Interview with Wajahat Husain, June 30, 2005

Interview Summary

This interview with General Wajahat Hussain begins with a discussion of Hussain's involvement as a division commander during the First Martial Law imposed by Ayub Khan. He discusses the individuals who were arrested by the military, such as members of organized crime, religious organizations, and student organizations with Communist sympathies. Hussain then moves on to talk about the reasons that the civil administration of Pakistan failed to maintain law and order. He discusses the feudal nature of Pakistani society and the ways in which Ayub Khan attempted to address this issue with land reforms. Hussain also talks about his personal relationship with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who became prime minster of Pakistan. He gives his opinion on Bhutto's administration and the reforms that were attempted during his time in office. Finally, Hussain talks about the diplomatic role he played in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which involved traveling to Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in order to gain their support for Pakistan.

Interview Keyword

Generals Pakistan. Army. Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 First Martial Law Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali General Ayub Khan Feudalism

Interview LC Subject

Pakistan--History Pakistan--Military relations--India. Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali, 1928-1979. Martial Law Pakistan. Army. Khan, Ayub, 1969-

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Interview Usage

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