The expiry of General Niazi (1915-2004) at the age of 89 at Lahore has rekindled the memories of the War of Liberation along with the significance of this picture. In fact, all freedom fighters in exile and within the then occupied territories were in great tension when in the last leg of the nine months of war , the combined forces encircled the Dhaka city and General Manekshaw's message to General Niazi to surrender unconditionally was repeatedly being announced through all media. At this critical juncture, some people were afraid of total destruction of the capital and other big cities by the Pakistani Army as an act of revenge before their surrender which was almost inevitable. We were eagerly awaiting the decision of the late Niazi since his decision could save the lives of millions, property of uncountable value and ensure the independence of Bangladesh.

The new generation might find a disgraced, vanquished and disdained General in Niazi who conceded a historical defeat with 91,000 soldiers. But I think differently. This decision of the Late General was an appropriate one for the cause of civilisation as well as the existence of Pakistan as a country.

The reality is that the decision of the late General saved Pakistan from total disintegration and averted massive killing and destruction.

Many of us do not know that Niazi was decorated with 'Military Cross' for his role in the Burma war front in 1944. Viceroy Lord Wavel awarded three commanders of British Army "Knighthood" on 15 December, 1944. During this ceremony, only two Indian officers received this award and Niazi was one of them. He was the son of a Pathan family from Mianwali in Punjab. Imran Khan Niazi, renowned cricket player, is also from the same tribe which is fond of war and sports. After matriculation, Niazi enrolled himself in the army and climbed to a high position by dint of his merit.

In fact, the allied forces won the battle in 1971 against the Pakistan Army due to the unqualified support and strong will of the people of Bangladesh.

Although the auto-biography of the late General "The Betrayal of East Pakistan" did not reflect the truth, but thanks to him for avoiding a bloodbath.