Initial Problems of Pakistan PDF

INITIAL PROBLEMS OF PAKISTAN and QUAID’s EFFORTS AS GOVERNOR GENERAL TO SOLVE THEM Marking scheme extract Successes: Quaid-e-Azam Relief Fund created to help refugees. He appealed to the people to help the refugees. He toured the province...

INITIAL PROBLEMS OF PAKISTAN and QUAID’s EFFORTS AS GOVERNOR GENERAL TO SOLVE THEM Marking scheme extract Successes: Quaid-e-Azam Relief Fund created to help refugees. He appealed to the people to help the refugees. He toured the provinces encouraging and motivating the people. He declared himself ‘Protector-General’ of religious minorities. State Bank of Pakistan was set up. Karachi was made the capital of Pakistan. Civil Services re-organized. Joined United Nation as an attempt to draw their attention towards Kashmir problem. Failures: Kashmir and other Princely States issues not resolved. Canal Water Dispute not resolved until 1960. Millions made homeless or died as a result of partition. CAIE Exam Questions: 1. The government of Pakistan was totally successful in solving the problems of partition during 1947 and 1948. Do you agree? Explain your answer. 2. How far Quaid-e-Azam solved early problems of Pakistan as a Governor General? (14) Introduction Pakistan came into existence on August 14, 1947, as the largest Muslim state. However, it faced immense challenges from the moment of its birth. The leaders of India had accepted partition under the assumption that the new country wouldn’t survive long and would return to India's fold. For Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the country's other leaders, this was just one of the significant challenges that had to be overcome. Jinnah, as Pakistan’s first Governor-General, played a crucial role in guiding the nascent country through its initial years. His efforts included: 1. Geopolitical Divide: East and West Pakistan One of the initial and most glaring issues was the strange geographical divide of the new state. The Radcliffe Award, which determined the borders, created Pakistan in two separate parts — East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan — separated by 1,200 miles of Indian territory. Most countries have natural borders like rivers or mountains to define their territories, but Pakistan’s  division created logistical challenges in terms of security, communication, and efficient administration between the two regions. 2. Political Backwardness and Formation of a Government Inexperience of Leadership: While India inherited government buildings, furnishings, and a significant number of experienced officials due to their connection with the Congress party, Pakistan was deprived of such resources. Most of its leaders were wealthy landowners without much political experience. Moreover, Pakistan has to face constitution crisis as well. Provincialism: The imbalance between the two wings (East and West Pakistan) caused unrest. The Western part, being more developed, had more opportunities, and the monopoly of its leaders deepened the divide with East Pakistan. The Quaid had already warned about the dangers of provincialism, but his early death further aggravated these tensions. Quaid’s efforts: Jinnah advised government officials to change their attitudes toward the public, stressing the need for unity and national identity. He also established the Civil Service of Pakistan and set up the central secretariat in Karachi. Quaid working on constitution. Karachi became the capital of Pakistan and central secretariat was set up to run the country. Civil Service rules were draft to run the country. 3. Division of Armed Forces and Military Assets For the security and safeguard of its territory Pakistan demanded the immediate division of army assets and personnel. The British had appointed Field-Marshall Auchinleck to monitor the division. Uneven Distribution: The division of military assets was a significant problem. Pakistan was to receive 36% of the assets, while India received 64%. Most of the Ordnance factories were located in India, leaving Pakistan without sufficient military resources. The equipment that was given to Pakistan was mostly in shabby condition. The machinery was obsolete and out of order. Wah Ordnance Factory: Pakistan was compensated with Rs.60 million and established the Wah Ordnance Factory to fulfill its military needs. The uneven distribution of military equipment left Pakistan vulnerable, especially with the Kashmir conflict already brewing. 4. Division of Financial Assets Unfair Allocation: Out of the Rs.4 billion in the Reserve Bank of India at the time of partition, Pakistan was allotted Rs.750 million. The first installment of Rs.200 million was paid, but the remaining amount was withheld when the Kashmir conflict erupted. Gandhi's Intervention: Mahatma Gandhi’s hunger strike persuaded the Indian government to release another Rs.500 million, but the final Rs.50 million is yet to be paid. 5. Canal Water Dispute The partition divided Punjab, and India retained control over the headworks of the canal systems, giving it leverage over Pakistan’s water supply. On April 1, 1948, India cut off the canal waters to West Punjab, threatening agricultural productivity. Eventually, the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 was signed, granting Pakistan control over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India retained the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej. 6. Accession of Princely States At the time of partition, there were 562 princely states. Most states had acceded to either India or Pakistan by August 15, 1947, but the situations in Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir remained unresolved. Junagadh: A predominantly Hindu state with a Muslim ruler who opted for Pakistan. Indian forces besieged the state, and after a plebiscite, it was integrated into India. Hyderabad: The largest princely state, ruled by a Muslim Nizam, sought independence. Indian forces invaded in September 1948, shortly after Jinnah’s death, and annexed the state. Kashmir: The majority-Muslim state was ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, Hari Singh, who initially resisted accession to either country. With a strategic location, Kashmir was crucial for both nations. After tribal forces entered the state, the Maharaja sought India’s military assistance, which led to the first India-Pakistan war. A ceasefire was declared in 1948, but the issue remains unresolved to this day. 7. Mass Migration and Refugee Crisis Partition saw the largest mass migration in history, with approximately 10 million people crossing the newly drawn borders between India and Pakistan. Attacks on refugee caravans and trains led to widespread violence and massacres, particularly in Punjab, where Hindu and Sikh forces targeted Muslim refugees. An estimated 5.5 million Muslims migrated to Pakistan, while 3.5 million Hindus and Sikhs moved to India. The refugee crisis put immense pressure on Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure. Quaid-e-Azam declared himself the "Protector General" of religious minorities and advocated for their safety and rights. Refugee Rehabilitation: A relief fund was set up to assist refugees, and Jinnah personally toured the country, encouraging unity and cooperation. 8. Economic Crisis Underdeveloped Economy: At the time of independence, Pakistan had only 8 cities with a population over 100,000, and 90% of the population lived in rural areas. Karachi, the only major port, had to handle most exports. Industrial Disadvantage: Although Pakistan produced 70% of the world’s jute,  it didn’t inherit any jute mills, which were all located in India. The country also lacked sufficient industrial capacity. The main task of Quaid was to consolidate the economic condition in Pakistan. Thus, he looked at this problem with great responsibility and started to work on it. He realized that the amount of the money given to Pakistan by the Reserved Bank of India was not enough to cover the needs of the independent Islamic state. Thus, he asked for the funds from other foreign countries and asked the government to set up the State Bank of Pakistan. Thus, this problem was solved with great hope and courage. In 1948 Jinnah’s Industrial policy made it clear that he wanted to see Pakistan as an industrialized nation. He reached to a compromise with India about canal water dispute. 9. Social Issues and Ethnic Diversity Pakistan was home to a diverse range of ethnicities and cultures, each with its own distinct identity. The differences among the provinces posed a major challenge to national integration. This diversity, especially between the Bengalis in the East and the Western leaders, delayed the formation of a cohesive national identity. Conclusion Pakistan's birth was fraught with challenges, ranging from territorial issues and military weakness to economic hardships and social unrest. The early years required immense determination, foresight, and leadership, much of which was provided by Jinnah, though his death in 1948 left the country to navigate a complex array of problems on its own. Despite these obstacles, Pakistan managed to survive and establish itself as an independent state.  Early Problems Faced by Pakistan After Independence in 1947 1. Formation of Government Issue: Lack of competent and experienced administrative and technical staff. Death of Quaid-e-Azam. Lack of leadership Lack in making constitution. Reason: Most experienced staff remained in India, causing a shortage of Muslim officers in the Indian Civil Service. Challenges: - Establishing government offices, often set up in private buildings and army barracks. - Shortage of basic office supplies like stationery and furniture. 2. Division of Armed Forces and Military Assets Pakistan's Demand: Immediate division of army assets and personnel. Division Ratio: 36% for Pakistan, 64% for India. Challenges: - 16 ordinance factories existed in India; none were given to Pakistan. - Pakistan received mostly obsolete and non-functional military equipment. - Pakistan received only 2500 officers out of the required 4000. - The limited military strength was a major concern, especially with the Kashmir crisis. 3. Division of Financial Assets Total Cash Reserves: 4 billion rupees in the Reserve Bank of India. Pakistan’s Share: 750 million rupees. - First Installment: 200 million rupees was paid. - Remaining Installments: Payment was delayed due to the Kashmir crisis. - Gandhi’s Influence: A hunger strike by Gandhi forced India to release 500 million rupees, but 50 million remained unpaid. 4. Refugee and Accommodation Crisis Causes: Partition led to large-scale migration of Muslims from India to Pakistan and Hindus from Pakistan to India. Communal violence exacerbated tensions between Hindus and Muslims. Weak financial resources made it difficult for Pakistan to manage the refugee influx. Migration Statistics 10 million: people migrated between India and Pakistan by 1948. Karachi received 2 million refugees. Challenges - Nearly 20 million people were homeless. - Refugee camps set up in the outskirts of cities. - Shortage of doctors and medicines for the refugees. 6. Accession of Princely States Junagadh: Muslim ruler opted to join Pakistan despite a Hindu-majority population. Indian forces annexed the state in November 1947. Hyderabad: The Muslim ruler wanted to join Pakistan, but it was surrounded by Indian territory. Indian forces invaded in 1948. Kashmir: - Majority Muslim population but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja. - The Kashmir conflict led to a war between India and Pakistan, with India bringing the case to the UN in 1948. 7. Geopolitical Divide: East and West Pakistan One of the initial and most glaring issues was the strange geographical divide of the new state. The Radcliffe Award, which determined the borders, created Pakistan in two separate parts — East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan — separated by 1,200 miles of Indian territory. Most countries have natural borders like rivers or mountains to define their territories, but Pakistan’s division created logistical challenges in terms of security, communication, and efficient administration between the two regions. 7. Canal Water Dispute Issue: Punjab was divided, with the headworks allocated to India, while Pakistan received the drained areas. India’s Threat: In 1948, India threatened to cut off water supplies to Pakistan’s Punjab, causing a risk of famine. Resolution: The dispute was settled in 1960 through the **Indus Water Treaty**, mediated by the World Bank. 8. Political Backwardness Inexperience of Leadership: While India inherited government buildings, furnishings, and a significant number of experienced officials due to their connection with the Congress party, Pakistan was deprived of such resources. Most of its leaders were wealthy landowners without much political experience. Provincialism: The imbalance between the two wings (East and West Pakistan) caused unrest. The Western part, being more developed, had more opportunities, and the monopoly of its leaders deepened the divide with East Pakistan. The Quaid had already warned about the dangers of provincialism, but his early death further aggravated these tensions.  QUAID-E-AZAM AS GOVERNOR GENERAL After independence was achieved, he took over as the Governor-general and also the Chief Executive to make sure the country’s progress wouldn’t come to a halt. He chaired Cabinet meetings and was the President of the Constituent Assembly. Quaid – The nation builder: ▪ He worked towards the unity amongst the different ethnicities that had formed Pakistan. He urged them to think and act as Pakistani. One step in the right direction was declaring Urdu as the national language. ▪ He opposed religious extremism, provincialism and racialism. The Quaid made sure that effects of the killings of Muslim refugees were not felt by the minorities living in Pakistan. He called himself the ‘Protector-General’ of religious minorities. ▪ He announced the establishment of the Relief fund for the refugees on 12th September 1947. ▪ He made sure Pakistan was inducted into the world community by making Pakistan a member of UNO in September 1947. Building the government: ▪ Liaquat Ali Khan was appointed the first Prime Minister. The Constituent Assembly was given the task to frame a new constitution. ▪ Accounts and Foreign Services were introduced and the first Pay Commission was set up in February 1948. ▪ In May 1948, Karachi was chosen as the federal capital. Efforts were made to transfer the govt. machinery and the staff to reach there. ▪ The Civil Services were recognized. In order to run the administration smoothly the Civil Service rules were drafted. ▪ Pakistan Fund was established on 16th June, 1947. Building an Economy: ▪ State Bank of Pakistan was established don 1st July 1948. ▪ He devised Pakistan’s Industrial Policy Statement to make sure the industrialists come forward and play their part in the economic progress. ▪ He reached a compromise with India over the Canal Water Dispute. Establishing National Security: ▪ As a leader of the nascent country that was deprived of its due rights, money & military equipment; he hired British officers to train the Pakistani soldiers. A major step taken was the appointment of General Douglas Gracey as the Commander- in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. ▪ Due to the administrative decision-making of the Quaid, the Army fought valiantly against the Indians despite being heavily outnumbered. They were even able to liberate a small portion of Kashmir in January 1948. On 11th September 1948 the Quaid breathed his last. The “Father of the Nation” had died and the country had lost its leading political figure. Although he survived only a year but he made sure that the country stood on her feet which many had predicted could not survive for more than six months.