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Q.1 Discuss in detail problems of rehabilitation of refuges faced by Pakistan after its establishment. Explain the ways that problem was resolved by the then government.
Answer
It seems there might be a small
confusion in your question. If you are referring to the rehabilitation of
refugees faced by Pakistan after its establishment in 1947, particularly during
the partition of British India, I can provide you with information on that. After
the partition of British India in 1947, Pakistan faced significant challenges
related to the rehabilitation of millions of refugees who migrated from India
to the newly formed country. The partition led to massive population movements,
communal violence, and widespread displacement of people based on religious
lines. This resulted in the displacement of Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan to
India and Muslims from India to Pakistan.
The problems of rehabilitation
faced by Pakistan included:
Mass Displacement: The sheer
scale of population movement was overwhelming. Millions of refugees had to be
accommodated, leading to a severe strain on resources and infrastructure.
Housing and Shelter: The influx
of refugees created an acute shortage of housing and shelter. Many refugees
initially lived in makeshift camps with inadequate facilities.
Economic Strain: The economic
burden of providing for the basic needs of the refugees, such as food, water,
and healthcare, was enormous. Pakistan, as a newly formed country, had limited
resources to address these challenges.
Social Integration: The refugees
often faced challenges in integrating into the local communities. This was due
to cultural differences, language barriers, and the trauma of the partition.
Security Concerns: Communal
tensions and security concerns were prevalent, and the government had to
address these issues to ensure the safety of the displaced population.
To address these challenges,
the government of Pakistan undertook several measures:
Establishment of Refugee Camps:
Temporary refugee camps were set up to provide basic shelter, food, and
healthcare to the displaced population.
Land Allotment: Land was
allocated for the resettlement of refugees. This involved the creation of new
towns and settlements to accommodate the growing population.
International Assistance:
Pakistan sought international assistance to cope with the refugee crisis.
Humanitarian organizations and foreign governments provided aid to alleviate
the suffering of the displaced population.
Infrastructure Development: The
government invested in infrastructure development to support the resettlement
process. This included the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other
essential facilities.
Community Integration Programs:
Efforts were made to promote social integration by fostering understanding and
tolerance between different communities. Educational initiatives played a
crucial role in this regard.Despite these efforts, the process of refugee
rehabilitation was challenging and took time. The scars of partition continued
to affect the region for years.
Q.2 Critically analyze the interim report of Basic Principles Committee. Why had that report been criticized by Bengali politicians? Explain.
The Basic Principles Committee
(BPC) was formed in 1947 by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan to outline the
fundamental principles that would guide the framing of the constitution of the
newly created state. Chaired by Abdul Rashid, the BPC submitted its interim
report in 1950. While the report was a significant step in the constitutional
development of Pakistan, it faced criticism, particularly from Bengali
politicians. The criticism was rooted in concerns related to representation,
language, and autonomy.
Here are some critical points
related to the interim report of the Basic Principles Committee and the reasons
for its criticism by Bengali politicians:
Representation and Power
Distribution:
Concerns of Underrepresentation:
Bengali politicians, including those from the Awami League led by Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, criticized the BPC report for what they perceived as inadequate
representation for East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The report proposed a
federal structure with equal representation for East and West Pakistan in the
central legislature.
Language Issue:
Urdu as the Sole Official
Language: The BPC report recommended that Urdu be the sole official language of
Pakistan. This recommendation was met with strong opposition from Bengali
politicians who advocated for the recognition of Bengali as a national language
alongside Urdu. The language issue was a manifestation of the broader demand
for cultural autonomy.
Cultural and Regional
Autonomy:
Concerns about Autonomy: Bengali
politicians were apprehensive about the centralizing tendencies of the proposed
constitution. They argued that the recommendations did not adequately address
the cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of East Pakistan. The demand for
greater autonomy and recognition of regional identities was a recurring theme
in the criticism.
Economic Disparities:
Economic Grievances: There were
perceptions in East Pakistan that economic resources were disproportionately
allocated to West Pakistan. Bengali politicians criticized the BPC report for
not addressing these economic disparities and for not ensuring an equitable
distribution of resources.
Political Power Imbalance:
Centralized Power Structure: The
BPC report proposed a strong center with extensive powers concentrated in the
federal government. Bengali leaders were concerned that this could lead to a
political imbalance, with the interests of East Pakistan being marginalized.
Lack of Consultation:
Perceived Lack of Consultation:
Bengali leaders felt that the BPC did not adequately consult with
representatives from East Pakistan during the formulation of its
recommendations. This lack of inclusivity contributed to the discontent among
Bengali politicians.
Q.3 Discuss in detail the role of Ghulam Muhammad as Governor General. How had the personality and policies of Ghulam Muhammad paved the way for dictatorial culture?
Ghulam Muhammad served as the Governor-General of Pakistan
from 1951 to 1955. His tenure was marked by political instability, economic
challenges, and the assertion of executive power, contributing to the emergence
of a dictatorial culture in the early years of Pakistan's history.
**Personality and Background:**
Ghulam Muhammad was a civil servant who rose through the
ranks during British rule. He held various administrative positions and became
known for his efficiency. His appointment as Governor-General came at a
critical time when Pakistan was facing economic difficulties and political
turmoil.
**Role and Policies:**
1. **Dismissal of the First Constituent Assembly (1954):**
One of the most significant and controversial actions taken by Ghulam Muhammad
was the dismissal of the first Constituent Assembly in 1954. The dismissal was
based on the governor-general's assertion that the assembly was ineffective in
addressing the country's issues, particularly in framing a new constitution.
This move was seen as an infringement on the democratic process and set a
precedent for executive intervention.
2. **Use of Article 48:** Ghulam Muhammad invoked Article 48
of the Constitution, granting the governor-general the power to dissolve the
Constituent Assembly. This use of executive authority was criticized for
undermining the democratic process and concentrating power in the hands of the
executive.
3. **Appointment of Prime Ministers:** During his tenure,
Ghulam Muhammad appointed and dismissed several prime ministers, contributing
to political instability. The frequent changes in leadership eroded the
stability needed for effective governance and policy implementation.
4. **Economic Policies:** Ghulam Muhammad's approach to
economic matters was marked by austerity measures. While attempting to address
the economic challenges faced by the country, these policies were criticized
for their impact on various sectors, contributing to public dissatisfaction.
**Paving the Way for Dictatorial Culture:**
1. **Erosion of Democratic Norms:** Ghulam Muhammad's
actions, including the dismissal of the Constituent Assembly and frequent
changes in prime ministers, undermined democratic norms. The use of executive
powers to dismiss elected bodies set a precedent that would be exploited by
later leaders, contributing to a culture of executive dominance.
2. **Concentration of Executive Power:** The use of Article
48 and the dismissal of elected representatives concentrated power in the hands
of the governor-general. This concentration of executive power laid the
groundwork for future leaders to exploit similar powers, contributing to a
trend of centralized authority.
3. **Precedent for Military Intervention:** The political
instability and executive interventions during Ghulam Muhammad's tenure set a
precedent for military intervention in Pakistani politics. Subsequent military
coups and takeovers were facilitated by the erosion of democratic institutions
and the acceptance of executive authority over constitutional processes.
Q.4 Make a critical analysis of the Parity formula. How had that formula resolved the power distribution issues between the East and the West wings of the country?
Critical Analysis of the Parity Formula:
The Parity Formula was a mechanism introduced in the
Constitution of Pakistan in 1956 to address the issue of power distribution
between the East and West wings of the country, i.e., between East Pakistan
(present-day Bangladesh) and West Pakistan. The formula aimed to ensure equal
representation for both regions in the central government. While the Parity
Formula was an attempt to address regional imbalances, it had its advantages
and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Equal Representation: The primary advantage of the Parity
Formula was that it sought to provide equal representation for East and West
Pakistan in key state institutions, including the central legislature and the
civil services. This was seen as a measure to safeguard the interests of the
less populous East Pakistan.
Balancing Regional Power: Given the significant population
difference between East and West Pakistan, the Parity Formula was an attempt to
balance regional power dynamics. It aimed to prevent the dominance of West
Pakistan over the central government.
Consensus Building: The Parity Formula was a product of
negotiations and discussions among political leaders representing both wings of
the country. It reflected an attempt to build consensus and address the
concerns of both regions.
Disadvantages:
Population Disparity: One of the major criticisms of the
Parity Formula was that it did not adequately account for the population
disparity between East and West Pakistan. East Pakistan had a larger
population, yet both wings were given an equal number of seats in the central
legislature. This led to underrepresentation of the more populous East.
Economic Imbalances: The formula did not address the
economic disparities between the two wings. East Pakistan felt that it was not
receiving its fair share of economic resources, leading to feelings of neglect
and discontent.
Cultural and Linguistic Differences: The Parity Formula did
not adequately address the cultural and linguistic differences between East and
West Pakistan. Issues related to language, culture, and identity remained
significant sources of tension.
Failure to Prevent Secession: Despite the implementation of the Parity Formula, it did not prevent the eventual secession of East Pakistan in 1971. The discontent in East Pakistan had deep-rooted causes that went beyond the political representation provided by the Parity Formula.
Q.5 Discuss in detail the Islamie Provisions of the Constitution of 1956.
The Constitution of Pakistan in 1956 was the country's first
constitution, and it included several Islamic provisions reflecting the vision
of Pakistan as an Islamic state. The preamble of the constitution declared
Pakistan as an Islamic Republic, and various articles incorporated Islamic
principles into the legal and political framework. Here are some key Islamic
provisions of the 1956 Constitution:
Islamic Republic Declaration:
The preamble of the 1956 Constitution declared Pakistan as
an Islamic Republic, emphasizing the country's commitment to Islam as its
guiding principle.
Principles of Policy (Article 31):
Article 31 outlined the Principles of Policy, which included
directions to the state to enable Muslims to order their lives in accordance
with the fundamental principles and basic concepts of Islam. It emphasized
social justice, economic well-being, and the eradication of corruption.
State Religion (Article 2):
Article 2 declared Islam as the state religion of Pakistan.
This provision established the Islamic identity of the state and laid the
foundation for the role of Islam in shaping the legal and political landscape.
Islam as the Law of the Land (Article 227):
Article 227 stated
that all existing laws would be brought in conformity with the injunctions of
Islam as laid down in the Quran and Sunnah. This reflected the commitment to
Islam as the supreme law.
Islamic Advisory Board (Article 200):
Article 200
established an Islamic Advisory Board to advise the president on whether a
proposed law was or was not repugnant to the injunctions of Islam. This
provision aimed to ensure that legislation complied with Islamic principles.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Chapter 2):
The constitution included a chapter on Directive Principles
of State Policy that outlined principles to be followed by the state, including
the promotion of social and economic justice, individual freedom, and the
application of principles of Islam.
While the inclusion of Islamic provisions in the 1956
Constitution reflected the ideological foundation of Pakistan as an Islamic
state, subsequent constitutions and amendments would further elaborate on the
role of Islam in governance. The 1956 Constitution's Islamic provisions set the
tone for the constitutional development of Pakistan as an Islamic Republic.