Jump to content

Wikipedia baseline:S. M. Ahsan

From Deep Politics Wiki
Full article adapted from Wikipedia revision 1373691632 by Wikipedia contributors. Text is available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting has been adapted; article text and references are retained. Snapshot imported 2026-09-25.
Pakistani admiral (1920–1989)
For the naval base named after him, see PNS Ahsan.

<tbody> </tbody>
S. M. Ahsan
SQA SPk DSC
ایس ایم احسن
Official Military portrait c. 1967
4th Commander-in-Chief
Pakistan Navy
In office
20 October 1966 – 31 August 1969
PresidentAyub Khan (1958–1969)
Yahya Khan (1969-1971)
Preceded byA. R. Khan
Succeeded byMuzaffar Hassan
4th Chairman Port Qasim Authority
In office
27 June 1978 – 9 June 1980
Preceded byI. H. Malik
Succeeded byA. Waliulla
Chairman
Pakistan National Shipping Corporation
In office
22 April 1974 – 18 July 1976
11th Governor of East Pakistan
In office
1 September 1969 – 1 March 1971
PresidentGeneral Yahya Khan
Preceded bySahabzada Yaqub Khan
Succeeded bySahabzada Yaqub Khan
8th Minister of Finance
In office
5 April 1969 – 3 August 1969
PresidentGeneral Yahya Khan
Preceded byN M Uqaili
Succeeded byMuzaffar Ali Khan Qizilbash
Chief of Military Planning
South East Asia Treaty Organization
In office
29 June 1962 – 30 June 1964
Preceded byMajor General JGN Wilton
Succeeded byMajor General Hugh Anthony Prince
Personal details
BornSyed Mohammad Ahsan
21 November 1920
Hyderabad, Hyderabad Deccan
Died4 August 1989 (aged 68)
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Children3
RelativesMuhammad Jalaluddin Sayeed (cousin)
Huma Abedin (great niece)
K. M. Hussain
EducationNizam College
Joint Services Staff College (UK)
Awards
See list
NicknameGrossadmiral von Ahsan[1]
Military service
Allegiance British India
Pakistan
Branch/service Royal Indian Navy
(1940–1947)
Pakistan Navy
(1947–1969)
Years of service
1940—1971
Rank Vice Admiral
CommandsPakistan Navy
Naval Intelligence
PNS Babur
PNS Tughril
PNS Tariq
Battles/wars

Syed Mohammad Ahsan[a] (21 November 1920 – 4 August 1989) known as S. M. Ahsan, was a Pakistani former three-star rank naval officer who served as the fourth Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Navy from 1966 to 1969, the eighth Finance Minister of Pakistan in 1969, and the eleventh Governor of East Pakistan from September 1969 to March 1971. He later served as chairman of the National Shipping Corporation from 1974 to 1976 and the fourth chairman of the Port Qasim Authority from 1978 to 1980.

Born in Hyderabad, Ahsan was educated at Nizam College before joining the Royal Indian Navy as an executive cadet in 1936. Commissioned in the early years of the Second World War, he commanded two Motor Launches against Japanese forces up the Naf River in January 1943 and sank a Japanese vessel in the Bay of Bengal. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He later served as an aide-de-camp to Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India.

One week shy of the Partition of 1947, Ahsan was appointed as an aide-de-camp to Governor-General designate of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and continued in this role following his transfer to the Pakistan Navy. He later served as an aide-de-camp to Governor-General Nazimuddin. From 1955 to 1956, he was Pakistan's Naval Attaché in Washington, D.C., and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. In 1957, he became the first commanding officer of PNS Babur. He was the first Deputy Chief of the Military Planning Office of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) from 1960 to 1962, before being elevated to Chief, a position he held until 1964.

Forced to give up command of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ahsan, against his will, was appointed Governor of East Pakistan by President Yahya Khan in 1969. His tenure was marked by two major events in 1970: the Bhola Cyclone and the general elections. In the aftermath of the deadliest tropical cyclone on record, the military leadership refused to provide him helicopters for relief operations. Ahsan subsequently established his camp within the disaster zone and personally oversaw relief efforts, earning praise for his hands-on work.

The Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had won a majority in the National Assembly after the elections. The West Pakistani military establishment and Pakistan Peoples Party leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's refusal to hand over power to the Awami League, led to a political deadlock that eventually gave rise to a civil war. Ahsan, who was believed to be sympathetic towards the Awami League, strongly opposed a military solution and repeatedly urged Yahya Khan to pursue a political settlement. In an effort to resolve the crisis, Governor Ahsan held talks with Bhutto, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Yahya Khan. His opposition to a military crackdown in the region led to his removal just weeks before the start of Operation Searchlight in March 1971.

Early life and education

Syed Mohammad Ahsan was born on 21 November 1920[5] in Hyderabad. His father, Mahomed Saif-ud-Din, was a former Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Public Works Department.[6][better source needed] Ahsan was educated at the Nizam College.[7] He appeared for the HMIS Dufferin[b] Competitive Qualifying Examination in Bombay from October 29 to 31, 1935, and successfully qualified. He was subsequently invited for an interview and selection for admission in December 1935.[8][better source needed]

Ahsan, along with his first cousin Muhammad Jalaluddin Sayeed, left their hometown in 1936 to board the Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship, HMIS Dufferin, which sailed from Bombay Harbour. At the end of 1938, Ahsan passed out in second place of his batch of deck cadets, while Sayeed came in first place.[9]

Personal life

Ahsan married Nighat.[10] They had three children,[11] including a daughter named Nyla.[12] His great niece is American political staffer Huma Abedin.[13] He was also related to K. M. Hussain.[14]

Group Captain Mian Ata Rabbani, who served alongside Ahsan and Gul Hassan Khan as aide-de-camps (ADC) to Pakistan's founder and Governor-General Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as the air force, naval, and army ADCs respectively, described Ahsan as "the most serious, serene, and sober." among the three. He noted that Ahsan was deeply fond of books and spent most of his free time reading with a cigar. He rarely left the Governor-General House, preferring to spend even his designated rest days in his room or on the lawns, with a book always in hand.[15]

Ahsan was fond of sailing and while serving as Commander-in-Chief, by chance discovered the area for what would become Port Qasim.[16]

On 26 March 1969, a day after General Yahya Khan established his martial law regime, Thomas L. Hughes confidentially conveyed the biographic information of the "principal actors". He wrote that Ahsan, "has had an amicable relationship with Americans, is highly Westernized and, despite a possible early association with the Jama' at-i-Islami, is not an Islamic fundamentalist."[17]

Service years

Royal Indian Navy and World War II Service

Ahsan joined the Royal Indian Navy as an executive cadet in 1936[18] and became a cadet in 1939,[19] serving aboard HMS Royal Sovereign.[20] In January 1940, Cadet Ahsan was on the acting list of the navy.[21] He was commissioned as Midshipman on 1 April 1940.[3]

On 19 December 1942, the 55th R.I.N.M.L. Flotilla, which was the first of its kind to be commissioned, sailed for Chittagong to undertake operations against Japanese forces and gave flank support to the 14th Indian Infantry Division. Lieutenant Ahsan was among the commanding officers of the flotilla's Motor Launches.[22][23] In January 1943, he led Motor Launches 440 and 441 up the Naf River in search of a Japanese vessel and successfully destroyed the enemy ship.[23] For his gallantry, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.[6][24][25]

From 1943[26] to 1944,[27] he was on a Specialist Navigation Course.[c] Specialised in communications,[30] Ahsan was an instructor at the Combined Cadet Force in Liverpool, England.[31] During the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in February 1946, he was the staff communication officer at Naval Headquarters (NHQ). He stated that, during his search of ratings' lockers at HMIS India,[d] he discovered communist literature. He also reported finding two calendars with photographs of officers of the Indian National Army and its leader, Subhas Chandra Bose.[33]

Lieutenant Ahsan later served as an aide-de-camp (ADC) to the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Louis Mountbatten. Mountbatten's daughter Lady Pamela Hicks recalled in her 2012 memoir that in late July 1947, her father told Ahsan, that as a Muslim, he should go to Karachi to assist setting up Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Government House.[34] In either a note[35] or a final meeting with Jinnah, Mountbatten told him: "Jinnah, I leave you Pakistan and I leave you Lieutenant Ahsan."[13]

Jinnah arrived at Mauripur station from Delhi as the Governor-General-designate of the imminent nation in a Dakota aircraft from the Viceroy's fleet on 7 August 1947, a week before Pakistan's independence.[36] He was accompanied by his sister Fatima Jinnah and his aides-de-camp (ADCs), Ahsan and Rabbani.[37] Lieutenant Ahsan assumed the duties of ADC on 13 August 1947.[38]

Pakistan Navy

HMS Onslaught at a buoy during the Second World War, before its transfer to Pakistan as HMPS Tughril, which Ahsan commanded from 1951.

Following the Partition of British India on 14 August 1947, the Royal Pakistan Navy (RPN) was formed on 15 August. Lieutenant Ahsan was officially appointed as the first naval aide-de-camp to Governor General Muhammad Ali Jinnah. According to Raja Tridev Roy, while installing Jinnah as Governor-General, British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery told him: "You are lucky to have achieved Pakistan but luckier in inheriting Ahsan".[39]

After partition, Jinnah said to Ahsan, "Do you know, I never expected to see Pakistan in my lifetime. We have to be very grateful to God for what we have achieved."[40] Jinnah was said to have relied on Ahsan and on the latter's promotion to Lieutenant Commander and return to sea, the parting was described as not easy.[41]

Acting Lieutenant Commander Ahsan was appointed as the Executive officer of PNS Tippu Sultan on 30 September 1949, under Commanding Officer P. S. Evans.[42] He was the naval aide-de-camp to Governor General Nazimuddin in 1950.[43] He was appointed Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) in the rank of Acting Commander on 1 January 1951[44] and on 28 September 1952.[45] In March 1951, Ahsan was selected to command H.M.P.S. Tughril, an 1,800-ton destroyer with a complement of 14 officers and 220 ratings, that was the first RPN warship to be fully manned by Pakistani officers and sailors.[46]

Captain Ahsan at the Commissioned Officers' Mess, Naval Base, with his wife (left), Rear Admiral I. N. Kiland, Commandant of the Fifth Naval District, and Mrs. Kiland on September 6, 1955.

In December 1952, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) requested that service headquarters gather and report the reactions of military personnel to the Basic Principles Committee report. In response, Naval Intelligence commander Ahsan relayed their concerns.[47]

HMS Diadem on the River Tyne in 1944, before its transfer to Pakistan as PNS Babur, which Ahsan commanded from 1957.

From 1 January 1952 to 12 June 1955, Ahsan served as Principal Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters.[5] He was the naval attaché to the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C. from 5 August 1955 to 30 July 1956.[5] In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit (degree of officer) for "exceptionally meritorious conduct." in 1958.[48]

He was appointed the first commanding officer of PNS Babur, formerly the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Diadem, when the cruiser was recommissioned by the Pakistan Navy in July 1957. The cruiser arrived in Pakistan two months later,[49][50] and Ahsan assumed command of a complement of 27 officers and 500 men.[51]

He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Navy with the rank of Commodore on 1 March 1959.[52][53][54] He was appointed as the first Deputy Chief at the Military Planning Office of Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO),[2] under Chief Major General John Wilton on 31 July 1960.[55][56] Rear Admiral Ahsan succeeded him as Chief on 29 June 1962[57] and served until 30 June 1964.[58]

Subsequently, Ahsan took over as the Chairman of the East Pakistan Inland Water Transport Authority from his predecessor Bakhteyar Husain in early 1964[59][60] and was promoted to the rank of full Rear Admiral on 17 August 1964.[5] During the India–Pakistan war of 1965, over 100 Indian coastal vessels with valuable cargo were seized in East Pakistan on Ahsan's orders.[61][49] He served until 1966.[62]

Commander-in-Chief (1966–1969)

Cadet Ekram Azad receiving the Sword of Honour from Vice Admiral Ahsan at the Graduation Parade, PAF Academy, 1967

Following the appointment of Vice Admiral A. R. Khan, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Navy, as Defence Minister in October 1966, President Ayub Khan appointed Rear Admiral Ahsan to succeed him.[5] According to author Herbert Feldman, there were coordinated efforts to thwart Ahsan's appointment.[63] Ahsan also served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Cadet College Petaro from 1966 to 1968.[64] He was appointed as the Military Adviser for Pakistan to SEATO in February 1967[50] and was promoted to Vice Admiral sometime that year.[65]

During his tenure, Vice Admiral Ahsan conducted surveys of areas west of the city of Karachi and along the Balochistan coast to identify potential sites for a second Pakistani port. Fond of sailing, Ahsan discovered the area of Phitti Creek which is east of Karachi while cruising the Arabian Sea.[66] Impressed with the natural depth of its main channel, Ahsan established a "Phitti Creek Cell" in the Naval Headquarters in 1968. The Pakistan Navy paid the British Hydraulics Research Station close to £1,000 to conduct a naval survey of the area.[16]

On 25 March 1969, General Yahya Khan succeeded Field Marshal Ayub Khan as President of Pakistan and appointed General Abdul Hamid Khan, Vice Admiral Ahsan, and Air Marshal Nur Khan as Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrators.[67] From 5 April 1969 to 3 August 1969, Ahsan also served as Minister of the Planning Commission including Planning and Economic Affairs, Finance, Commerce, Industries and Natural Resources, Food and Agriculture, and Scientific and Technological Research divisions.[68]

Vice Admiral Ahsan presented the 1969–70 budget for Pakistan on 28 June 1969,[69] with the objective of economic growth and social welfare. He said that there was no alternative to maximising economic growth and said development would be meaningless unless its benefits were distributed widely and its costs shared fairly. Rs530 crores were allocated for public sector development with Rs40 crore specifically for social programs. It also introduced new taxes expected to generate an estimated Rs46.98 crores, significantly more than the Rs6.31 crores added in the previous year's budget. Public enterprises were also required to increase their profitability, while railway fares, freight charges, and electricity and water rates were increased.[70]

Governor of East Pakistan (1969–1971)

In August 1969, President Yahya Khan assigned Vice Admiral Ahsan, now the governor-designate of East Pakistan, to begin negotiating a constitutional compromise acceptable to East and West Pakistan, and the military regime.[71][72]

On 1 September 1969, Vice Admiral Ahsan was succeeded by Vice Admiral Muzaffar Hassan as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. That evening, Ahsan was sworn in as Governor of East Pakistan at the Durbar Hall of the Governor House with the oath administered by Justice Salahuddin, a judge of the Dhaka High Court.[7] According to several sources, Ahsan did not want to become governor.[73][74]

Governor Vice Admiral Ahsan established a judicial commission on 5 November 1969, consisting of Justice Salahuddin Ahmed and Justice Maksum-ul-Hakim of the Dacca High Court, to investigate the causes of the violence between the Bengali-speaking people of East Pakistan and Urdu-speaking immigrants in the province following the Dhaka riots. The commission was also tasked with recommending measures to restore communal harmony and prevent similar tensions in the future.[75]

On 14 February 1970, Governor Vice Admiral Ahsan promulgated the East Pakistan Water Pollution Control Ordinance, 1970, creating a comprehensive legal framework for preventing and controlling water pollution. In a staff report prepared for the United States Senate Committee on Public Works, Leland O. Graham praised the legislation as "skillfully drafted and sweepingly comprehensive." He noted its strong enforcement powers, broad regulatory authority, and clear accountability provisions. He opined that, if it was as legally sound as it "undoubtedly is", East Pakistan's western counterparts had little need for outside drafting talent.[76]

Although Governor Abdul Monem Khan's administration (1962-1969) was unsuccessful in resolving the issue concerning whether the Dhaka Museum should continue to be part of Dhaka University or be converted to the level of a provincial government operated institution, Governor Ahsan took decisive action and established it as a provincial independent authority by promulgating the Dhaka Museum (Board of Trustees) Ordinance, 1970, on 22 April 1970. This Ordinance established the Museum as a separate authority and satisfied those who did not want it to be a government museum.[77]

On 12 January 1971, the Jahangirnagar University was formally launched by its adjudicator, Vice Admiral Ahsan.[78] In his speech, he said that the university was established not only to relieve the pressure on Dhaka University but also to improve the quality of education. Rather than serving as a technical training factory for producing technical personnel, he emphasised that the institution would be a breeding ground intended to cultivate ideals, values, national pride, and cultural heritage.[79]

1970 Bhola cyclone relief efforts

Main article: 1970 Bhola cyclone

The catastrophic Bhola cyclone of November 12, 1970, claimed the lives of 300,000 to 500,000 people and contributed to the political alienation of East Pakistan. As a result of the scale of destruction, Admiral Ahsan took over relief operations on the islands of Bhola and Hatiya, setting up his headquarters in the disaster zone at Manpura Island, to personally oversee relief efforts.[80][81] He requested that the Central Government provide the necessary assistance, including helicopters to speed up relief work.[82] Aggrieved, Ahsan held a press conference and said: "We have already demanded so many army helicopters for relief but I never received one."[83][84]

Lieutenant General A. A. K. Niazi, laid blame on the military leadership in East Pakistan for neglecting the victims of the cyclone, particularly Lieutenant General Sahibzada Yaqub Khan, who was Commander Eastern Command. Niazi claimed that while Ahsan was requesting for helicopters and manpower to assist in the relief operation, Yaqub was adamant on not providing troops. According to Niazi, as Yaqub stalled and President Yahya Khan procrastinated, relief teams from America and Britain arrived without Islamabad's knowledge, causing international embarrassment. This also brought bitterness among the Bengalis as Bengali politician Sheikh Mujibur Rahman condemned the government for lack of response to the tragedy, saying, "It took British soldiers to bury our dead."[85]

American diplomat Archer Blood in his memoirs, The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh, wrote: "Ahsan was thought to be a well-informed and caring friend of the Bengalis, and his work in the aftermath of the cyclone was well known and greatly appreciated. In my opinion Governor Ahsan was the true hero of the disaster relief operation."[86]

1970 Pakistani general election

Main article: 1970 Pakistani general election

As Governor of East Pakistan, Vice Admiral Ahsan played a significant role prior to the December 1970 general election by accurately assessing the political landscape and maintaining close communication with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman[87] and the Awami League. Author B. Z. Khasru wrote that Ahsan had earned the respect and confidence of the Awami League and the Bengali people.[88] According to journalist G. S. Bhargava, Ahsan refused to rig the elections in the province, for which Bhutto never forgave Ahsan. Bhutto later referred to Ahsan as a "pliable tool in the hands of the Awami League."[89]

Vice Admiral Ahsan predicted on 13 February 1970 that "Sheikh Mujibur Rahman seems sure bet to win coming elections in East Pakistan." His later recollections also suggest that he believed the Bengali leadership sought constitutional reform rather than secession.[88] Ahsan was also convinced that President Yahya Khan, "fully intended to turn over power to the Awami League," after his visit to East Pakistan in January 1971, before changing his mind. Ahsan speculated that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the main figure who caused the president to reconsider his decision.[88]

In discussions with U.S. envoy Sydney Sober on 16 August 1971, Ahsan said: "Prior to March at least, separation from Pakistan was not Mujib's intention".[88] He also told the envoy that the only practical solution in the long run is political and the alternative would lead to the establishment of an independent state. He reiterated that a political solution would only be possible through the "rehabilitation and use of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."[88]

Opposition to Assembly postponement and subsequent military action
Main article: Operation Searchlight

During a meeting on 22 February 1971 with high-level officials including Governor Ahsan, President General Yahya Khan revealed that he would be postponing the National Assembly session scheduled for 3 March.[90] The session was intended to draft a new constitution and transfer power to elected representatives, specifically the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, which won a majority in the 1970 general election. One reason cited for this postponement was the refusal of Pakistan Peoples Party leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to attend the session.[91]

Admiral Ahsan strongly opposed any delay, warning President Yahya that if that were to happen, it would create immediate unrest in East Pakistan. He was supported by Lt Gen Rakhman Gul.[92][93] He argued that both law enforcement and the East Pakistan Rifles were mostly composed of Bengalis sympathetic to the Awami League, who would neither have the ability or the willingness to control the situation. He believed that once protests spilled into the streets, things would spiral out of control and pose a risk to the state's unity.[90]

The next morning, Admiral Ahsan called Major General Rao Farman Ali for a meeting. Ali recalled that Ahsan and General Sahabzada Yakub Khan [Yaqub] appeared to have been awake throughout the night after Yahya announced his decision. Ahsan subsequently sent Yahya Khan an urgent note warning this would eventually lead to the Indians becoming directly involved in East Pakistan.[90]

On the night of February 25, Admiral Ahsan and Major General Rao Farman Ali traveled to Karachi to meet with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to convey their concerns of a potential civil war. During the meeting, Bhutto downplayed their concerns and said a guerrilla war was not feasible. He referred to the Awami League as a bourgeois party which could not govern the country, just as similar parties had failed in the past, and believed it was even less capable of organising or sustaining such a war. After returning to Rawalpindi, they reported Bhutto's views to Yahya Khan who subsequently made the final decision to postpone the National Assembly session on March 1 and instructed Governor Ahsan to notify Mujib of the decision 24 hours in advance.[94]

On 28 February, Ahsan called Sheikh Mujibur Rehman and his close advisers to his residence to inform them of President Yahya Khan's decision. According to Rao Farman Ali, who was also present, Mujib pleaded they give him a new date for the session and added, "Even now I can control some of my people."[95] Ahsan sent an urgent telex to President Yahya Khan, saying: "I beg you even at this late hour to give a new date for the summoning of the Assembly and not to postpone it sine die, otherwise...we will have reached the point of no return."[95]

Dismissal

In a statement broadcast over Radio Pakistan on 1 March 1971, President Yahya Khan said "with a heavy heart" that he had decided to postpone the session to a later date.[96] According to The New York Times correspondent Sydney Schanberg, who was in Dacca,[97] "scores were killed by West Pakistani troops stationed here" during demonstrations against the decision.[98]

The media aired reports that Ahsan refused to open fire on citizens if they were to go on strike and was replaced with General Sahabzada Yaqub Khan, who resigned when his advice of a political settlement instead of a military solution were ignored.[99] Similarly, Air Commodore Zafar Masud had also resigned when President Yahya Khan refused his advice to go for a political solution.[100][101]

Major General Rao Farman Ali depicted Ahsan's removal as an abrupt and humiliating decision that reflected the political instability in East Pakistan. While Ahsan, Sahabzada Yakub Khan, and he were discussing the situation, the telephone rang and Ahsan took the call. He wrote: "It was General Peerzada who asked for Yakub," who then announced, "I am the Governor now". Ahsan said "Fine!", which was followed by silence.[74]

Farman Ali argued that, "The removal of Ahsan left bad taste due to the manner it was done" and criticised Yakub's reaction, noting that after Ahsan began thinking out loud and planning to leave the Governor House, "Yakub did not say a word of consolation." Farman Ali wondered why President Yahya Khan disgraced Ahsan this way, as Ahsan "did not want to be Governor in the first place". Ali then questioned: "Is this the fate of people who serve their country with the greatest sincerity and devotion?"[74]

On March 4, thousands of Bengalis protested by surrounding the Governor's residence and chanted "Admiral Ahsan Na Javey" (Admiral Ahsan, do not leave) which forced Ahsan to be evacuated via helicopter.[102] According to Ali, Ahsan's entire staff wept as he was being evacuated.[74]

Public image

He is generally viewed favorably by contemporaries and later commentators,[103] including British diplomat Cyril Stanley Pickard,[104] Indian journalist Anthony Mascarenhas,[105] Pakistani historian Suhail Zaheer Lari,[106] civil servant Roedad Khan,[107] and Indian Vice Admiral Nilakanta Krishnan,[108] who praised his intelligence, integrity, fairness, and professionalism.

Brigadier Siddique Salik, described Admiral Ahsan as someone who had "the aloofness of a hermit, delicacy of a scholar and formality of a diplomat."[109] These qualities, which would have been Ahsan's strong points elsewhere, were his weaknesses as Governor according to Salik.[110]

In 1992, journalist Humayun Akhtar wrote that Admiral Ahsan, much like former East Pakistan Governor General Azam Khan, was "respected by all and sundry." He recalled that during the 1970 finals of the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Paltan Maidan when Admiral Ahsan walked onto the field for the prize-giving ceremony, the entire crowd gave him a standing ovation, an experience Akhtar described as "simply unbelievable." He further stated that Khan and Ahsan "did not go for popularity; they were firm and tough men but fair and just and meant business. They were honest: East Pakistanis loved them then and Bangladeshis still remember them with all fondness."[102]

In a 2006 article for Desperdes, Bengali businessman Sultan Reza recalled that, while playing bridge at his cousin's house with Ahsan before the 1971 military crackdown, Ahsan, then Governor of East Pakistan, asked how many Bengalis would be willing to lay down their lives if the Pakistan Army attempted to rule the province by force. Reza believed that Ahsan advised President Yahya Khan against military action and resigned after Yahya rejected this advice.[111]

Later life

Main article: Hamoodur Rahman Commission

In 1972, Ahsan welcomed the formation of the War Enquiry Commission chaired by Chief Justice Hamoodur Rahman, which assessed Pakistan's political and military involvement in East Pakistan. He submitted a written statement to the commission,[112] describing the military leadership's decision to launch a military operation in the eastern province after postponing the assembly session. He recalled that after arriving in Rawalpindi, he was alarmed by the "high tide of militarism" within the government. He wrote that he knew of "no military solution which could possibly solve whatever crisis was supposed to be impending" and argued that the decision to launch military action had been taken without consulting him as the Governor. He also described himself as the only non-Bengali who had to represent "the sentiments of seventy million Bengalis" to the Pakistani government.[113]

Ahsan served as the Chairman of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation from 22 April 1974 to 18 July 1976.[114] He opened the first post-graduate course in computer science organised by the Institute of Marine Engineers at PNS Karsaz on 29 February 1976. In his speech, he said that the computer revolution was being regarded as more significant than the Industrial Revolution.[115][116]

In July 1977, the Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport (CIT) approved the setting up of its Pakistan Centre. According to its Journal, it was due to Ahsan's tireless and dedicated efforts which brought a group of notable men from various fields of transport, onto a single platform, thus laying the foundation of the Pakistan Centre.[117] He was also a Fellow of the Institute.[118]

From 27 June 1978 to 9 June 1980, Ahsan served as the fourth Chairman of the Port Qasim Authority.[119] During his tenure, Britain was the largest single investor in Port Qasim.[120] He also wrote the foreword of the 1988 book, Navigation in port Qasim: A professional treatise, authored by retired Commander Syed Mazhar Husain[118] and also wrote the foreword of General Attiqur Rahman's 1989 biography, "Back to the Pavilion".[1][121]

As a friend of both Attiqur Rahman and Ahsan, Pakistani columnist Ardeshir Cowasjee had repeatedly urged them to write books about their experiences during the India–Pakistan war of 1971. He recalled that Ahsan refused, saying that if he were to write the truth as he knew it, "he would hurt many that were still living and many relatives of those that were dead." Cowasjee further said Ahsan remained adamant, despite their contentions that he was denying history.[1]

Death

Syed Mohammad Ahsan died on 4 August 1989 in Karachi at the age of 68.[122] His funeral was held on 5 August[123] and he was buried at the Naval Cemetery in Karachi. Ahsan's friend, Abbas Khaleeli (died 1994), former Chairman of EFU Insurance, was buried close to him.[124]

Legacy and commemorations

In the preface of his 1984 biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Jinnah of Pakistan, American historian Stanley Wolpert wrote: "To Admiral S. M. Ahsan I am most warmly indebted for historic insights and generous hospitality."[125]

On the day of his death in 1989, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrived at Port Qasim to inaugurate the Ahsan Channel, the port's primary navigational route. During her speech, she said: "I am sorry to learn that Admiral Ahsan passed away on the eve of my arrival in Port Qasim. I believe he had gone on a sailing trip when he had sighted this area of Port Qasim. He had met with the then Prime Minister and explained to him that he knew and had seen this place and, according to Admiral Ahsan the then Prime Minister said within five minutes of hearing him: "Admiral Ahsan! You have the second port that the country is looking for".[126]

Reporting on his death, the Pakistan & Gulf Economist said that Admiral Ahsan was known as one of the "noblest soldier-gentleman" and had devoted his life later life to human service. Having been a Trustee of Layton-Rehamatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT), which was running charitable hospitals and dispensaries in Karachi and other areas of Sindh, he visited remote places such as Tando Bagho to see services being rendered by the Trust. Doctors serving the LRBT held him in highest esteem for his concern for "ailing and suffering humanity." Concluding the obituary, it said Pakistan had lost a "noble crusader" who was engaged in "healing the wounds of the poor and suffering fellow country-men."[18]

PNS Ahsan, named after S. M. Ahsan,[127] was commissioned by Admiral Yastur-ul-Haq Malik, the Chief of Naval Staff, on 30 October 1991. It was previously known as remote data station Mianwali.[128]

Naval Aviator Retired Captain Harry Carter of the United States Navy in his 2012 autobiography, The Life and Loves of a United States Naval Aviator, wrote that Ahsan was a "legend in his own right".[129]

Dates of rank

<tbody> </tbody>
Rank Date
Vice Admiral 1967[65]
Rear Admiral 17 August 1964[5]
Commodore 1 March 1959[52]
Captain 1951[130]
Commander 1 July 1950 (acting)[131]
Lieutenant commander 1949 (acting)[42]
Lieutenant 1 April 1942[132]
Sub Lieutenant 1 May 1941 (acting)[133]
Midshipman 1 April 1940[3]

Awards and decorations

Legion of Merit Citation

At a ceremony in Karachi on 26 August 1958, Captain Ahsan was awarded the Legion of Merit (degree of officer). US Secretary of Defence Neil H. McElroy, who was in attendance, read the citation in front of an audience including Commander-in-Chief, Rear Admiral HMS Choudri:[48]

CITATION
CAPT SYED MOHAMMAD AHSAN (PN/7)

"The Legion of Merit (degree of officer) has been awarded to Capt. Syed Mohammad Ahsan, Pakistan Navy for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as Naval Attache to the Embassy of Pakistan in the United States from August, 1955, to July, 1956. Throughout this period, Capt. Ahsan discharged his responsibility with excellent judgment and diplomacy and co-operated wholeheartedly with the Department of the Navy on all occasions. Displaying a sincere friendship toward the United States and a thorough understanding of current international problems, he contributed materially to the strengthening of the bonds of amity existing between the navies of Pakistan and the United States."

Further reading

Hussain, Zahid (September 2000). "A Nation's Shame". Newsline. p. 30-32. Admiral Ahsan's statement to the Hamoodur Rahman Commission.

Notes

  1. ^ Urdu: سید محمد احسن; Sometimes spelled Syed Mohammed Ahsan[2] and Sayed Mohammed Ahsan.[3] He was also known as Syed Ahsan.[4]
  2. ^ The Dufferin Competitive Qualifying Examination was the entrance examination for cadets seeking admission to the officer training course aboard HMIS Dufferin
  3. ^ Abbreviations next to an officers name were used to denote where an Officer is serving when not afloat.[28] In this case, the "(N.) Cse" next to Ahsan's name in the navy list,[26] stood for "Specialist Navigation Course."[29]
  4. ^ An establishment in Delhi composed primarily of signal personnel and other ratings' attached to the NHQ.[32]

References

  1. ^ a b c Ardeshir Cowasjee (13 June 1996). "Herr Generalfeldmarschall Attiq von Rachmann". Dawn. Archived from the original on 1 August 2026. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
  2. ^ a b Britannica book of the year. 1961. p. 645.
  3. ^ a b c Damien Fenton (2012). "Rear-Admiral Sayed Mohammed Ahsan, SQA, DSC Chief Military Planning Office 1 July 1962-30 June 1964". To cage the red dragon: SEATO and the defence of Southeast Asia, 1955–1965.
  4. ^ Louis Mountbatten (1977). "Jinnah: a Retrospect". Pakistan: past & present: a comprehensive study published in commemoration of the centenary of the birth of the founder of Pakistan. p. 41. I made sure that the new Governor-General had one of the best ADCs I ever had, Lieutenant (later Admiral) Syed Ahsan, who, although a native of South India, transferred to the Pakistan Navy and gave up his intense desire to go back to sea to serve Mr Jinnah personally, and I had more than one message expressing his great appreciation of this.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h NEW CHIEF OF PAKISTAN NAVY APPOINTED. Pakistan Affairs. 1966. p. 192.
  6. ^ a b c "Lieut. Mahomed Ahsan, D.S.C". The Civil and Military Gazette. 30 May 1943.
  7. ^ a b Iftikhar-ul-Awwal (2006). "Life Sketches: Lieutenant-Governors, Governors and Presidents". Hundred Years of Bangabhaban: 1905–2005. Press Wing Bangabhaban. pp. 333–334. ISBN 978-984-32-1583-3.
  8. ^ ""DUFFERIN" Admission Examination". The Civil and Military Gazette. 4 December 1935.
  9. ^ Cowasjee, Ardeshir (25 September 2005). "Sayeed of Singapore". Dawn. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  10. ^ Tempo. Anwer Jassan Mooraj. 1981. p. 69. Vice Admiral S.M. Ahsan was there accompanied by his wife Nighat. He was looking relaxed as he is finally getting some rest from the heavily responsible posts he has been holding in the past. After his tenure as commander-in-chief of the navy he was governer of east Pakistan. After a short interval he was appointed chairman of the Port Qasim Authority which he held for three years before finally retiring. I wonder how many people know that he was ADC to Mountbatten when the latter was viceroy of India, and later ADC to Quaid-e-Azam? I was told by none less than Rafia and Admiral H.M.S. Chaudhry that Ahsan made the most dashing and handsome ADC.
  11. ^ SEATO Record. Vol. 1. SEATO. p. 14.
  12. ^ "Forthcoming marriages". The Times. 6 December 1984.
  13. ^ a b Huma Abedin (2022). Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds. Simon and Schuster. p. 250. ISBN 978-1-5011-9481-8. filled with pictures of my great-uncle in his naval uniform. Uncle Ahsan was a figure of great pride in my mother's fam-ily...According to family lore, at their last meeting, Mountbatten asked Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to retain the counsel of his aide by saying, "Jinnah, I leave you Pakistan and I leave you Lieu-tenant Ahsan." Uncle Ahsan went on to help establish the naval intel-ligence services
  14. ^ Karen Isaksen Leonard (2007). Locating Home: India's Hyderabadis Abroad. p. 300. Like his relative Admiral Ahsan (aide-de-camp to Mountbatten), Commodore Hussain was a graduate of Dufferin Mercantile Marine Training School in Bombay;
  15. ^ Mian Ata Rabbani (1996). I was the Quaid's Aide-de-Camp. Oxford University Press. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-19-577659-1. Amongst us, Ahsan was the most serious, serene and sober. He was fond of books and spent most of his free time reading, with a cigar in his mouth. He rarely went out of the House and even spent his 'rest' day in his room or out on the lawns with a book in his hand.
  16. ^ a b Pakistan & Gulf Economist. Vol. 9. 1990. Ahsan, the then Chief of the Naval Staff, who was fond of sailing, discovered the port by chance, while on a cruise in the area. He was impressed with the natural depth of the main channel of the Port. Establishing a Phitti Creek Cell in 1968 in NHQ, the Pakistan Navy paid about 1,000 pounds ster- lings to enable the Wallingford Hy- draulic Research Station of the UK to undertake a naval survey of the area.
  17. ^ "The American papers : secret and confidential India-Pakistan-Bangladesh documents, 1965-1973". Oxford University Press, Roedad Khan. 1999. p. 266.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Pakistan & Gulf Economist. Vol. 8. 1989. p. 56. Vice-Admiral (retd) S.M. Ahsan, a trusted aide of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and a former Commander-in-Chief Pakistan Navy, died on Friday at the age of 68. He had also served as the Governor of Former East Pakistan. He joined the Navy as an Executive Cadet in 1936. In 1939 he joined the Royal Indian Navy. During the world war he saw action in Mediterranean and took part in the battle of Cagiari. He also command- ed a patrol boat and saw action against the Japanese Navy. He was later awarded British Dis-tinguished Services Cross for gallantry. After the creation of Pakistan he served as the ADC of the Quaid-e -Azam. Admiral Ahsan also held many important assignments including Deputy Chief of Military Planning, SEATO, at Bangkok. He had also served as Naval Attache in Pakistan Embassy, Washington, USA. He was later appointed first Chair- man of the new project of Port Qasim Authority. He received many dis-tinguished awards includ-ing British Distinguished Services Cross; the Portu-guese Order of Merit; American Medal of Merit; the Iranian Humayun Order; Jordanian Hashemite Order; Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam; Sitara-e-Pakistan; Star Atlantic Medal; etc. Admiral Ahsan was known as one of the noblest soldier-gentleman who devoted his later part of his life in human ser-vice. He was a Trustee of Layton-Rehamatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT) which was running chari- table hospitals and dispen-saries in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. He used to visit remote places like Tando Bagho to see the charitable health services being rendered by the Trust. Doctors serving LRBT held him in highest esteem for his concern for ailing and suffering huma-nity. In his death Pakistan has lost a noble crusader engaged in healing the wounds of the poor and suffering fellow country-men. May God in His infinite Mercy bless his soul.
  19. ^ THE NAVY LIST FOR FEBRUARY 1940 Corrected to 5th JANUARY. 1940. p. 24.
  20. ^ "THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET MARCH" (PDF). 1940. p. 842.
  21. ^ The Times of India directory of Bombay (City and Province) including Karachi and Hyderabad State. Bennet, Coleman & Co., Ltd. 1940. p. 105.
  22. ^ Commander D.J. Hastings (1988). The Royal Indian Navy, 1612–1950. McFarland. pp. 160–161. ISBN 978-0-89950-276-2.
  23. ^ a b Rear Admiral K. Sridharan (1982). A Maritime History of India. p. 301. In January 1942, Lieutenant S. M. Ahsan, RIN, led Motor Launches 440 and 441 up the Naaf river in search of a Japanese ship, located and destroyed it in a quick encounter. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for this gallant action.
  24. ^ "Decorations for War Service". Indian Information. Vol. 16. 1945. p. 266.
  25. ^ Lt. D. J. E. Collins (1964). OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939–45: THE ROYAL INDIAN NAVY. p. 256.
  26. ^ a b THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET: June. 1943.
  27. ^ THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET: June. 1944. p. 2.
  28. ^ THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET: June. 1944. p. 23.
  29. ^ THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET: June. 1944. p. 25.
  30. ^ Mihir K. Roy (1995). War in the Indian Ocean. p. 190.
  31. ^ "Bangabhaban– The President House of Bangladesh". bangabhaban.gov.bd. Government of Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  32. ^ A Group of Victimised R. I. N. Ratings. The Rin Strike (1954). p. 97.
  33. ^ Ashis Ray (2025). The Trial that Shook Britain: How a Court Martial Hastened Acceptance of Indian Independence.
  34. ^ Lady Pamela Hicks (2012). Daughter of Empire: Life as a Mountbatten. p. 129. My father told our favorite ADC, Sayed Ahsan, that, as a Muslim, he should go to Karachi to help set up Mr. Jinnah's Government House...
  35. ^ Karen Isaksen Leonard (2007). Locating Home: India's Hyderabadis Abroad. p. 303. In 1947, Ahsan was ADC to Mountbatten, who sent a note to Jinnah saying, "Today I'm giving you two things, Pakistan and Lieutenant Ahsan.
  36. ^ Leonard Mosley (1961). Last Days of the British Raj. p. 217.
  37. ^ Ata Rabbani (2010). "Historic steps". Jinnah Through my eyes.
  38. ^ Alan Campbell Johnson (1951). Mission with Mountbatten. p. 155.
  39. ^ Tridev Roy (4 April 2005). "Had Yahya heeded sane advice". New Age (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 4 April 2005. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  40. ^ Javed Jabbar (25 December 2025). "M.A. Jinnah: fragments from an epochal life". Dawn. Archived from the original on 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
  41. ^ Mian Zahir Shah (2001). Bubbles of Water, Or, Anecdotes of the Pakistan Navy. PN Book Club Publication. p. 54. ISBN 978-969-8318-03-1. Upon Partition, the Viceroy of India, Admiral Mountbatten, handed over along with everything else, his naval ADC to the Quaid-e-Azam. He had good words to say about Lieutenant Ahsan. In his turn Quaid-e- Azam also came to rely on Lieutenant Ahsan, and when it was time for Ahsan–a Lieut Commander by then–to go back to sea, the parting was not easy.
  42. ^ a b The Navy List for MAY. 1951. p. 530.
  43. ^ The Navy List for May 1950: Corrected to 18th April 1950. H.M. Stationery Office. 1950. p. 291.
  44. ^ The Navy List May 1953: Containing List of Ships, Establishments, and Officers of the Fleet. 1953. p. 427.
  45. ^ The Navy List. H.M. Stationery Office. 1955.
  46. ^ "By the way... Befitting career". The Civil and Military Gazette. 13 March 1951. H.M.S. Onslaught the third "O" class destroyer to be trans- ferred to the Pakistan lag, which was renamed H.M.P.S. Tughril, so becoming the third "T" class destroyer of the Royal Pakistan Navy, has had a career that well befits her to bear such a warlike name as that of the warrior Tughril. A ship of 1800 tons, she has a complement of 14 officers and 220 ratings. She is commanded by Commander S. M. Ahsan, D.S.C. Commander Ahsan has served in all three of Pakistan's new destroyers. He was First-Lieutenant on the "Tipu Sultan" before commanding the "Tariq" on her first voyage to Pakistan. The first officer is Lieut G. Mustapha and the Chief Engineer Commander (E) Hasan. The "Tughril" is the first ship of the R.PN, to be fully manned by Pakistani officers and men. "Tughril" left Devonport yesterday for Portland for torpedo trials and will finally leave U.K. waters so as to arrive at Mombasa in East Africa to join the R.P.N. Fleet there on May 3 when Admiral Jefford, flying his flag on the R.P.N. Flagship Jhelum will be there on a visit.
  47. ^ "Submarine Operations". pakdef.org. Archived from the original on 18 August 2017.
  48. ^ a b c "US Medal for Pakistan Navy Officer". The Civil and Military Gazette. 28 August 1958.
  49. ^ a b James Goldrick (1997). "No Easy Answers: The Development of the Navies of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, 1945–1996". p. 55, 61.
  50. ^ a b "New Military Advisers: Rear Adm. S. M. Ahsan". SEATO. February 1967. p. 23.
  51. ^ "Pakistan Gets Cruiser". The China Mail. 5 July 1957.
  52. ^ a b Journal. Vol. 104. Royal United Services Institute. 1959. p. 254.
  53. ^ The Navy List 1960: Corrected to 18th January, 1960. 1960. p. 890.
  54. ^ The Navy List [Great Britain] 1960. p. 303.
  55. ^ SEATO News-bulletin. Vol. 1. Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. 1960. pp. 14–16.
  56. ^ David Horner (2005). Strategic Command: General Sir John Wilton and Australia's Asian Wars. Oxford University Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-19-555282-9.
  57. ^ SEATO Record. Vol. 1. SEATO. 1962. p. 47.
  58. ^ "KEESING'S Contemporary archives (1963–1964)". 1964. p. 20042.
  59. ^ Bulletin of the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses. 1964. p. 7. Rear Admiral S.M. Ahsan, SQA, DSC., E Pakistan Inland Water Transport Authority, Dacca, has succeeded Mr. Bakhteyar HUSAIN.
  60. ^ "Assembly Debates" (PDF). National Assembly of Pakistan. 9 April 1964. p. 1606.
  61. ^ Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani (2000). Transition to Triumph: History of the Indian Navy, 1965–1975. p. 54.
  62. ^ Talukder Maniruzzaman (1988). The Bangladesh Revolution and Its Aftermath. p. 104. From 1964 to 1966 he served as the Chairman of the Inland Water Transport Authority, East Pakistan.
  63. ^ Herbert Feldman (1978). End and the Beginning: Pakistan, 1969-71. p. 22.
  64. ^ "Board of Governors". Cadet College Petaro. Archived from the original on 5 January 2012.
  65. ^ a b The Navy List. H.M. Stationery Office. 1970. p. 296.
  66. ^ "Pak Navy's contribution in developing maritime sector". The Nation (Pakistan). 6 September 2014.
  67. ^ OTHER MARTIAL LAW REGULATIONS OUTLINED. Central Intelligence Agency. 25 March 1969.
  68. ^ "PRESIDENT GENERAL AGHA MUHAMMAD YAHYA KHAN H.PK., H.J. PRESIDENT'S ADVISERS (26-3-1969 to 3-8-1969)" (PDF). National Assembly of Pakistan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  69. ^ New Fiscal Measures Ensure Social and Economic Justice. Pakistan Affairs. 1969.
  70. ^ Ivison Macadam, assisted by Muriel Grindrod and Ann Boas, ed. (1970). The Annual Register: World Events In 1969. p. 82.
  71. ^ "Central Intelligence Bulletin" (PDF). CIA. 22 August 1969. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 March 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  72. ^ CIA (22 August 1969). "The President's Daily Brief" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  73. ^ Major General Fazle Muqeem Khan (1973). PAKISTAN' S CRISIS IN LEADERSHIP. p. 20.
  74. ^ a b c d Rao Farman Ali (1992). How Pakistan Got Divided. p. 62.
  75. ^ "From The Past Pages Of Dawn: 1969: Fifty Years Ago: Situation in Dacca". Dawn. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  76. ^ Leland O. Graham. Water Resources And U.S. Owned Foreign Currencies. Senate Committee on Public Works. p. 27, 28.
  77. ^ Firoz Mahmud; Habibur Rahman (1987). The Museums in Bangladesh. pp. 159–160. It is interesting to find that during the Governorship of Mr. Abdul Monem Khan it was not possible to settle the question of trea-ting the Dhaka Museum as the nucleus of the propped Provincial Museum. When Vice-Admiral S. M. Ahsan was the Governor, Government of East Pakistan took the initiative to take over the administration of the Dhaka Museum from the Dhaka University. On 22nd April 1970 the Governor of East Pakistan promulgated the Dhaka Museum (Board of Trustees) Ordinance, 1970. As a result, the Dhaka Museum became a statutory institution with an autonomous character under the Provincial Government to the satisfaction of those who did not want it to become a Government Museum.
  78. ^ "About JU". Jahangirnagar University. Archived from the original on 21 June 2026. Retrieved 21 June 2026.
  79. ^ Md Shahedur Rashid (12 January 2022). "Historical known, unknown facts of JU". The Daily Observer. Archived from the original on 6 December 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  80. ^ "From The Past Pages Of Dawn: 1970: Fifty Years Ago: Call for aid". Dawn. 18 November 2020. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
  81. ^ "DISEASE INCREASES IN PAKISTANI AREA SWEPT BY CYCLONE". The New York Times. 18 November 1970. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
  82. ^ "Survivors Starve While U.S. Aid Sits". San Rafael Independent. 19 November 1970.
  83. ^ Jyoti Sen Gupta (1974). History of Freedom Movement in Bangladesh (1943–1973): Some Involvement (PDF). p. 254.
  84. ^ "Helicopters refused". The Evening News. 24 November 1970. East Pakistan's Governor, Vice-Admiral S. M. Ahsan, says the Pakistan military regime has turned down his request for military helicopters
  85. ^ A. A. K. Niazi (1998). The Betrayal Of East Pakistan. Manohar. p. 38.
  86. ^ Archer Blood (2002). The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh. p. 160. Word of Governor Ahsan's departure was greeted with dismay in Dacca. Ahsan was thought to be a well-informed and caring friend of the Bengalis, and his work in the aftermath of the cyclone was well known and greatly appreciated. In my opinion Governor Ahsan was the true hero of the disaster relief operation. General Yaqub had been the Chief Martial Law Administrator for East Pakistan but he had remained in the background and was little known to the populace. In Dacca it was widely believed, and I suspect with good reason, that Ahsan had been opposed to the idea of a strong military response in East Pakistan.
  87. ^ Rafi Ullah Shehab (1990). Fifty Years of Pakistan. p. 224.
  88. ^ a b c d e B. Z. Khasru (2010). Myths And Facts: Bangladesh Liberation War. p. 33.
  89. ^ G. S. Bhargava (1972). "Crush India"--Gen. Yahya Khan Or, Pakistan's Death Wish. pp. 63, 91.
  90. ^ a b c Sherbaz Khan Mazari (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment. p. 194-195.
  91. ^ "PPP not to attend NA session if AL not flexible". Dawn. 16 February 1971. Archived from the original on 16 December 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  92. ^ Fazal Muqeem Khan (1973). Pakistan's Crisis in Leadership. p. 52. During the conference no one spoke except Lieutenant General Rakhman Gul, Governor of Sind, who supported Ac Ahsan
  93. ^ Rafi Raza (1997). Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Pakistan, 1967-1977. Vol. 7. p. 61. Governor Ahsan argued strenuously against the decision, supported by General Rakhman Gul, the Sindh Governor.
  94. ^ Richard Sisson; Leo E. Rose (1990). War and Secession: Pakistan, India, and the Creation of Bangladesh. pp. 85, 86.
  95. ^ a b Sherbaz Khan Mazari (1999). A Journey to Disillusionment. p. 201.
  96. ^ "National Assembly session postponed". Dawn. 2 March 1971. Archived from the original on 16 December 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  97. ^ "Before The Killing Fields, Sydney Schanberg gave voice to victims of another war". Columbia Journalism Review. 11 July 2016. Archived from the original on 9 March 2026. Retrieved 25 March 2026. Pakistan wasn't so diplomatic. Schanberg was kicked out of Bangladesh twice, first in late March of 1971, before the fighting really started in Dhaka, and then a few months later after he was let back in as part of an absurd PR attempt.
  98. ^ "Yahya Delays Assembly Again as Talks Progress". The New York Times. 23 March 1971. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2026. The Assembly was scheduled to convene Thursday. Its first postponement, on March 1, had caused demonstrations in Dacca. Scores were killed by West Pakistani troops stationed here.
  99. ^ Pakistan: Perspectives on State and Society. 2004. p. 47. Governor East Pakistan Admiral S.M.Ahsan, who refuses to open fire on the Bengalis if they go on strike, is replaced by General Sahibzada Yaqoob Khan who subsequently resigns as well when his suggestions for a political settlement rather than a military solution are ignored. Operation Searchlight: The Pakistan Army launches an offensive against Bengalis, beginning with the late night killing of students at the Dacca University campus. U.S. Consul-General Arthur Blood cables Washington to report "mass killing of unarmed civilians, the systematic elimination of the intelligentsia..." The foreign press reports excesses involving the rape and slaughter of innocent civilians, while the Pakistan government claims it is fighting against militant Mukti Bahini
  100. ^ Brigadier General K M Amirul Islam; Major Gazi Mohammad Tauhiduzzaman, AEC; Major Mehedi Hasan Shahriar, AEC, eds. (June 2020). "BANGLADESH ARMY JOURNAL 67th Issue" (PDF). p. 51. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 July 2026. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  101. ^ Anshuman Tandon. Tigers Don't Blink: Life & Times Of Col. (Retd.) Ashok Tara, Vir Chakra Book in English.
  102. ^ a b Humayun Akhtar (17 June 1992). "For Sindh: A Dream That May Come True". The Muslim. p. 7.
  103. ^ Kamran Asdar Ali (6 April 2011). "Remembering an erased past — 1971". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2026. Admiral SM Ahsan — one of the most decent and honourable public servants this nation has known...
  104. ^ Roedad Khan (16 April 1979). "Pickard's Despatch Regarding How The Martial Law Government Runs The Country". The British papers: secret and confidential, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh documents 1958-1969. p. 874. My good friend, Admiral Ahsan, for whose intelligence and talents I have a great deal of admiration...
  105. ^ Anthony Mascarenhas (13 June 1971). "What Price Pakistan?". The Washington Post. I was privately informed that Tikka Khan began planning the "sort-out" when he took over the governorship from the gentle, self-effacing Adm. Ahsan...
  106. ^ Suhail Zaheer Lari. "Admiral S. M. Ahsan". What a Life. Archived from the original on 10 July 2026. Retrieved 10 July 2026. The admiral was a thorough gentleman of totally correct behavior.
  107. ^ Roedad Khan (1999). The American papers : secret and confidential India-Pakistan-Bangladesh documents, 1965-1973. p. 41. It is sad to note that the wise, farsighted, generous and statesmanlike counsels of this great and able patriot were, like the man himself, discarded in such cavalier fashion: the sadness remains pervasive to this day, for me.
  108. ^ Nilakanta Krishnan (2011). "C-in-C Eastern Naval Command". A Sailor's Story: Autobiography. The Military Governor in East Bengal at about that time had been Vice-Admiral Syed Ahsan whom I had known for over thirty-five years both in the Training Ship DUFFERIN and in the Navy. We had been very good friends and had some grand times together...he had opted for Pakistan but I knew that he had nothing of the fanatic in him. In, fact, he was always just, affectionate and a thorough gentleman.
  109. ^ David Urch (2008). John Clarke (ed.). Crescent and Delta: The Bangladesh Story. p. 139.
  110. ^ Siddique Salik (1977). Witness To Surrender. p. 20.
  111. ^ Reza, Sultan (30 October 2006). "I Remember, I Remember; How Can I Forget?". www.despardes.com. Archived from the original on 30 October 2006. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  112. ^ Hussain 2000.
  113. ^ Cowasjee, Ardeshir (17 September 2000). "A Nation's Shame". Dawn. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  114. ^ Debates (PDF). National Assembly of Pakistan. 1 December 1985. p. 33. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 July 2026. Retrieved 9 July 2026.
  115. ^ Peerzada Salman (23 February 2026). "This week 50 years ago: Water scarcity, control of KESC and 'computer revolution'". Dawn. Archived from the original on 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
  116. ^ News Review on Science and Technology. Vol. 1976. Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. p. 196. Ahsan opens 1st post – graduate course in computer science : Vice Admiral (rtd) S.M. Ahsan, Chairman of the National Shipping Corporation, said on 29 February that the increasing use of computers in Pakistan was bound to have a salutary effect on the growth and development of the country. Inaugurating the first short post – graduate course in computer science, organised by the Institute of Marine Engineers at PNS Karsaz, the NSC Chairman said it was the duty of those engaged in scientific and technical activities specially the personnel in higher managerial positions to understand the working of computers. The aim of this course was to help the trainees to assess and comprehend the use of computers. Ahsan said in many countries computers were being used for a multiplicity of operations such as civil engineering, advanced communication systems, administrative record – keeping and research and information processing and for statistical purposes. The spread of computers into all facets of society has been so great that the " computer revolution " is regarded as being more signi- ficant than the " industrial revolution", he said. Business Recorder, 1 March
  117. ^ Journal. Vol. 38. Chartered Institute of Transport. pp. 77, 184. Admiral S. M. Ahsan, whose tireless and dedicated efforts brought on a single platform a group of prominent men from various fields of transport and thus laid the foundation of the Pakistan Centre.
  118. ^ a b S. Mohammad Reza, ed. (1990). Persons who Shape Our Destiny A Compendium of Bio-datas of Those Persons who are Rendering Important Services in Various Fields of National Activity. Vol. 1. p. 56.
  119. ^ "Previous Chairmen". www.pqa.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 15 May 2026. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  120. ^ "PAKISTAN: THE SWORD AND THE BOOK". Contemporary Review. January 1980. p. 291.
  121. ^ Attiqur Rahman (2005). Back to the Pavilion. p. 14.
  122. ^ Impact International. 1989. Admiral (retired) SM Ahsan, 68 former C-in- C, Pa-kistan Navy and Governor of East Pakistan 1970/71 died in Karachi, 4th August. Admiral Ahsan differed with Yahya Khan's East Paskistan policy of first giving a long rope to the autonomy movement and then trying to solve it through military means and resigned.
  123. ^ Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey (1995). Truth Never Retires: An Autobiography of Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey. p. 435.
  124. ^ "EFUSAGAEnglish-Part5" (PDF). EFU Insurance. p. 212. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  125. ^ Stanley Wolpert (1984). Jinnah Of Pakistan.
  126. ^ Benazir Bhutto (2008). Speeches and Statements: Dec. 2, 1988 – July 19, 1990. p. 213.
  127. ^ "Honouring the Noons". Dawn. 28 January 2021. Archived from the original on 7 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
  128. ^ "Fleet and Establishment – PNS Ahsan". Naval Inter-Service Public Relations Directorate. Pakistan Navy. Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  129. ^ Captain Harry Carter (2012). The Life and Loves of a United States Naval Aviator.
  130. ^ Department of State Publication International organization and conference series: Far Eastern. Vol. 2. 1951. p. 8, 202.
  131. ^ The Gazette of Pakistan (PDF). 1950. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2026.
  132. ^ "THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET: APRIL". 1945. p. 2100.
  133. ^ "THE NAVY LIST CONTAINING LIST OF SHIPS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET: APRIL". 1942. p. 1002.
<tbody> </tbody>
Military offices
Preceded by C-in-C of the Pakistan Navy
1966 –1969 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of East Pakistan
1969–1971 		Succeeded by
Sahabzada Yaqub Khan
Preceded by Finance Minister of Pakistan
1969 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://deeppolitics.org/index.php?title=Wikipedia_baseline:S._M._Ahsan&oldid=93313"