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Questions and Answers
Who is known as the founding father of Pakistan?
Who is known as the founding father of Pakistan?
When did Muhammad Iqbal express the idea of a separate Muslim state?
When did Muhammad Iqbal express the idea of a separate Muslim state?
Who is known as the 'spiritual leader of Pakistan'?
Who is known as the 'spiritual leader of Pakistan'?
Which political leader took up the cause of creating a separate Pakistan?
Which political leader took up the cause of creating a separate Pakistan?
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When did the British Government in New Delhi decide to divide India?
When did the British Government in New Delhi decide to divide India?
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What was proposed in the Cabinet Mission Plan with regards to partition?
What was proposed in the Cabinet Mission Plan with regards to partition?
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What was one of the two possible ways mentioned for India's Muslims to ensure their future survival?
What was one of the two possible ways mentioned for India's Muslims to ensure their future survival?
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When did Pakistan become free from British rule?
When did Pakistan become free from British rule?
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Who played a crucial role in establishing democracy and ensuring stability in Pakistan post-independence?
Who played a crucial role in establishing democracy and ensuring stability in Pakistan post-independence?
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What challenges did Pakistan face post-independence that complicated the process of rehabilitation?
What challenges did Pakistan face post-independence that complicated the process of rehabilitation?
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How many general elections were held under Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership?
How many general elections were held under Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership?
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What has marked Pakistan's history in terms of governance since independence?
What has marked Pakistan's history in terms of governance since independence?
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Study Notes
Pakistan
Pakistan is situated in South Asia, having been established after years of struggle by its founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was also known as Quaid-e-Azam ("Great Leader"). The country has a population of over 259 million people. It is currently the world's sixth most populous nation, behind Nigeria, Brazil, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
History
Formation
The idea for a separate Muslim state in British India was first put forward during the Khilafat Movement of 1919–1922. In this period, several political leaders like Maulana Shaukat Ali and Allama Mashriqi advocated for a separate Islamic state. However, it was Muhammad Iqbal who is credited with elaborating this idea into a coherent vision. He expressed this through his presidential address at the annual session of Muslim League held at Lahore on December 25, 1937, and he became known as the 'spiritual leader of Pakistan'. Then, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, later referred to as Quaid-e-Azam, took up the cause of creating a separate Pakistan from the Indian independence movement in 1940.
Between January 1943 and July 1944, the British Government in New Delhi decided to divide India. The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a Constituent Assembly consisting of members elected both by the British Government and by provincial assemblies. This plan left the question of partition unanswered. In response, India's Muslims realised there were only two possible ways to ensure their future survival - either to remain within undivided India as an insignificant minority or to form a whole new state where they could develop their own destiny according to Islamic principles. Thus, there emerged a strong demand for the creation of Pakistan among Muslims.
In August 1945, the Labour Party assumed power in Britain. Its policy was based on the principle of 'workable compromise' between Hindus and Muslims. Afterwards, on June 3, 1947, Lord Mountbatten announced that the British would leave India by August 15, 1947. On August 14, 1947, Pakistan became free from British rule. The Indian Independence Act 1947, which included provisions for the partition of India, was passed on July 18, 1947.
Post-Independence
After independence, Pakistan faced challenges such as communal riots and migration issues which complicated the process of rehabilitation. Despite these difficulties, Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership played a crucial role in establishing democracy and ensuring stability. The first general elections were held under him in 1946. Following his death due to tuberculosis on September 11, 1948, Pakistan continued to face challenges including military coups, secessionist movements, and ethnic tensions.
Overall, Pakistan's history has been marked by periods of democratic rule interspersed with military dictatorships. Since the early days of independence, Pakistan has had eight constitutions and numerous changes in government. Today, the country continues to grapple with various internal and external challenges while striving for economic growth and regional cooperation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the history of Pakistan, from the idea of a separate Muslim state in British India to the challenges faced post-independence. Learn about key figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the formation of Pakistan, and the country's journey through periods of democratic rule and military dictatorships.
