Pakistan Gradually Left Friendless on the World Political Stage

On 5 December 1971, Bangladesh stood on the threshold of victory, with freedom-seeking Bengalis advancing towards Dhaka after liberating various regions of the country. The unfolding conflict in Bangladesh became a new focal point for global political observers. The world watched with astonishment as Bengali freedom fighters confronted heavily armed forces with whatever limited resources they had. Pakistan steadily began to lose allies on the international stage.

From the beginning of December, the Pakistani occupation forces suffered defeat after defeat as Bengalis fought successive frontline battles. The situation further deteriorated for Pakistani troops under the sharp offensive of the Indian allied forces. Yahya Khan realised that Bangladesh’s independence was now only a matter of time. Acknowledging impending defeat, Pakistan turned to diplomatic manoeuvring.

The Pakistani military regime intensified international diplomatic efforts with the assistance of the United States. The United States openly supported Pakistan. On this day in 1971, the United States submitted a proposal to the United Nations Security Council calling for a ceasefire in East Pakistan. Alongside this, it also proposed the withdrawal of troops from the India–Pakistan border.

Out of the 14 members of the Security Council, the Soviet Union and Poland, both genuine friends of Bangladesh, opposed the proposal, while 10 countries supported it. Britain and France abstained. To prevent the proposal from being passed, the Soviet Union exercised its veto, effectively nullifying the resolution. With this, Pakistan’s last hope vanished, and it began losing the diplomatic battle as well as the war on the field.

Meanwhile, the Governor of East Pakistan urged people to make generous donations to the defence fund to resist the Indian offensive. In another announcement, the Pakistani Army Chief instructed all soldiers up to the rank of retired Major under the age of 55 to report to their nearest recruiting office. President Yahya Khan declared on radio that a war between Pakistan and India had begun, attempting to mask the Bengali struggle for liberation.

But no conspiracy could suppress the Bengalis. They continued their desperate fight to free their motherland. As freedom fighters battled the occupation forces and the allied forces intensified their coordinated attacks, the Pakistani soldiers, desperate to survive, sought ways to surrender to the brave Bengalis.

Khaborwala/SS