971 after the fall of Dhaka.
ZAB was now President and the first and only Civilian Martial Law Administrator in Pakistan’s history.
He arranges a meeting with Sindhi nationalist GM Syed.
On his arrival ZAB feigns touching his feet, what follows is classic #ZAB
ZAB was now President and the first and only Civilian Martial Law Administrator in Pakistan’s history.
He arranges a meeting with Sindhi nationalist GM Syed.
On his arrival ZAB feigns touching his feet, what follows is classic #ZAB
