Fifty-three years have passed since the tragic separation of East Pakistan on December 16, 1971. This event remains a deep and enduring wound in the collective consciousness of Pakistan. The grief and anguish over the loss of a significant portion of the nation continue to resonate, and the specter of external threats and internal divisions persists.
The fall of Dhaka was a devastating blow, orchestrated by Indian aggression and fueled by internal strife. The jubilant declaration of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, that she had "sunk the two-nation theory" in the Bay of Bengal, now appears ironic. The resurgence of Islamic identity and the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, culminating in the ouster of the pro-India government, serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of the two-nation theory.
While the two-nation theory holds undeniable significance, it is equally crucial for nations to acknowledge their past mistakes and learn from them. As former Foreign Secretary Johar Saleem aptly observed, the fortunes of nations ebb and flow, and victories and defeats are not permanent.
The tragic coincidence of the Army Public School Peshawar massacre on the same date, December 16, 43 years later, added another layer of profound sorrow and pain to the nation. This act of terror aimed to inflict maximum emotional damage and further exacerbate the collective trauma.
The memory of the fall of Dhaka serves as a stark reminder of the importance of national unity, vigilance against external threats, and the continuous pursuit of peace and stability.
The fall of Dhaka was a devastating blow, orchestrated by Indian aggression and fueled by internal strife. The jubilant declaration of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, that she had "sunk the two-nation theory" in the Bay of Bengal, now appears ironic. The resurgence of Islamic identity and the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, culminating in the ouster of the pro-India government, serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of the two-nation theory.
While the two-nation theory holds undeniable significance, it is equally crucial for nations to acknowledge their past mistakes and learn from them. As former Foreign Secretary Johar Saleem aptly observed, the fortunes of nations ebb and flow, and victories and defeats are not permanent.
The tragic coincidence of the Army Public School Peshawar massacre on the same date, December 16, 43 years later, added another layer of profound sorrow and pain to the nation. This act of terror aimed to inflict maximum emotional damage and further exacerbate the collective trauma.
The memory of the fall of Dhaka serves as a stark reminder of the importance of national unity, vigilance against external threats, and the continuous pursuit of peace and stability.