The 1971 East Pakistan Crisis: A Critical Reassessment

Nasir Shafiq; Dr. Raziq Hussain

doi:10.71085/sss.05.02.530

Authors

Nasir Shafiq PhD Scholar, Department of International Relations (IR), Muslim Youth (MY) University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Dr. Raziq Hussain Assistant Professor, Department of IR, MY University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71085/sss.05.02.530

Keywords:

East Pakistan Crisis 1971, Bangladesh Liberation War, Operation Searchlight, Political Violence, Civil-Military Relations, Bihari Massacre, Reconciliation

Abstract

The multi-dimensional reasons behind the dismemberment of Pakistan during the 1971 East Pakistan crisis include linguistic tensions, economic disparity, failed leadership, and various forms of political violence. This article provides an overview of Operation Searchlight, the role the Indian military played in the conflict, and the international environment in which the events took place, offering insights into Pakistan's ultimate dismemberment. It also highlights the little-studied violence that occurred against the Biharis and West Pakistani populations of East Pakistan, placing those events in their broader humanitarian context. By confronting the distorted views of history created by the dominant narrative through an investigation of the actual historical events, the final part of the article provides directions for rebuilding goodwill, creating understanding, and fostering positive bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the future.