ABSTRACT
The plan for a military revolution in Pakistan had been completed in mid-September. The plan drawn up by the commander-in-chief, General Muhammad Ayub Khan, who led the revolution, called for the retention of President Mirza in office provided he agreed with the steps to be taken. Immediately upon the proclamation of martial law, Mirza nominated a Presidential Advisory Council comprised of high officials from the secretariat, over which either the president or the chief martial law administrator presided. On October 15, Mirza announced that he intended to convert the revolutionary government into a national government. The impression made by Mirza's announcement was erased the next day by an announcement from Ayub. He said that reforms were needed and these would be made under the authority of martial law. In East Pakistan, army units were scattered under Operation Close Door and it was important that they be regrouped in secrecy for their new mission.
