Book & Author
Craig Baxter: Diaries of Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, 1966-1972
By Dr Ahmed S. Khan
Chicago, IL
Diaries of Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, 1966-1972 edited and annotated by Craig Baxter, contains the entries of diaries maintained by Field Marshal Ayub Khan from September 1966 to November 1972. The diaries cover a very turbulent period in Pakistan's history — Ayub Khan's yielding power to Yahya Khan and his rule over united Pakistan, 1971 Pakistan-India war leading to creation of Bangladesh, and finally power transfer from Yahya Khan to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The editor has included notes on personalities and events mentioned in the diaries.
Mohammad Ayub Khan (1907-1974) was Pakistan's first native Commander in Chief (1951), the youngest full-rank general and self-appointed field marshal. He was the first Pakistani military general to seize power through a coup (1958) and served as the second president of Pakistan (1958-1969).
Field Marshal Ayub Khan leaves behind a controversial legacy: his admirers consider him a world class statesman, a visionary leader who laid the foundation for the economic development of Pakistan. His policies led to a “Decade of progress (1958-1968)” — an era that made Pakistan politically stable and economically prosperous — during which a number of mega dams and water reservoirs were developed, and the state-of-the-art space and nuclear programs were initiated via the establishment of numerous educational institutions and scientific organizations. His economic blueprint for economic development was used as a model by other countries.
However, his critics hold him responsible for a plethora of ills: as the “Father of martial laws,” mutated the DNA of democracy and promoted “General-ization of government” — the de facto military involvement in running the country, by undermining the civilian leadership, suspension and abrogation of the constitution, suppression of media and political process, patronization of industrialists, massive election rigging (1965) to defeat Mohterma Fatima Jinnah, nepotism — lack of merit for the appointment of key civilian and military positions, failure to take Kashmir in 1962, mishandling state of affairs in East Pakistan which later resulted in creation of Bangladesh, and allowing his sons to unleash violence in Karachi.
Craig Baxter (1929 – 2008) was an American diplomat, academic, and historian of South Asian history. He served as the president of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies and was the founder of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies. He served as Professor of politics and history at Juniata College. During his tenure at the Foreign Service he was posted in South Asia (Bombay, New Delhi, Lahore and Dhaka: 1965-1968), and later served as a senior political officer for Pakistan and Afghanistan in Washington (1968-1971). He headed Bangladesh Desk at the US State Department during 1971 Pakistan-India War. In the late 1970s he was the Deputy Chief of the United States Mission to Bangladesh. He also served as the Officer-in-Charge for International Scientific Relations for the Near East, South Asia, and Africa (1978 – 1980). He authored thirteen books on the geopolitics of South Asia: The Jana Sangh: A Biography of an Indian Political Party (1969), District Voting Trends in India: A Research Tool (1969), Bangladesh: A New Nation in an Old Setting (1984), From Martial Law to Martial Law: Politics in the Punjab 1919-1958 (1985), Zia's Pakistan: Politics and Stability in a Frontline State (1985), Government and Politics in South Asia (1987), Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh (1989), Pakistan under the Military: Eleven Years of Zia ul-Haq (1991), Pakistan: Authoritarianism in the 1980s (1991), Bangladesh: From a Nation to a State (1997), Pakistan 1997 (1997), Pakistan 2000 (2000), and Pakistan at the Brink (2004).
The editor in the preface describing the background of the diaries, observes: “Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan began his diary in September 1966, and ended his record in October [November] 1972, when his health began to fail and he was unable to maintain his record of the events of the period and his comments on, and interpretations of them. The period covered by the diaries includes such events as Ayub's resignation from the presidency, the assumption of power by Yahya Khan, the division of Pakistan, and the replacement of Yahya by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. As he stated in the author's note, the contents would require safe keeping for a specified time before release or publishing because many entries contain information or opinions that could be detrimental to individuals and institutions that were involved in the events he describes. The diaries were, therefore, embargoed for more than thirty years after the final entry. The diaries were retained by Ayub Khan's son, Gohar Ayub and it was always the intention of Ayub Khan and his son that the diaries would be released and published. Ayub Khan further intended that the diaries would be edited by Altaf Gauhar. Since the death of Altaf Gauhar occurred before the anticipated lifting of the embargo, Gohar Ayub entrusted the editing and publishing to Oxford University Press (OUP), Karachi. OUP asked me to undertake the editing of the diaries. Although I was able to gather much information from published works (and some, admittedly, from my memory), I was greatly assisted by friends in Pakistan, Bangladesh and the United States who have responded kindly and helpfully to my frequent questions.”
Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, in author's note, states: “Ever since assumption of the responsible office of C-in-C of the Army on 17 January 1951, I, apart from becoming responsible for the defense of the country, also came into contact with the higher functionaries of the government at the policy making level. So, I have had the opportunity of seeing the history of Pakistan in the making and later making it myself in the capacity of President. I was often asked by friends to record my experiences for the benefit of future generations and myself felt the need for it, but somehow I never got round to writing my diary, more through lack of habit than anything else. However, when I came to writing my book Friends not Masters, I had to do it through memory. This was a very taxing and tiresome job. So, I forced myself to start writing my diary in case it was decided to write another book or use it as reference material. But one thing is clear: that this material cannot be used for a long time to come as it is bound to contain sensitive material affecting personalities or events having a bearing or relationship with, or influence on, the affairs of Pakistan. In making my comments or observations, I will do so as I honestly felt at the time. But these are liable to be misunderstood and can cause a lot of harm if divulged prematurely. Hence, the need for deferment of publication of this material until such time as it ceases to be part of contemporary history…1 September 1966.”
The following selections from the diaries illustrate Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan's insights on a spectrum of issues related to Pakistan's political, social and economic development, as well as his personal views on various topics.
September 1966
2, Friday: Zulfiqar Bhutto left the cabinet in early July. He was given notice to quit in January at his own house in Larkana. Yet he complains that he was given 24 hours’ notice. When he left, the leftist elements and a certain section of the student community made a lot of fuss. I was accused of turning him out because of his pro-China and anti-USA tendencies.…The American ambassador came to see me today. Gave me a letter from President Johnson in reply to my request for spare parts etc. for the American type of military equipment. It was evasive. It is quite obvious Americans are very reluctant to do anything that will annoy India.
October 1966
14, Friday: Flew into Tehran and was received by the Shahinshah, who showed considerable warmth and also regard for Pakistan for self-preservation. He realizes that if he were to succumb to Indian pressure, his country's turn will come next.
17, Monday: The Shah is also disenchanted with CENTO like us. He thinks it has lost its value, but we should not quit it until we replace it with something worthwhile which will have to be regional. He thinks the answer is for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran to get together in as many fields as possible. But will the Afghans listen and will the Russians allow them to do so.
December 1966
11, Sunday: News of a cyclone storm in the Bay of Bengal was coming in. It was supposed to be getting ominous and in the morning heading in the direction of Cox's Bazaar and Chittagong. It hit these areas in the middle of the night accompanied by torrential rain. Luckily, its velocity was not very great and did no great damage. These cyclones are a curse on East Pakistan and do an enormous amount of damage to life and property.
February 1967
6, Monday: Bhutto had a long run in talking a lot of nonsense. Time has come when his pretensions should be exposed.
7, Tuesday: The King of Afghanistan with his wife and son and daughter arrived for a seven-day visit to Pakistan. He would like to call it an official visit.
20, Monday: Attended the opening ceremony of All-Pakistan Women's Association [APWA] educational buildings in Lahore. These ladies had done a tremendous job and have a number of educational institutions on a self-help basis. I announced the donation of Rs 200,000.
May 1970
21, Thursday: I had another bad day today. Pains in the chest after lunch, then again after dinner. Also pain in the gums, some in the teeth and in the throat. But I still went out to my lands to see the wheat threshing operation going on.
August 1970
31, Monday: Bhutto is getting more and more aggressive and attacking the government more frontally every day. He thinks that he has built up sufficient strength to do so and the government dare not retaliate.
September 1970
30, Wednesday: Qazi Isa from Quetta also turned up in the evening. He said that the NAP in Balochistan was badly split and extremist Balochis like Bugti, Marri, and Mengal were isolated. Besides, they were divided amongst themselves.
November 1970
21, Saturday: Now that contact is established with the cyclone affected areas, the extent of the damage is beginning to be known. It is staggering. Some three million people have been affected. The estimate of the human death toll ranges from 1.5 lakh to 10 lakhs.
December 1970
8, Tuesday: Today was a nerve-wracking day. As the results of the election started pouring in it became clear that Mujibur Rahman in East Pakistan and Bhutto in West Pakistan, especially in the Punjab, were scoring landslide victory. The party position is now as follows: • Awami League 151 seats, all from East Pakistan. Nine seats in the cyclone affected areas where elections will be held later are also bound to go to them. • Pakistan People's Party 81 seats, 62 from the Punjab, 18 from Sindh and 1 from NWFP. • Independents, 11 seats including 7 from the tribal areas which should be available to the government in power. • Ulema of different descriptions about 18 seats. • The rest a few each.
29, Tuesday: Mr. S.M. Zafar, my former law minister, came to call and stayed on for dinner. He said that the chances of two wings staying together were remote. He said and thought that 1973 was about the furthest deadline Bhashani was asking for complete and immediate independence. He was probably closer to the inner feelings and was also forcing Mujibur Rahman not to resile from his Six Points. Bhutto, he said, was most anxious to get into power in collaboration with Mujibur Rahman for its own sake and also for keeping his party together which he would not be able to do in opposition.
February 1971
6, Saturday: Yahya is supposed to have mentioned somewhere that if Franco could rule Spain for 35 years why could he not do the same in Pakistan. When saying this he forgot that Franco had a strong political and military power base which Yahya has not. Besides, Franco is regarded as a national hero.
17, Wednesday: …Mujibur Rahman, being a limited man lacking foresight and statesmanship, is bound to over-react making accommodation between the two wings impossible. So by putting faith in these charlatans the people of this country have mortgaged their future for disaster and ruination.
March 1971
3, Wednesday: Mujibur Rahman called for a one day hartal in Dacca and other places yesterday, which was carried out and led to a good deal of arson and looting.
13, Saturday: Just heard that Lt. General Yaqub has resigned. He was accused of being too close to Mujibur Rahman
16, Tuesday: Mujibur Rahman has issued 35 detailed directives under which different institutions, departments, and government and semi-government organizations will or will not be run.
17, Wednesday: Mujibur Rahman had a two-hour meeting with General Yahya yesterday. He is to meet him again today. Mujibur Rahman has already established his Six Points, including non-payment of central taxes.
26, Friday: Yahya returned to Karachi last night, but Bhutto is still there. It is obvious that no final settlement acceptable to Mujibur Rahman, Bhutto and Yahya on the formation of an interim government or the shape of the future constitution has taken place.
May 1971
6, Thursday: Was rung up by President Nixon from Washington [while recovering from heart surgery in Cleveland, OH] inquiring about my health. He also expressed concern over the state of affairs in Pakistan and assured me that there shall be no interference by the USA in the internal affairs of Pakistan.
November 1971
8, Monday: Indira Gandhi is touring western capitals presumably to get clearance for aggression against Pakistan. According to the press, the British were noncommittal. The Americans warned her of the dangers of war…Mujibur Rahman's trial, I am told, is being held in Lyallpur jail. On entering the courtroom, he gives a call of 'Jai Bangladesh'. He has also said that the President had declared him a traitor. So why hold a trial?
December 1971
7, Tuesday: India has recognized the Bangladesh government. In consequence, Pakistan has severed diplomatic ties with India.
8, Wednesday: The news from East Pakistan is not too good. We seem to have been pushed back in several areas, but our troops are fighting valiantly…The UN General Assembly has passed a resolution by overwhelming majority calling upon Pakistan and India to ceasefire and withdraw their troops to their respective territories.
13, Monday: President Nixon is supposed to have sent a stiff letter to Indira Gandhi demanding a ceasefire. There is also a hint that they could even intervene under a treaty obligation, presumably CENTO and SEATO.
15, Wednesday: A dispatch from Singapore indicated that the American carrier Enterprise, accompanied by seven more ships, passed through the straits of Malacca and is heading towards the Bay of Bengal…This force has considerable power, but I doubt if it is going to be used to reverse the situation in Bengal.
16, Thursday: Just heard that Niazi in East Pakistan has surrendered, and fighting has ceased, and the Indian troops are marching into Dacca. The Mukti Bahini took an active part in softening Dacca by mortar and other types of fire. They are busy butchering the nationalist and Jamaat-e-Islami types. The Indians have declared that the Bangladesh government will be sworn in today since it has been liberated. Indira Gandhi has announced that since their objective has been achieved, they will unilaterally ceasefire by 7:30 p.m. tomorrow. The object, I suppose, is to deceive world opinion by their changed peaceful intentions and to gain time to bring troops over to West Pakistan, although there is some evidence that the Indians have lifted them from Bengal and taken them to the Chinese border. In actual fact, the Chinese don't have to do much. A few demonstrations of force on the Himalayan border would make India commit considerable forces and relieve the pressure against West Pakistan. So it was a dark day for Pakistan, entailing not only the loss of a province and 6.5 crore Muslims going under Indian influence, but the loss of our magnificent divisions and some air and naval forces...I suppose the Hindu morale is now very high. It is the first victory they have had over the Muslims for centuries. It would take us a long time to live this down. But the Indian jubilation will soon come to an end…The Bengali too will soon realize that he has bought liberation from Pakistan very dearly. Our forces would have been able to hold on longer, but the Indians managed to produce helicopter lift capability to the extent of one brigade at a time. They brought in a large number of troops like that and that is how Dacca was surrounded. The expectation is that Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won't last long. They will be superseded by the communists who will soon join hands with Naxalites and other communists in West Bengal.
20, Monday: Bhutto returned to Islamabad this morning. Yahya appointed him as the president, and curiously, chief martial law administrator as well. How the army will take this remains to be seen. I suppose it will remain quiet in its present state of shock from East Pakistan.
January 1972
8, Saturday: The Shah of Iran came, stayed for six hours and flew back. He may have come on his own or was possibly sent by the Americans to caution Bhutto against extremism. He too must be worried about the socialist views spreading to Iran…Heard on the radio last night that Yahya and Lt. General Hamid have been put under house arrest…Mujibur Rahman has been set free and flown to London. Bhutto must be happy as that completes the process of separation and leaves him free.
February 1972
6, Sunday: Mujibur Rahman is on a visit to Calcutta where he met Indira Gandhi and addressed a public meeting. He stated that there was no question of any ties with Pakistan. Bangladesh was an independent country. Friendship with India was eternal.
9, Wednesday: The Indian army in Bangladesh was very cautious and on its best behavior. They wanted to demonstrate how different they were from Pakistani troops and real friends of the people.
21, Monday: I have not been writing lately, not because there was nothing to write about, but I was disgusted with the growing irregularities committed by the administration and resultant deepening frustration and disenchantment of the people. The feeling is growing that the crisis in the country is deepening.
March 1972
4, Saturday: The story is that Lt. General Gul Hassan was removed because he refused to use troops against police in Lahore.
10, Friday: I am told Yahya attempted suicide twice but his brother, who lives with him, managed to save him in time. His son was serving with an oil company. They removed him the day Yahya left.
12, Sunday: The Indian army is supposed to have withdrawn from Bengal. The BBC called it a withdrawal in triumph and popularity, as was their arrival. Mujibur Rahman took the parting salute; over one hundred thousand people witnessed the parade.
April 1972
18, Tuesday: I am told that the Supreme Court was threatened by Bhutto that if they gave a judgment in Altaf Gauhar's case before the dispersal of the assembly, they would be dismissed. He obviously was expecting an adverse judgment.
20, Thursday: I am told that the Russians gave a clear warning to Bhutto that in the event of any military action taken against any portion of India from West Pakistan, the history of Bangladesh would be repeated.
MAY 1972
11, Thursday: The Pakistani rupee has been devalued. Its price has been decreased from 4 rupees and 75 paisa to 11 rupees to a dollar. The bonus voucher scheme has been abolished. The IMF and the World Bank had been demanding this for a long time. In my time, we resisted the pressure. The present finance minister, a miserable creature called Mubashir, claims credit for having done so and blames the previous government for not doing so.
30, Tuesday: The Sindhis intend to pass a resolution in the assembly making Sindhi the official language. This has perturbed a large number of the Urdu-speaking refugee population in Sindh and a couple of million non-Sindhis working or settled in Karachi. This short-sighted measure is bound to lead to confrontation embittering further inter-regional feeling.
June 1972
19, Monday: Bhutto is preparing to go to Delhi for talks with Indira Gandhi. The critical points in the talks will obviously be recognition of Bangladesh—though I don't see why should we settle in Delhi.
21, Wednesday: The linguistic and racial rivalry in Sindh is becoming acute. Whilst recognizing Urdu as a national language, Sindhi has been made the official language thus eliminating Urdu-speaking people, which comprise nearly half the population there, from the current of life.
July 1972
4, Tuesday: Bhutto is a great actor, or more appropriately, a clown. After delivering a speech to the crowd at Lahore airport, he moved forward to shake hands with them. He then took off his coat and threw it at them. They promptly tore it to bits and kept the pieces as souvenirs.
10, Monday: There are reports of more rioting, killing and arson from a number of cities in Sindh. Karachi and Hyderabad had been handed over to the army and a 24-hour curfew imposed.
12, Wednesday: Bhutto and his cousin, Mumtaz Bhutto, have been saying that if they were thrown out of office they would see to it that Pakistan ceases to exist.
October 1972
24, Tuesday: Went to the burial of Father Byrne, a Catholic missionary, who had rendered great service to Pakistan in the educational field. He had died of heart failure. I had helped him to be treated by Professor Goodwin, who is a friend of mine and the best cardiologist in England. I believe Professor Goodwin suggested heart surgery, but Father Byrne balked.
November 1972
26, Sunday: Most of the big business families are splitting and acquiring interests abroad…I am told that the Russians are active, especially in Karachi. Most of the labor troubles are financed by them.
30, Thursday: The People's Party is holding its convention today in the army stadium. Why is this incomprehensible? However, some 3000 delegates have been invited. They are handpicked and say they will have no hesitation in rubber-stamping whatever Bhutto desires.
The editor notes that after November 30, 1972, the Field Marshal stopped recording his diary due to ill health. Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan passed away on April 20, 1974, of a heart attack, and was buried the following day at his ancestral village, Rehana. He was survived by his widow, Zubaida Khatoon, four sons and three daughters.
Diaries of Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, 1966-1972, edited and annotated by Craig Baxter offers authentic material for scholars and academics interested in Pakistan's political history. It is essential reading for all students of history, international relations, and especially for all civilian and military officers of Pakistan so that they can learn from Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s blunders, and benefit from his insights on leadership and governance.
