PAK INTERNATIONAL MEMBOR [14] (1947-999) Flashcards
When did Pakistan join the United Nations, and how did it contribute in its early years?
- Pakistan joined the United Nations in September 1947. Following Quaid-e-Azam’s foreign policy vision, it became a strong advocate for Asian states seeking independence, including Indonesia.
- Pakistan also supported China’s entry into the UN and played an active role in peacekeeping missions, such as those in Somalia.
- Additionally, it consistently supported the Palestinian cause and raised the Kashmir issue, leading to a UN ceasefire and a declaration that Kashmir was a disputed territory requiring a referendum.
How did the UN assist Pakistan in economic and water-related matters?
- The UN played a key role in resolving the Indus Water Treaty with India in 1960, ensuring a fair division of river waters.
- The World Bank also provided financial support to Pakistan, funding hydroelectricity projects and soil reclamation programs.
- These initiatives contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and industrial development.
What role did Pakistan play in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?
- Pakistan has been an influential member of the OIC, using the platform to highlight issues like Kashmir and Palestine.
- OIC member states have provided Pakistan with aid during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
- The organization also granted Pakistan interest-free loans and financial assistance.
- In 1974, Pakistan successfully hosted the second OIC summit in Lahore.
- This summit gathered leaders from across the Muslim world to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- This summit strengthened Pakistan’s ties with Muslim nations, leading to financial support from Iran, the UAE, and Libya
- It also marked the formal recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan, as Sheikh Mujib attended.
How did Pakistan’s membership in the Commonwealth benefit the country?
- Pakistan, as a member of the Commonwealth, supported Britain by providing a workforce for post-World War II reconstruction, which led to economic benefits through foreign remittances.
- Commonwealth membership also facilitated an easier visa policy for Pakistanis and ensured aid from member countries.
- Additionally, Pakistan actively participated in the Commonwealth Games
What other international organizations did Pakistan join, and what role did it play?
- Pakistan became a member of several international organizations to strengthen its global standing.
- It joined SAARC and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to enhance regional influence.
- It was also an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a forum of developing nations that are not aligned with major power blocs.
- Pakistan played a role in NAM’s discussions and policy-making, reinforcing its position among developing countries.
What were Pakistan’s key failures in international organizations?
- Despite raising the Kashmir issue at the UN, Pakistan failed to pressure India into holding the promised referendum.
- The UN’s resolutions remained unimplemented, and Pakistan lacked the global political influence to enforce them.
- Similarly, OIC’s efforts regarding Kashmir and Palestine were ineffective.
- When East Pakistan became Bangladesh, Pakistan could not prevent the Commonwealth from recognizing it.
- In protest, Pakistan left the Commonwealth in 1972, marking a diplomatic setback.
What was Pakistan’s experience with CENTO and SEATO?
- Pakistan joined the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) in 1954 and the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1955 as part of anti-USSR alliances.
- While CENTO initially seemed promising, it dissolved in 1979 without developing a strong structure.
- SEATO also failed to benefit Pakistan, providing no aid or military support during conflicts with India or the separation of East Pakistan.
- Disappointed with its ineffectiveness, Pakistan withdrew from SEATO in 1972 under Bhutto’s leadership.
How did Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth reflect its foreign policy struggles?
- In 1972, Pakistan left the Commonwealth after Britain recognized Bangladesh as an independent state.
- This highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic struggles, as it failed to prevent member nations from acknowledging Bangladesh.
- Although Pakistan later rejoined, its departure showcased its inability to hold international organizations for its interests
Why can Pakistan’s membership in international organizations be seen as only partially successful? [CONCLUSION]
- While Pakistan gained diplomatic recognition, economic aid, and support in various global forums, it faced significant failures.
- The UN failed to resolve the Kashmir dispute, the OIC was ineffective in pressuring India, and military alliances like CENTO and SEATO did not benefit Pakistan strategically.
- The Commonwealth’s lack of support for Pakistan over Bangladesh and Kashmir also showed the limitations of its membership.
- Thus, while Pakistan made diplomatic achievements, its foreign policy goals were not fully realized.