Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's foreign policy between 1972 and 1977

Question 1

What was the Simla Agreement, and when was it signed?

Answer 1

• The Simla Agreement was signed in 1972 between Pakistan’s Z.A. Bhutto and India’s Indira Gandhi.
• It aimed to improve Pak-India relations by having India return 90,000 prisoners of war from 1971, while Pakistan agreed to discuss the Kashmir issue bilaterally without third-party involvement.

Question 2

How did the Simla Agreement contribute to Bhutto’s foreign policy success?

Answer 2

It was a success as it allowed Pakistan and India to reach a peaceful compromise, easing tensions after the 1971 war.

Question 3

How did Pakistan’s relationship with Bangladesh evolve in 1974?

Answer 3

• In 1974, during the OIC Lahore Summit, Pakistan recognized Bangladesh as an independent state, inviting it to join discussions as a fellow Muslim-majority country.
• This improved relations and resolved some previous differences.

Question 4

Why was Pakistan’s recognition of Bangladesh in 1974 significant?

Answer 4

Pakistan’s recognition of Bangladesh in 1974 was significant as it marked a major diplomatic achievement for Bhutto, allowing Pakistan and Bangladesh to collaborate as independent allies within the Muslim world.

Question 5

How did Bhutto improve relations with Afghanistan, and in what year?

Answer 5

In 1976, Bhutto and Afghan President Daud exchanged visits with encouragement from the Shah of Iran. This began a positive relationship after strained ties in previous years.

Question 6

Why were Bhutto’s diplomatic moves with Afghanistan considered beneficial?

Answer 6

Bhutto’s diplomatic moves with Afghanistan were considered beneficial as they helped establish friendly terms with Afghanistan, counteracting previous tensions from as far back as 1955.