Fazlur Rehman (File photo)
He recalled how the Pakistan Army laid down its arms in 1971, just a day after then-President and military ruler General Yahya Khan declared that it would fight until the end. “But I remember, and maybe there are some elders who remember, that in December 1971, one day before laying down arms, General Yahya Khan addressed the army and said, we will fight in the streets, in the deserts, in the fields, in the factories, in the mountains, and we will fight against them. We will fight. We heard these big words then,” Rehman added.
Rehman Challenges Military to Engage in Politics Directly
Rehman has openly challenged the military to abandon their uniforms and participate directly in the political arena. He stated, “If you want to do politics, then take off the uniform and come; participate in the elections, and it will become clear what votes people give to those in uniform.” This statement underscores his belief that the military has significant influence over political outcomes, as he added, “It is your prerogative to give government to whomever you want, and to snatch it away from whomever you wish.” These remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding the military’s role in civilian governance.