Political History of Pakistan (1969–1971) – General Yahya Khan and the Fall of East Pakistan
Political History of Pakistan (1969–1971): General Yahya Khan & Fall of East Pakistan General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan assumed power on 25 March 1969 , following widespread public unrest against Ayub Khan. Yahya became Pakistan’s second military ruler, taking charge as both President and Chief Martial Law Administrator. He pledged to restore democracy through free elections, but mis‑managed the transition so badly that the state lost half its territory. This article continues our political‑history series. Earlier chapters: Liaquat Ali Khan Era (1947–1951) Instability Before Martial Law (1951–1955) First Constitution & One‑Unit Scheme (1954–1956) Suhrawardy, Chundrigar & Feroz Khan Noon (1956–1958) Ayub Khan Era (1958–1969) 1 | From Tashkent Backlash to Yahya’s Coup Ayub Khan’s legitimacy crumbled after the Tashkent Declaration . Zulfikar Ali Bhutto branded it a sell‑out, galvanising students and labour unions. Facing near‑revolt, Ayub handed power...