Yahya Khan biography

Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan, commonly known as Yahya Khan, was born on February 4, 1917, in Chakwal, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). He was a military officer who served as the third President of Pakistan. Here is a brief biography of Yahya Khan:

Early Life and Military Career:

• Yahya Khan hailed from a Pashtun family. He received his early education in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and later attended the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, India.
• During World War II, Yahya Khan served in the British Indian Army and participated in various military campaigns.
• After the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Yahya Khan continued to serve in the Pakistan Army and held several important positions, including commanding a brigade during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Presidency:

• In 1969, following the resignation of President Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan assumed power as the President of Pakistan. He also held the position of Chief Martial Law Administrator.
• Yahya Khan’s tenure was marked by significant political challenges, including the handling of the 1970 general elections and the subsequent political crisis.
• The 1970 elections resulted in a major victory for the Awami League, a political party representing the interests of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), which led to tensions between East and West Pakistan.

Bangladesh Liberation War:

• The political crisis and unrest in East Pakistan eventually escalated into a full-scale armed conflict, known as the Bangladesh Liberation War, in 1971.
• Yahya Khan’s handling of the crisis and the subsequent military crackdown in East Pakistan drew international condemnation.
• In December 1971, after a nine-month-long war, East Pakistan declared independence from Pakistan, leading to the formation of the new nation of Bangladesh.

Resignation and Later Years:

• In December 1971, following the defeat in the Bangladesh Liberation War, Yahya Khan resigned as President of Pakistan.
• After his resignation, Yahya Khan lived a relatively quiet life away from politics. He faced criticism for his role in the Bangladesh crisis.
• Yahya Khan passed away on August 10, 1980, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Yahya Khan’s presidency was marked by significant political and military challenges, including the break-up of Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh. His handling of the political crisis and the subsequent events continue to be subjects of debate and scrutiny.