Pakistan since Independence

Chapter Overview

Chapter 5 covers the turbulent and historic era following the emergence of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. Students study the formidable early challenges that threatened the newly born state, including the influx and rehabilitation of millions of displaced refugees, the unjust Radcliffe Award, the dispute over the division of financial and military assets, and the Kashmir and canal water conflicts.

The chapter examines the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as Pakistan's first Governor-General, highlighting his tireless efforts in establishing the federal administrative structure, inaugurating the State Bank of Pakistan, outlining foreign policy principles, and championing minority rights. It also explores Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan's contributions, particularly the landmark Objectives Resolution of 1949 that laid down the foundational Islamic and democratic principles of governance.

In addition, the unit traces Pakistan's constitutional evolution, from the promulgation of the 1956 and 1962 Constitutions to the unanimous passage of the historic 1973 Constitution under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Students analyze major political and military transitions, the 1965 war, the tragic events leading to the separation of East Pakistan in 1971, and the resilient reconstruction of the nation.