Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan

Hina Rizvi

Establishing pleasant relations with India, has always remained

a challenge for Pakistani Government. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (1928-
1979) tried to establish independent and bilateral relations with
India. In the past, as a foreign Minister he played an important
role to expose the Indian policies based on the animosity in front
of the U.N. as well as international forum. Bhutto considered
India as a country having hegemonic design which was a challenge
for the security of Pakistan’s national existence. He declared the
aggression as a permanent element of Indian Foreign Policy and
India was declared as an angular child of the world. Bhutto also
criticized Tashkant pact in severe terms. There was a common
perception about the pact that the President Ayub lost on the table
of discussion which was achieved by Pakistani army in the
battlefield. Bhutto was deadly against the Tashkand Pact and he
was not at all ready to sign that agreement with India on those
conditions1. Bhutto, due to his contradictory policy against India,
acquired the best possible prominence among the Pakistani people
and that fame proved helpful to bring him in power. But due to
these policies, Bhutto was considered as the worst possible enemy
of Bharat. The war of 1971 and separation of East Pakistan caused
great tension between the two countries. Because of performance
64 Pakistan Vision Vol. 14 No. 1

of Bhutto in the past, it was not only difficult rather impossible for
the government of People’s Party to establish good relations with
India, however, because of national circumstances it was essential
to establish good relations with India. It was the need of the hour
that the misunderstandings between India and Pakistan be
rectified. The Indian propaganda, at International level must be
checked. Moreover, there were so many sensitive and
complicated problems for the government i:e the problems of the
release of the Pakistani prisoners of war, the release of occupied
areas of Pakistan, relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh; and
those problems were related to India so Bhutto tried to resolve
those problems by establishing improved relations with India. The
Simla Pact was an attempt to solve those problems. The Simla
Pact was a mile-stone in the history of the Pak-India relations. To
rectify the differences caused due to 1971 Pak Bharat war and
creation of Bangladesh, this Pact was executed on 2nd July,1972.
With this agreement both the countries got a base to solve their
mutual problems. This Pact was executed under unfavourable
circumstances. After the mishap of 1971, the position of Pakistan
became too weak. The International views were against her. The
people of Pakistan turned against the rulers, the morale of the
people and the army got low and international media took to
derogatory propaganda against Pakistan.

At the time of the peak, the whole of East Pakistan and 5200
miles area of West Pakistan were under the Indian control2. More
than ninety thousand soldiers and personnel of non military forces
were imprisoned in India3 while the number of Indian prisoners
was less as compared to that of Pakistanis in India. All the
prisoners of Bharat were male who belonged to army while the
Pakistani prisoners comprised of females, children and old aged
males also. According to the article 118 of 3rd Geneva
Convention, the prisoners of war were to be released at once
without any delay after the cease fire4, but India was not ready to
do so. The discussion with India has always remained a tough issue
Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan 65

for Pakistan’s Foreign Policy all the time. But the defeat in 1971
made the discussion extremely difficult5.

The announcement of Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira

Gandhi (1971-1984), is available in the record that on the
separation of East Pakistan the balance of power of the
subcontinent had been shifted in favour of India and Pakistan had
to prepare its foreign policy in the light of this reality. It was a
grave challenge for Pakistan. It meant that Pakistan had come at
the level of Nepal and Bhutan6. In such circumstances, Bhutto
adopted an honourable way of compromise. He, in his speech
said, “There is no doubt that history of Pak Bharat is the history of
suspicion and the people of the subcontinent have paid great price
for it. We are ready to take a fresh start only if India will respond
sincerely. We have to take a step forward and at every step there
will be test of sincerity of both the parties. We are ready to talk
on the basis of principles, not only now but also in future too”.7
Even Mrs. Indira Gandhi realistically stated in strong words that
“We need strong, permanent and friendly relations with new
government of Pakistan. We do not insist Islamabad to accept the
new government of Dhaka. However, Bangladesh is a reality”8.
Mrs. Gandi also announced, “Bharat does not want to weaken
Pakistan; at the same time it does not intend that Pakistan in
collaboration with its companions should weaken India”9.
Negotiations for compromise began from Pakistan through the
Russian Embassy in Pakistan at Islamabad10. By the end of January
1972, Bharat was talking as a conqueror. Bharat demanded of
Pakistan the acceptance of Bangladesh and confronting cease-fire
line of Kashmir and the resolution of all the disputes at the same
time11.

In negotiations the demand of Pakistan was that all the

disputes be resolved gradually accordingly to their importance.
Bhutto upto the 15th February, 1972, remained firm at its policy
but on 19th February, 1972, the Indian Interpreter gave his
statement that India was ready for negotiations with Pakistan
without any prior conditions as it wanted to have a permanent
66 Pakistan Vision Vol. 14 No. 1

solution of Kashmir Issue and the present condition was in favour

of India12. Prior to the meeting of heads of the States, a
memorandum of understanding was to be prepared for the
meeting of Ambassador for mapping out the procedure for the
solution of the main problems.

Thus on 20th April, the interpreter of the foreign office of

Pakistan gave statement that the Ambassadors of both the
countries would meet on 26th April 197213. Thereafter, a meeting
between the head of Indian delegation, D. P Dhar and head of the
Pakistani Delegation Mr. Aziz Ahmad was held. Within no time a
difference arose in the discussion between D.P Dhar and Aziz
Ahmad. Bharat insisted that the Kashmir issue and the acceptance
of Bangladesh issue should be linked with the release of prisoners
of war but due to timely interference and efforts of Bhutto, the
very difference was resolved. Bhutto accepted the request of Dhar
that he would talk to Indira Gandhi in detail on Kashmir issue. So
it was settled that in the capital of Hamachal Pardesh Simla, the
discussion between Indira and Bhutto would be held on a higher
level. After the finalization of the discussions, Bhutto asked for the
proposal about the discussions from people having different
mindsets. According to the statement of politician Rasool Buksh
Paleejo, “The meeting between Bhutto and Indira Gandhi was
arranged prior to this date, I received a phone call, to meet the
President in Karachi. On reaching the fixed place, it was noticed
that Justice Fareed-ud-Din, G. Alana, Sheikh Ayaz and other
respectables were present with Bhutto and they were asked for
their views about the same proposals relating to the Simla
Conference. At that moment, Bhutto said “We are not
clamouring, we are very much sincere but if anyone will try to
press us under his feet then we will defend ourselves and you
people will see how responsibly, seriously and tactfully we will
settle the issues with Indira”14. Bhutto was very delicate. He went
to India with a big delegation and by putting his political position
at stake. He came back empty handed. It might have been
considered as his defeat15. Bhutto was not in a position to talk with
Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan 67

Indira on equal footings, as he was representing a defeated and

broken nation16.

Before leaving for Simla, the President of Pakistan Mr. Bhutto

once again made it clear in his speech, “We definitely want peace
but not at any cost. We have no desire of getting peace by putting
our principles and honour at stake; for the permanent peace in the
subcontinent, the removal of the present hitches is essential”17.
One political analyst stated with regard to the weak political
position and feelings of Bhutto. At the time of departure for India,
Bhutto stated in a very emotional manner, “I am going, pray for
me. I have nothing to get in unlimited manner. I have to take
prisoners back; I have to get my honour and my land and in return
I will give them nothing, just I have to take”18.

President Bhutto with a delegation comprised of 180

members reached Simla on 28th June, 1972. These meetings
proved futile19. Defeated and weak Pakistan had to face virtuous
Bhutto (1953-2008) included in the delegation; Bhutto reached
Simla absolutely with empty hands. The diplomatic relations had
not been fully developed when negotiations stuck in lock20. At the
time of their meeting there were three important issues before
Bhutto; firstly, the problem of return of prisoners of war,
secondly, the return of Pakistani occupied territory which was in
the possession of Bharat and thirdly the years old Kashmir Issue21.
According to the statement of Foreign Secretary who was then a
member of the delegation, “We had to participate in the talks by
being at the weak position. In every bargaining, Baharat tried its
level best to fulfill its own objectives. There was a news that
Kashmir Issue had been resolved whereas the position of Pakistan
was very weak. The country was divided and India during the
course of discussions used our prisoners and land, which were in
her possession as an element and tried to dictate us. But even in
such worst circumstances, Pakistan Government remained
patient; unlike the leaders of defeated nation, they depended upon
their own self. They refused to accept the news and thoughts of
India that the division of Kashmir be accepted on constitutional
68 Pakistan Vision Vol. 14 No. 1

and legal manner. We tried to save ourselves from the pressure of

India every time and even at the end of parlays we refused to sign
the agreement”22.

“Bhutto wanted to change the farewell meeting at Embassy

into working meeting and was ready to give feast in honour of
Bharti Prime Minister as well as her delegation. The members of
Pakistani delegation were packing their luggage. The journalists
were informed that they should keep their note books. Really
Bhutto reached at the residence of the Indian Prime Minister to
say thanks for her hospitality. Pleasant atmosphere was
transformed into tense situation. Bhutto, at the end stated to
Indian Prime Minister that he would not go back without trying
for final consensus. He said that deep wounds can be healed by
conciliation but if they fail to reach any consensus, then the
wound will become incurable”23.

Bhutto made it clear to Indira Gandhi that he was not leading

the delegation in the capacity of the chairman of the Pakistan
People’s Party or as the President of Pakistan. Infact, he was
representing the people of Pakistan and was explaining their
stance. Before visiting India, Mr. Bhutto had a successful
discussion in favour of his stance with the political leaders of
Pakistan, Journalists, Scholars, Members of the Central and
Provisional Assemblies and all these things were in the notice of
Indian Prime Minister and due to that reason she had to accept the
stance and position of Mr. Bhutto. Mr. Bhutto gave arguments to
Mrs. Indira Gandhi that Pakistani People would never scarifice
their honour, dignity and independence and the people of India
would have to face the difficulties. The disputes of both the
countries would provide a chance to the international imperialistic
powers to interfere in the affairs of the subcontinent and the
agreement finalized by imperialistic powers would be against the
welfare of the people of both the countries. So, for the welfare
and development of the people of both the countries, it was
necessary that we should solve our problems by our own self. He
further stated that, “We both are elected democratic leaders of
Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan 69

our countries. We can bring peace to the territory. Army

conquerreance are part of history but prudential throught made
itself a permanent peace. And it is the demand of this prudential
thought that we should have vision about our future. What we see
today, the reward of it will be achieved in the future. Being
victorious it is the turn of India and not of Pakistan to step
forward”24.

While giving arguments Mr. Bhutto stated to Mrs. Indira

Gandhi, “If we fail then what will the history of world say? We
have been fighting with each other for the last twenty five years;
we have been fighting in the battle field, in the United Nations
and other institutions are using the communication. For how long
the world will see this fun with patience? The world has other
international problems as well to resolve. The world has seen Mr.
Kissinger visiting China and this was also noted that they can also
go to Moscow then without going into detail why we do not go
for a compromise and cooperation irrespective of their
limitations.”

“If any party does not intend to take a step ahead or backward
then what is the objective of the discussion. If we want an
effective change in our relations then we should announce a
compromise25.” Bhutto pressurized Mrs. Indira Gandhi that if she
became successful in establishing permanent peace in the
subcontinent, she would appear to be a prudent person26.

Mrs. Gandhi in response to Mr. Bhutto stated that she was not
making any promise but she would once again consider his advice
and would respond at the time of dinner. At night, Mrs. Gandhi
arrived for dinner and stated that she was ready for the final peace
agreement. At the end of the dinner, Mrs. Gandhi and Mr. Bhutto
went to small room for negotiation. When both the leaders were
discussing issues, the Indian as well as Pakistani and the advisors
were present in the billiard room. At last, after the detailed
discussion of two hours, the Pact was finalized27. On behalf of
Pakistani Government Mr. Bhutto and on behalf of Indian
70 Pakistan Vision Vol. 14 No. 1

Government, Mrs. Indira Gandhi signed that pact which was

named as SIMLA PACT28.

Pakistani and Indian governments decided that both the

countries would discontinue fighting and would bring an end to
conflicts due to which the relations of both the countries remained
tense. Both the governments decided to develop the friendly
relationship and to establish permanent peace in the sub-
continent. Moreover, the relationship between Pakistan and India
would be managed according to the charter of principles and as
per objectives. Thereof, to develop the relationship of both the
countries better, letter, telegraph and land routes system of
communication should be improved gradually and the flights of
Air Planes, Science and Cultured exchange should be encouraged.

According to this Pact, the control line of Jammu and

Kashmir was to remain the same which was at the time of 17th Dec
1971. The implementation would begin from imposition of the
Pact and would be completed within thirty days. The Pact would
have to get the approval to the constitutional procedure of the
respective countries and the implementation of the same would be
started from the date of exchange of documentations29. Under the
Simla Pact, the territory of Pakistan which was in Indian
possession would be taken back within 30 days from the
imposition of the Pact and the return of the prisoners of war was
left for future discussion. Bhutto had a perspective about the Pows
that prisoners were human issue and this problem should be given
due importance as they were 93000 in number and that would be
inhumane attitude of India if it kept on insisting to keep them for
long time. Their accommodation would be another problem.
Contrary to it, area could be merged but not the prisoners. The
hue and cry of the possession of area would not become the centre
of attention on International front while with the POWs it would
be30.

Simla Pact was implemented on December, 1971. Then

Bhutto began to pressurize for the release of the prisoners of war
Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan 71

and he presented that issue in font of the world as a human issue.

Bhutto released all the Indian prisoners unconditionally on 27th
December, 1972 on one side bases. This act of Pakistan was very
much admired at International level. Bhutto started printing
advertisement about miserable conditions of the prisoners of war
in International news papers. Muslim countries and other friendly
countries also pressurized India that she should talk on the issue of
prisoners of war. So in July 1973, a discussion took place at
Islamabad and after the success of the negotiations, another round
of talks held in India on 18th August, 1973, in which Pakistan,
India and Bangladesh participated31.

As a result of that discussion, Delhi Pact32 was signed. So in

compliance to Delhi Pact, the return of the prisoners was started.
Therefore, in 1974, Pakistan accepted the establishment of
Government of Bangladesh. Then Bangladesh decided that the
prisoners, who were imprisoned in Bangladesh, were not to be
tried and gave consent to their release.

The last prisoner of the war, General Abdullah Khan Niazi

along with those prisoners upon which Government of Sheikh
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (1921-1975) wanted the trial, reached
Pakistan on 30th April, 1974 (33). Simla Pact was considered factual
by Bhutto and Mrs. Gandhi was also considered as hopeful and
realistic34. The Simla Pact is an example of diplomatic foresight of
the best possible nature in the history of the world. Being a
representative of a weak and defeated nation, it was a great
achievement to defeat a victorious Indian prejudice on their own
land and to bring it on the table of discussion. President Bhutto in
his speech of 4th July, 1972 said, “This is the victory of the
principles. This is the victory of both countries, Pakistan and
India”(35). There was a mixed reaction of the political parties in
Pakistan. National Awami Party (NAP 25th July 1957) and Jamiat
ul Ulema Islam (JUI-1945) admired that act but the Pakistan
Jamhoori Party (JDP June, 1969, Jamiat-ul- Islam Pakistan (JUP-
1949), Jamoat- e- Islami (1941) and Tehreek-e-istaqlal (T-I
1969) opposed this Pact.
72 Pakistan Vision Vol. 14 No. 1

According to these political and religious parties, the

supremacy of India had been accepted. It was tried to put the
passion of Jehad to an end. The Prisoners of war were not
released and Pakistan gave up stand of the Kashmir issue(36). On
2nd July, 1972, Bhutto while delivering a speech stated “what is
the accepted reality? The accepted reality relating to Kashmir
issue is available on the resolutions of the United Nations whether
it has been implemented or not but the world has approved the
same. In Simla Pact there is no such thing that we cannot approach
United Nations’37. In the Simla Pact, Kashmir is having a disputed
status”38. Simla Pact was a great success of Pakistan Peoples Party.
According to India that pact was signed on equal footings39.
While, Bhuto declared it the way of success of Pakistan40.

Notes and References

1. My interview with Maraj Khalid (Late), on June 2002, at

Lahore.
2. Anwar H. Syed, The Discourse and Politics of Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto, London, Macmillan Press, 1992, P 144-145., see
for detail, Pakistan Horizon, Vol. XXV, No. 01, 1973,
P.67.
3. Indian Ministry of Defence, Report 1971-1972, P.42.,
Also see, Anwar H. Syed, The Discourse and Politics, P. 144-
145.
4. Pakistan Horizon, Vol.XXV, No.01, 1972, P.99-100.
5. Dr. Safdar Mahmood, A Political Study of Pakistan, Lahore,
Sh. M. Ashraf, 1975, P.204.
6. Choudhury Muhammad Saddique, Tesri Duniya Aur Alam-e-
Islam Ka Nadar Aur Azeem Rahnuma, (Urdu) Lahore. Peoples
Press, P.03.
7. Z. A. Bhutto Address to the Nation, Pakistan Horizon,
Vol.XXV, No. 03, 1972, P. 111-115.
Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan 73

8. Amitave Mukherjee, Indian’s Policy towards Pakistan, New

Delhi, Associate Books centre, 1972, P. 53.
9. Pakistan Horizon, Vol. XXV,No. 01, 1972, P.117.
10. Keesing’s contemporary Archives, 1972, P. 25431; Also
see, Pakistan Horizon, Vol. XXXV, No. 01, 1972, P. 132.
11. Anwar H. Syed, The Dicourse and Plitics, P. 145-147; Also
see, Pakistan Horizone, Vol. XXV, No. 01, 1972, P. 117-
125.
12. Keesing Contemporary Archives, 1972, P.25429; see for
detail Dawn, Karachi: Feb 3, 1972; Pakistan Horizon, No.
XXV, Vol.01, 1972, P.125.
13. Pakistan Horizone, Vol. XXV, No. 02, 1972, P. 90-92;
Also see Keesing Contemporary Archives, 1972, P.
25431; Haft Roza Badban (Urdu), Dec.3 to Jan. 1981,
Lahore, P. 37.
14. Rasool Baksh Pllijo, way log tum ny aik he shokhi mein
kho diya, (Kolumn) Daily Jung (Urdu) Lahore: April 24,
1997.
15. Wakeel Anjum, Kya 50 Saal Sy Gy, (Column) Jung
(Urdu), Lahore: May 20, 1997.
16. Z. A. Salahri, Masayal-o-ifkar, (column) Jung (Urdu)
Lahore: May13, 1997.
17. Z. A. Bhutto, Address to the Nation, Horizon, Vol. XXV,
No. 03, 1972,112.
18. Rana Shoukat Mahmood, Interview, Waseem Gohar,
Siyasat se Mukalma, (Urdu) Lahore, Sarang Publications,
1992, P. 158.
19. Anwar H. Syed, The Discoure and Politics, P. 147-148.
20. Benazir Bhutto, Kharja Policy Haqaiq Ke Roshni May, (Urdu)
Lahore, Musawat Press, 1978, P. 42.
21. Main Irshad Hussain, (Interview), Muhammad Asif Bhali,
Siasat-dan, (urdu) Lahore,Mavra Publishers, 1988, P. 45.
74 Pakistan Vision Vol. 14 No. 1

22. Abdul Sataar, Interview, (ex-secretary Kharja) Jung

Sunday Magzine, (Urdu) Lahore, March 14, 1999, P.3.
23. Benazir Bhutto, Kharja Policy Haqaiq Ke Poshni May, P. 42-
44,. Also see, Pakistan Horizon, Vol. XXV, No. 03, 1972,
P. 85.
24. Z. A. Bhutto, Interview, Sept 23, 1976, Pakistan Horizon,
Vol. XXIX, No.04, 1976, P.226-227.
25. Ahmad Saleem, Bhutto or Kashmir, (Urdu) Lahore, Jung
Publishers, 1992, P. 75-76.
26. Salman Taseer, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, (Column) Jung
(Urdu) Lahore; January 5, 1988.
27. Benazir Bhutto, Kharja Policy Haqaiq Ke Roshni main, P. 44-
45; also see Abdul Sataar’s interview.
28. The Text of the Agreement may be seen in Pakistan
Times, July 3, 1973.
29. Ibid., M. Anwar Khan, The case of Kashmir Fact and Fiction,
U.K, BWD. Ltd, 1998, P. 16-19., Keesing Contemporary
Archives, 1972, P.25432.
30. Benazir Bhutto, Sajad Bukhari, Mashriq Ke Beti ,(Urdu)
Islamabad, Masawat Publications, 1995, P. 110-111.
31. Dawn, Karachi: August 19, 1973.
32. Ibid.
33. Anwar H. Syed, The Discourse and Politics, P. 154.
34. New York Times, July 7, 1972.
35. Z. A. Bhutto, Speech’s and Statements July 01, 1972 to
Sept.30, 1972, Islamabad, Ministry of Information and
Brodcasting, 1976, P.13.
36. Nawa-i-Waqt, Lahore: July 4, 1972.
37. Ahmed Saleem, Bhutto or Kashmir, P. 76-77.
38. The world Book Encyclopedia, Vol.15, A Scott Fetzer
Company, 1988, P.101.
Simla Pact: The Great Success for Pakistan 75

39. Al India Radio, Urdu service, Aaj Ke Baat, (Programme),

Nov.2, 1999, 8.00 AM.
40. Z. A. Bhutto Speeches and Statements, Lahore, Classic,
1994, P.267.