Initial Difficulties faced by Pakistan 1947-48 Flashcards
What geographical challenge did Pakistan face after its creation in 1947?
- Pakistan was divided into two parts, East and West Pakistan, separated by 1000 miles of Indian territory, making communication and governance difficult.
What was one of the first political challenges faced by Pakistan after its creation?
- Pakistan had to choose a capital, form a government, and establish a secretariat. Karachi was chosen as the capital.
What delay tactics did India use after Pakistan’s formation regarding administrative setup?
- India delayed the transfer of government servants and official records to Pakistan, complicating the administrative process.
What was Pakistan’s working constitution at the time of independence?
- The Government of India Act 1935, with certain modifications, was adopted as Pakistan’s working constitution.
What was a major economic challenge Pakistan faced in 1947?
- Pakistan inherited economically underdeveloped areas with an outdated agricultural system, and financial and industrial assets remained in India.
What social challenge emerged due to Pakistan’s diverse population?
- Pakistan had five major ethnic groups (Bengalis, Punjabis, Sindhis, Pathans, and Balochis) with different cultures and languages, making national unity difficult.
What happened to the princely state of Junagadh after independence?
- Junagadh’s Muslim ruler favored joining Pakistan, but India forcibly occupied the state in November 1947.
What was the outcome of India’s invasion of Hyderabad in 1948?
- India annexed Hyderabad on September 13, 1948, despite its Muslim ruler’s decision to remain independent.
What is the Kashmir dispute, and why is it significant?
- Kashmir, with a Muslim-majority population, was annexed by India, despite Pakistan’s insistence on self-determination for Kashmiris, leading to a continuing conflict.
What was the financial issue Pakistan faced with the division of assets after independence?
- Pakistan was promised Rs. 750 million, but India initially refused to pay, causing economic strain.
How did Pakistan handle the shortage of military assets after partition?
- Pakistan received old, worn-out weapons and lacked ordinance factories. Pakistan built a new factory at Wah after paying Rs. 60 million.
What triggered the canal water dispute between India and Pakistan in 1948?
- India stopped water flow into Pakistani canals, affecting Pakistan’s agriculture. A temporary agreement was reached in May 1948, and later the Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960.
How many refugees arrived in Pakistan, and what challenges did the country face in accommodating them?
- About 10 million refugees crossed into Pakistan, including 2 million in Karachi. The country struggled to provide medical care, shelter, and resources for them.
