The Betrayal of East Pakistan

Product Information

• Title: The Betrayal of East Pakistan
• Author: Lt. Gen. A. A. K. Niazi
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-13: 9780195792751 / 978-0195792751
• ISBN-10: 0195792750
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Year of Publication: 1999
• Number of Pages: 356

Overview

The Betrayal of East Pakistan is the first-hand account of the 1971 war and the fall of East Pakistan by Lieutenant General A. A. K. Niazi, the commander of Pakistan’s Eastern Command during the conflict. In this controversial and deeply personal narrative, Niazi sheds light on the military, political, and strategic failures that led to the dismemberment of Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh.

The 1971 war, one of the most pivotal and painful chapters in Pakistan’s history, resulted in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops to the Indian Army. While many books have been written about this tumultuous period, Niazi’s account stands out because it comes directly from one of the main actors of the conflict. His memoir seeks to clarify the circumstances, decisions, and betrayals that, in his view, led to Pakistan’s defeat.

The book critically examines the role of Pakistan’s leadership, including General Yahya Khan, political elites, and military strategists, as well as the geopolitical pressures and internal insurgencies that fueled the crisis. It provides a detailed perspective on the military operations, diplomatic maneuvers, and human consequences of the war.

A highly debated and historically significant work, The Betrayal of East Pakistan remains an essential read for those interested in military history, South Asian politics, and Pakistan’s historical trajectory.

Key Features

✅ First-hand account of the 1971 war from Pakistan’s Eastern Command commander
✅ Insights into military strategies, political failures, and diplomatic setbacks
✅ Discusses the reasons behind Pakistan’s defeat and the creation of Bangladesh
✅ Highly controversial yet historically important narrative
✅ Essential for students of military history, South Asian studies, and international relations

About the Author

Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan (A. A. K.) Niazi (1915-2004) was a senior officer in the Pakistan Army who served as the last commander of Eastern Command. He was at the center of the 1971 war and is one of the most polarizing figures in Pakistan’s military history. His decision to surrender to Indian forces on December 16, 1971, remains a defining moment in South Asia’s history.

Interesting Facts

• The 1971 war led to the creation of Bangladesh, marking the first time in modern history that a country was split due to internal and external conflicts.
• Lt. Gen. Niazi signed the Instrument of Surrender on December 16, 1971, at the Dhaka Racecourse Ground, making it one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.
• Niazi’s account contradicts official Pakistani narratives, claiming that higher authorities in Pakistan’s military and government were responsible for the disaster.
• The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, which investigated the 1971 war, placed significant blame on Niazi, but he argued that he was made a scapegoat.
• His book remains one of the most debated works on Pakistan’s military history.

Publisher

Published by Oxford University Press, The Betrayal of East Pakistan offers a controversial yet valuable perspective on the 1971 war, its causes, and its aftermath.

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#PakistanHistory #1971War #BangladeshLiberation #AAPKNiazi #OxfordUniversityPress #MilitaryHistory #SouthAsianPolitics #PakistanArmy #FallOfDhaka #WarMemoirs