Yahya Khan (1969-71) Flashcards
Why did East Pakistan demand more seats in Parliament than West Pakistan?
- East Pakistan demanded more seats in Parliament than West Pakistan as East Pakistan’s population was greater, comprising 54% of the total population.
- They believed this entitled them to more parliamentary representation.
What roles and appointments were predominantly held by West Pakistanis, creating discontent in East Pakistan?
- Most Governors-General, Prime Ministers, senior Armed Forces officers, and civil servants in East Pakistan were from West Pakistan.
- Political decisions were primarily made in West Pakistan, increasing East Pakistani alienation
How did economic disparity grow between East and West Pakistan since 1947?
Economic disparity grew between East and West Pakistan since 1947 as:
- Economic policies favored West Pakistan, with development funds often directed there.
- Earnings from East Pakistan’s jute trade were thought to be used in West Pakistan.
What was the income gap between East and West Pakistan from 1949 to 1970?
- In 1949, East Pakistan’s per capita income was 85% of West Pakistan’s.
- By 1970, West Pakistanis were 40% wealthier on average.
How did disparities in health and education reflect economic differences?
- By 1948, East Pakistan had only 200 doctors and 3,000 hospital beds.
- Between 1947 and 1958, primary schools in West Pakistan increased by 163%, compared to East Pakistan’s 38% increase.
What was the result of the 1970 federal general election in Pakistan?
In the 1970 federal general election in Pakistan, the Awami League won 160 out of 162 seats in East Pakistan, obtaining a majority in the National Assembly and the right to form a government.
Why did Yahya Khan delay transferring power to the Awami League?
- Yahya Khan delayed transferring power to the Awami League due to disagreement over the Awami League’s Six Points, and Yahya Khan’s reluctance to grant power, resulting in prolonged negotiations.
What significant events led to civil disobedience in East Pakistan?
- Mujibur-Rehman declared independence on March 7, 1971.
- By March 23, the Bangladeshi flag was raised in East Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army responded with Operation Searchlight on March 26.
How did India initially support East Pakistan’s independence movement?
- India trained, funded, and equipped the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) to fight the Pakistan Army, leading to a civil war in East Pakistan.
When did India directly intervene, and what was the outcome?
- India waged war against Pakistan on December 4, 1971.
- After intense fighting, Pakistan’s forces surrendered on December 16, leading to Bangladesh’s creation.
What were the Awami League’s Six Points, and why were they significant?
- The Six Points, proposed in 1966 by Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman, called for provincial autonomy and democracy restoration.
- They highlighted issues of governance, finance, and defense, aiming for East Pakistan’s self-rule.
What specific powers did the Six Points demand for East Pakistan?
- They included separate financial policies, control over trade, provincial taxation, and each province having its military, limiting the federal government’s power to defense and foreign policy.
