General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan became the President of Pakistan after Ayub Khan resigned in 1969. He imposed martial law and pledged to return the country to democratic rule. In 1970, under his regime, Pakistan’s first general elections were held on the basis of adult franchise. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority but was denied power, leading to a political crisis.

The central government’s refusal to transfer power to the Awami League sparked mass protests in East Pakistan, and eventually Operation Searchlight was launched in March 1971 to suppress the movement. The operation involved widespread violence and repression, further escalating tensions.

India supported the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi resistance) and, following border skirmishes, India and Pakistan went to war in December 1971. Within two weeks, Dhaka fell on 16 December 1971, and East Pakistan became Bangladesh.

This was the most significant territorial and political loss in Pakistan’s history. Over 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendered, marking the largest surrender since World War II.

Yahya Khan resigned under pressure, and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took over. Yahya’s tenure is often remembered for mismanagement, denial of democracy, and the breakup of Pakistan.