Couldn't see people being slaughtered: Ex-Pak army officer on why he helped India in 1971 war 

Lt Col (retd) Quazi Sazzad Ali Zahir was one of the heroes of the 1971 war against Pakistan but his contribution was unique. He was an officer in the Pakistan Army but crossed the border and shared vital information, including maps of major Pakistan Army formations, with the Indian Army to help it in the war. He was one of the panellist at a session on the 1971 war at the India Today Conclave East.

When asked what made him take the decision, he said it was akin to the tragedy of Hamlet. "To be or not to be, to do or not to do. It prompted me to take the decision. I am a very well-trained officer. I know military tactics very well and I know how to fight as a commando. I felt I am sitting in Pakistan and my people are being slaughtered. What the hell life is all about? You have to fight for your country and a solider is never scared."