Kuomintang right-wingers, there was not . Under the impact of the views of the "It is terrible!" school then flooding the even quite revolutionary minded became downhearted as they pictured the events in the countryside in their mind's eye; and they were unable to deny the word "terrible" But as already mentioned, the fact is that the great peasant masses have risen to fulfil their historic mission and that the forces of rural democracy have risen to overthrow the forces of rural feudalism. ..It's fine. It is not "terrible" at all.
anything but terrible. No revolutionary .: (Mao comrade should echo this nonsense Tse Tung, Selected Works, Vol: P.26-27).
Considering the similarities, it is inexcusable that the Chinese leadership have not issued any statement on the situation in Pakistan and that there has not been any mention of the Pakistani upsurge in the Chinese press.
The strength of the upsurge -and immediate and spontaneous character - was also its chief weakness. It is obvious that the intensity of the took all the political parties by surprise. Their leaderships decided to emerge on the streets after the struggle was well under way, but what is interesting is that even right-wing parties like the Council Muslim League realised what the masses were shouting for and accordingly their latest party manifesto talks of nationalisation of industries, anti-imperialist foreign policy, and wonder of liquidation party's only social base! Their manifesto in places is much more radical than the election manifestoes of the British and
MAULANA BHASHANI
prefer alliances with right-wing parties, there still exist cadres in both factions who would prefer some form of unity.
However, what is really needed in Pakistan today is a well-disciplined, organised Socialist Workers and Peasants Party which could build a strong force of cadres prepared to do some serious grasroots political work; who would formulate their policies keeping the specific situation in Pakistan mind and the struggle for a Socialist Pakistan in the context of the worldwide against It is only by working towards building such a party that we will be able to struggle against the exploitation of the worker, the peasant and the student in Pakistan.
The recent struggle has brought the masses of East and West Pakistan closer together. West Pakistanis have begun to realise that the enemy which oppresses the East oppresses them as well East Pakistanis have realised that the West, too, prepared to The imposition of Martial Law for a second time will be regarded by the East gesture designed to curb their demands for regional autonomy. And demands for an independent East Pakistan are bound to increase.
Having tolerated a military dictatorship for the last ten years the workers, students, and peasants will not tolerate the present military rulers for long. Strongest of the centrist parties.
to support the 11-point manifesto of the invasion of Suez in 1956 and followed a staunchly pro-US policy. because of his opposition to the Oxford-educated Mian Mumtaz Daultana, politician in the country.
possibly win not more than two seats.
tends to depend on its leaders whims rather than any system whereby Chairman Bhutto would be in a much stronger and lawyers.
1. AWAMI LEAGUE Powerful support in cities in East Pakistan, but non-existent in the West. Supported by middle-class and petit-bourgeious elements. Its six points lay strong emphasis on regional autonomy for East Pakistan though it also pledged students. In a General Election would undoubtedly win 45-50% of East Pakistanis at the present moment, due to its strong Suhrawardy) under whose deadership Pakistan supported the Anglo-French-Israel . As a result the party is still stated to be supported by the United States. Leader: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 2. COUNCIL MUSLIM LEAGUE Strong in Punjab and is working for an alliance with Mujib's Awami League. Social base in West Pakistan is the big and small landlord. In an election would win most of the Punjab because of its feudal base. Its political manifesto extremely radical and to the left of British and French CPs. One of its leaders, Sardar Shaukat Hyat, served months in prison Ayub regime but effective leader of party probably the most intelligent right-wing 3. JUSTICE PARTY This is Air Marshal Asghar Khan's party and should never have been formed in the first place as it is no different from the above two parties. In a General Election it would 4. PEOPLE'S PARTY In its social composition is well to the left of the above three parties, but its leadership clear and coherent political ideology. It talks about socialism constantly and to its credit but without knowing what this would entail; Mr Bhutto who effectively controls the party seems to believe that there is a socialist government in Britain and Scandinavia. Is opposed to the parliamentary system because it realises its own weakness and would therefore prefer a presidentia position. However, despite its weaknesses it contains some excellent cadres particularly drawn from students
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single person who did not sum up the whole business in the phrase, "It's terrible
wonders, thorough going land reforms in West Pakistan, such reform would, in fact, entail a