Pakistan left SEATO [7]

Question 1

When did Pakistan join SEATO, and what was the initial issue with the treaty?

Answer 1

• Pakistan joined SEATO in 1954, but the treaty was initially contested by the Pakistan government.
• Foreign Minister Zafarullah Khan had signed it, but the government hesitated to ratify it until January 1955.
• This delay showed early weaknesses in Pakistan’s commitment to SEATO.

Question 2

Why was SEATO not beneficial for Pakistan in times of conflict?

Answer 2

• SEATO was formed to counter communist aggression, and the United States warned Pakistan that the treaty would not apply if it were attacked by India.
• This meant Pakistan could not rely on SEATO for military assistance in its conflicts with India, making the alliance less useful.

Question 3

What did Pakistan hope to gain from SEATO, and why was it disappointed?

Answer 3

• Pakistan sought military aid and pushed for a permanent military force within SEATO to protect all member states.
• However, other members refused these proposals, leading to Pakistan’s growing dissatisfaction with the treaty.

Question 4

How did SEATO’s response to the 1965 and 1971 wars affect Pakistan’s stance?

Answer 4

• SEATO did not support Pakistan in either the 1965 or 1971 wars against India, reinforcing Pakistan’s belief that the alliance was ineffective for its security needs. This lack of support further weakened Pakistan’s trust in SEATO.

Question 5

What event finally led Pakistan to withdraw from SEATO in 1972?

Answer 5

• The Bangladesh crisis in 1971 was the final turning point. SEATO did not assist Pakistan during this critical period, prompting Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to announce Pakistan’s withdrawal from the alliance in 1972.