PMS 2016 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Constitutional and Political Developments in Pakistan
The following question of PMS Pakistan Affairs 2016 is solved by Miss Iqra Ali, the best Pakistan Affairs Coach, on the guided pattern of Sir Syed Kazim Ali, which he taught to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner’s question concerns the constitutional and political developments in Pakistan’s early years. However, to gain the highest score, the candidate should take a systematic approach. First, a comprehensive and brief introduction should be written. Then, the candidate should discuss the key developments in the constitution and politics in the early years step by step, focusing on all the necessary points.
Outline
1-Introduction
- ✓Historical context of Pakistan’s creation in 1947.
- ✓Challenges faced by a nascent state: lack of resources, infrastructure, and a constitutional framework.
- ✓Importance of the period 1947–1956 in shaping Pakistan’s political and constitutional history.
2-What were the key constitutional developments in Pakistan from 1947 to 1956?
- ✓Indian Independence Act 1947
- ✓Objective Resolution 1947
- ✓Constitutional Assembly (1947-1954)
- ✓Constitution Drafting
- Constitution of 1954
- Dissolution of Constitutional Assembly 1954
- Constitution of 1956
3-What were the political developments during 1947-1954 in the country?
- ✓Initial leadership challenges (1947-1948)
- ✓Liaquat Ali Khan’s Tenure (1948-1951)
- ✓Political instability (1951-1954)
- ✓One unit scheme 1955
- ✓Formation of political Alliances
4-What were the challenges Pakistan had faced in Constitution Making?
- ✓Disagreement on Federalism vs. Centralism
- ✓Ethnic and linguistic divides
5-What was the legacy of the developmental years of 1947-1956 in the history of Pakistan?
- ✓Political and constitutional frameworks
- ✓Persistent issues: political instability, civil-military relations, and regional tensions
- ✓Influence of this period on subsequent political and constitutional developments in Pakistan
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The creation of Pakistan in 1947 marked the emergence of a state born out of a democratic struggle, yet it faced immediate challenges in establishing its constitutional and political foundations. The period from 1947 to 1956 was a defining phase in Pakistan’s history, as the newly created state grappled with the monumental task of building its constitutional and political foundations. So that, emerging from the partition of British India, Pakistan inherited a fragile administrative structure, resource shortages, and a populace divided along ethnic, linguistic, and regional lines. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 provided a temporary legal framework, while the Government of India Act (1935) was adapted to serve as the interim constitution. However, the process of drafting a permanent constitution was fraught with challenges, including disagreements over provincial autonomy, the role of Islam in governance, and the representation of East Pakistan. Politically, Pakistan faced instability marked by frequent changes in leadership, the dissolution of its first Constituent Assembly in 1954, and tensions between the central government and provinces. Moreover, efforts to balance power, such as the controversial One Unit Scheme and the eventual promulgation of the Constitution of 1956, were critical milestones. Nonetheless, these years shaped Pakistan’s identity as a federal and Islamic republic, highlighting its aspirations while underscoring the challenges of creating a cohesive political and constitutional framework in a divided society.
What were the key constitutional developments in Pakistan from 1947 to 1956?
- Indian Independence Act 1947
First, The Indian Independence Act of 1947 laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan as an independent state, providing the legal framework for the partition of British India. It marked the transfer of sovereignty from British colonial rule to the newly established dominions of India and Pakistan. The act outlined the division of territories, assets, and military resources between the two nations and granted the right to frame their respective constitutions. Until a permanent constitution could be adopted, both dominions were to operate under the Government of India Act (1935), modified to suit their immediate needs. For Pakistan, this interim framework served as the backbone of governance during its formative years, guiding the country’s political and administrative functions. Despite its temporary nature, the act underscored the complexities of managing a divided polity and laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s subsequent constitutional developments.
- Objective Resolution 1947
Second, The Objective Resolution of 1949 was a landmark constitutional development that laid the ideological foundation for Pakistan’s governance. It was passed by the Constituent Assembly under the leadership of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, defining the guiding principles for the country’s future constitution. The resolution declared that sovereignty belongs to Allah, with the authority to govern delegated to the state as a sacred trust. It emphasized the establishment of an Islamic, democratic, and federal system that ensured justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Similarly, the resolution also committed to protecting minority rights and ensuring their religious and cultural freedom. This historic document marked a shift towards integrating Islamic values with modern statecraft and has continued to influence Pakistan’s constitutional framework, including its incorporation into later constitutions as a preamble.
- Constitutional Assembly (1947-1954)
Third, The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan (1947–1954) played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the country’s political and constitutional future. Tasked with drafting a permanent constitution, the assembly faced numerous challenges, including debates over the role of religion, provincial autonomy, and the representation of East and West Pakistan. Despite its mandate, the assembly struggled with internal divisions and inefficiencies, delaying the constitution-making process. Key achievements included the passage of the Objective Resolution in 1949, which provided ideological direction. However, tensions between the legislature and the executive culminated in the dissolution of the assembly in 1954 by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad, citing its inability to deliver a constitution. This dissolution highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions in the nascent state and set a precedent for executive dominance over legislative authority in Pakistan’s political history.
- Constitution Drafting
Moreover, the drafting of Pakistan’s constitution was a protracted process, reflecting the complex socio-political dynamics of a newly formed state. The first draft, known as the Constitution of 1954, proposed a federal structure with parity between East and West Pakistan and emphasized Islamic principles. However, the draft was never enacted due to political turmoil. The dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in 1954 by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad marked a turning point, as it underscored executive dominance and the fragility of democratic processes. Despite legal challenges, this dissolution delayed the constitution-making process further. Eventually, Pakistan’s first constitution was promulgated in 1956, declaring the country an Islamic Republic with a parliamentary system of governance. It emphasized federalism and equal representation for both wings of the country, reflecting efforts to address regional disparities. The Constitution of 1956, although a significant milestone, struggled to achieve long-term stability due to persistent political and administrative challenges.
What were the political developments in the country during 1947-1954?
- Initial leadership challenges (1947-1948)
In the same manner, the initial years of Pakistan (1947–1948) were marked by formidable leadership challenges as the nation struggled to establish itself amidst the chaos of partition. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father and first Governor-General, faced the monumental task of uniting a diverse and divided population while addressing the immediate crises of refugee resettlement, resource allocation, and governance. The nascent state inherited weak administrative and financial systems, further exacerbated by India withholding Pakistan’s share of assets. Jinnah’s leadership was instrumental in laying the groundwork for state institutions and articulating a vision for a democratic and inclusive Pakistan. However, his untimely death in 1948 created a leadership vacuum, leaving the nation vulnerable to political instability. The challenges of this period underscored the urgent need for strong and consistent leadership to guide the country through its formative years.
- Liaquat Ali khan’s Tenure (1948-1951)
Subsequently, Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in steering the newly-formed nation during its formative years from 1948 to 1951. His tenure was marked by efforts to consolidate political authority and address critical challenges, including economic instability and the refugee crisis. Liaquat’s leadership was instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy, notably through the Liaquat-Nehru Pact of 1950, which sought to safeguard minority rights in both India and Pakistan. Domestically, his most significant contribution was the Objective Resolution of 1949, which provided an ideological framework for Pakistan’s future constitution, emphasizing Islamic principles and democratic values. However, his government faced criticism for its inability to address growing socio-economic disparities and tensions between East and West Pakistan. Tragically, his tenure ended abruptly with his assassination in 1951, creating a leadership void and setting the stage for political instability in the years to follow.
- Political instability (1951-1954)
Later on, the period from 1951 to 1954 in Pakistan was marked by severe political instability, as the country struggled with frequent changes in leadership and conflicts between the executive and legislative branches. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, Pakistan was left without a clear direction, and power struggles intensified within the political elite. The lack of a stable leadership structure led to short-lived governments, with both civilian and military leaders contended for control. The political landscape was further unsettled by tensions between East and West Pakistan, with the former feeling marginalized in the decision-making process. During this time, the Constituent Assembly became increasingly ineffective, unable to produce a constitution amidst rising internal conflicts. In 1954, Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad dissolved the Constituent Assembly, citing its inability to finalize a constitution, which led to even greater disillusionment with democratic processes. This period of political turmoil set the stage for military influence in Pakistan’s politics and laid the groundwork for the eventual imposition of martial law.
- One unit scheme 1955
Furthermore, The One Unit Scheme of 1955 was a significant and controversial political development in Pakistan’s early history, aimed at addressing the political and administrative challenges posed by the country’s bifurcated structure. Under this scheme, the four provinces of West Pakistan—Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)—were merged into a single unit, creating a centralized administrative structure. The objective was to reduce the dominance of East Pakistan in the central government and streamline governance. While the scheme was designed to promote unity and efficiency, it sparked widespread resentment in the provinces, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh, where it was perceived as an attempt to suppress regional autonomy and ethnic identities. The centralization of power under the One Unit Scheme also exacerbated the sense of alienation in East Pakistan, which felt increasingly marginalized despite being home to the majority of Pakistan’s population. The scheme was eventually reversed in 1970, but its legacy left deep political scars, highlighting the tension between national unity and provincial autonomy in Pakistan’s complex political landscape.
- Formation of political Alliances
Consequently, the formation of political alliances in Pakistan, especially in the early years following independence, played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. Given the diverse regional, ethnic, and ideological differences, political parties sought to build coalitions to navigate the complex political terrain. The initial years saw the emergence of alliances between major parties like the Muslim League and regional groups, such as the Awami League in East Pakistan, which sought greater autonomy. However, these alliances were often fragile, driven by personal ambitions and power struggles rather than shared ideologies. The most significant political alliance was formed during the 1949-1950 period when the central government tried to balance the influence of both East and West Pakistan. Yet, the lack of cohesion and the pursuit of narrow political interests led to frequent breakdowns in these alliances. Despite this, the formation of political coalitions remained essential in a country with stark regional divisions, setting a precedent for future coalition governments. The volatile political environment highlighted the need for more inclusive and structured alliances to ensure stability and representation across Pakistan’s diverse population.
What were the challenges Pakistan faced in constitution-making?
- Disagreement on Federalism vs. Centralism
Additionally, one of the most significant challenges Pakistan faced in its constitution-making process was the deep-rooted disagreement between federalism and centralism. The debate centered around how power should be distributed between the central government and the provinces, a matter of intense contention from the very inception of the state. On one side, proponents of centralism argued for a strong central government that could ensure national unity and uniformity, particularly in the face of challenges such as diverse regional interests, political fragmentation, and security concerns. On the other hand, advocates of federalism insisted on a more decentralized system, allowing provinces to maintain autonomy over local affairs, a demand particularly strong from East Pakistan, which felt marginalized by the central government. The lack of consensus on this issue created a deadlock during the early years of the Constituent Assembly, making it difficult to draft a constitution that would satisfy both the need for a unified state and the desire for provincial autonomy. This disagreement not only delayed the constitution-making process but also set the stage for political unrest, with the tension between central control and provincial rights becoming a recurring issue in Pakistan’s subsequent history.
- Ethnic and linguistic divides
Another significant challenge faced by Pakistan in its constitution-making process was the ethnic and linguistic divides within the country. With its diverse population, Pakistan was home to various ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture, and regional identity. The largest divide was between the Bengalis of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the Punjabis of West Pakistan, which was further exacerbated by linguistic differences. While Urdu was declared the national language, Bengali, spoken by the majority in East Pakistan, was the primary language of that region, leading to demands for its recognition as an official language. The central government’s reluctance to accommodate these regional linguistic preferences fostered resentment and feelings of alienation, particularly in East Pakistan. Similarly, there were tensions between Sindhi, Pashto, and other regional languages in the western provinces, all of which sought greater recognition and protection. These ethnic and linguistic divides created a complex political environment, making it difficult to craft a constitution that could address the needs and aspirations of all the country’s diverse communities. The failure to resolve these tensions in the early years of Pakistan’s formation laid the groundwork for long-standing political instability and, ultimately, the separation of East Pakistan in 1971.
What was the legacy of the developmental years of 1947-1956 in the history of Pakistan?
Likewise, the developmental years of 1947-1956 were foundational in shaping Pakistan’s political and constitutional standpoint, leaving a complex legacy that influenced subsequent events in the country’s history. The era saw the establishment of political and constitutional frameworks, with the passing of key resolutions like the Objective Resolution of 1949, which laid the cornerstone for Pakistan’s future constitution. However, despite these initial strides, the country faced persistent issues that would continue to affect its governance. Political instability dominated this period, fueled by leadership crises, weak political institutions, and constant power struggles between the central government and regional leaders. The relationship between the civilian government and the military was especially fraught, setting a precedent for the military’s growing influence in politics. Civil-military relations during these years were characterized by frequent tensions, as the military played a significant role in the political process, often sidelining civilian authorities. Furthermore, regional tensions, especially between East and West Pakistan, highlighted the disparities between the two wings of the country, which would later contribute to the breakup of Pakistan in 1971. The legacy of this period deeply influenced future political and constitutional developments, as the unresolved issues of federalism, ethnic identities, and civilian-military relations continued to shape the trajectory of Pakistan’s governance, often leading to political upheaval and the interruption of democratic processes.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the years from 1947 to 1956 were pivotal in shaping Pakistan’s political, constitutional, and institutional framework. Despite the initial optimism following independence, the era was marred by challenges. While significant milestones, including the Objective Resolution and the 1956 Constitution, laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s democratic aspirations, the inability to address fundamental issues such as ethnic divides, linguistic disputes, and federal-provincial power dynamics hindered sustainable progress. This period also witnessed the entrenchment of military influence in civilian affairs, a legacy that continues to shape Pakistan’s governance. The lessons from these formative years emphasize the need for strong democratic institutions, inclusive policies, and the resolution of regional grievances to ensure a cohesive and prosperous nation. The achievements and missteps of this era remain a critical reference point for understanding Pakistan’s complex political trajectory.
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