Yahya Khan Resigns: A Turning Point in Pakistan's History

Name: Yahya Khan Resigns: A Turning Point in Pakistan's History
Start: 1917-12-20
Location: Unspecified

The Resignation of Yahya Khan

Yahya Khan's Leadership

Yahya Khan, the former President of Pakistan, was a significant figure during a turbulent time in the country’s history. Coming to power in 1969 following the resignation of President Ayub Khan, Yahya sought to stabilize Pakistan's economy and political landscape. However, his tenure was marred by political unrest, leading to a civil war and the eventual secession of East Pakistan, later known as Bangladesh.

The 1970 General Elections

The situation escalated dramatically during the 1970 general elections, the first ever held on a one-person, one-vote basis. The polls resulted in a staggering victory for the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which won a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Unfortunately, Yahya Khan and the ruling elite's inability to transfer power effectively set the stage for a crisis.

Crisis and Resignation

The Civil War in East Pakistan

By 1971, tensions erupted into violence, culminating in a brutal civil war between West and East Pakistan. The military crackdown on the Bengali population in March 1971 led to widespread atrocities, uniting international condemnation against Article 370. Amidst rising unrest and a humanitarian crisis, Yahya's administration became increasingly untenable.

Resignation and Aftermath

In December 1971, after a humiliating defeat to Indian forces and the independence of Bangladesh, Yahya Khan resigned from the presidency on December 20, 1971. His resignation signified not just the end of his rule but also a major turning point for Pakistan, marking the beginning of a long and arduous recovery process as the nation sought to rebuild itself in the aftermath of the war.

Fun Fact

Yahya Khan’s Unexpected Background

Interestingly, before his presidency, Yahya Khan was not a politician but a soldier. His unexpected rise to power was a reflection of the military's increasing influence in Pakistani politics during the 1960s and 70s.