Course: Political and Constitutional Development in Pakistan-II (4668)

Level: M.Sc. Semester: Autumn, 2023

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 40

ASSIGNMENT No. 1
(Unit 1–4)

Q.1 Critically analyze the result of 1970 election. What were the causes of irreconciliation between Bhutto-
Mujib? Discuss in detail. (20)
The 1970 general elections in Pakistan marked a significant turning point in the country's political history. The
election was held on December 7, 1970, and the results had profound implications for the future of
Pakistan, ultimately leading to the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh.

**Election Results:**

The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in East Pakistan (now
Bangladesh), securing 160 out of 162 seats allotted to the region. In contrast, the Pakistan People's Party
(PPP), led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, emerged as the dominant party in West Pakistan, winning 81 out of
138 seats. However, the overall result meant that no single party could form a government
independently at the federal level.

The failure to form a coalition government and address the growing political demands of East Pakistan laid the
groundwork for a political crisis.

**Irreconciliation between Bhutto and Mujib:**

Several factors contributed to the irreconciliation between Bhutto and Mujib, ultimately leading to the
separation of East and West Pakistan.

1. **Language and Cultural Differences:**

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 East and West Pakistan had significant linguistic, cultural, and economic differences. The majority in East
Pakistan spoke Bengali, while West Pakistan's dominant language was Urdu. The cultural gap and the
perception of discrimination against the Bengali population fueled resentment in East Pakistan.

2. **Economic Disparities:**

East Pakistan, despite contributing significantly to the country's economy through jute exports, felt
economically marginalized. The distribution of resources and development projects favored West
Pakistan, leading to economic disparities and discontent in the eastern part of the country.

3. **Political Autonomy:**

The Awami League's Six-Point Movement, led by Sheikh Mujib, called for greater autonomy for East
Pakistan in various areas, including defense, currency, and foreign affairs. The demand for autonomy
was seen as a threat to the centralized governance structure envisioned by West Pakistani leaders.

4. **Power Struggle:**

Following the election results, both Bhutto and Mujib were unwilling to compromise on their political
positions. Bhutto, fearing the dominance of Mujib, refused to accept the Six Points and advocated for a
more decentralized form of government. This power struggle exacerbated tensions and hindered the
formation of a coalition government.

5. **Military Operation in East Pakistan:**

The situation deteriorated when the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight in March 1971, a
brutal crackdown against the Bengali population in East Pakistan. The military's actions, including
widespread atrocities and human rights abuses, further fueled resentment and led to calls for
independence.

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In summary, the irreconciliation between Bhutto and Mujib was fueled by deep-seated socio-economic,
cultural, and political factors. The failure to address these issues and find a political solution ultimately
resulted in the secession of East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh in December 1971.

Q.2 Elaborate the circumstances that led to the separation of East Pakistan. (20)

The separation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971 was a complex and multifaceted event
shaped by a combination of political, economic, linguistic, and cultural factors. Here is an overview of the
circumstances that led to the separation:

1. **Language and Cultural Differences:**

- East Pakistan and West Pakistan were geographically separated by around 1,600 kilometers of Indian
territory, and the two regions had distinct cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- The majority of the population in East Pakistan spoke Bengali, while the majority in West Pakistan spoke
Urdu and Punjabi. The imposition of Urdu as the sole official language in 1948 fueled resentment among
Bengalis in East Pakistan.

2. **Economic Disparities:**
- The economic policies of the central government in West Pakistan favored the development of the western
region at the expense of the eastern region. East Pakistan, despite being more populous, felt economically
disadvantaged.
- The central government's allocation of resources disproportionately favored West Pakistan, leading to
underdevelopment in the eastern region.

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3. **Political Marginalization:**
- Power was concentrated in West Pakistan, and political representation did not reflect the demographic
reality. East Pakistanis often felt marginalized and underrepresented in the central government.
- Attempts by East Pakistan to gain more autonomy and a fair share of political power were often met with
resistance from the ruling elite in West Pakistan.

4. **Military Crackdown:**
- The situation escalated in 1970 when general elections were held in Pakistan, and the Awami League, led
by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from East Pakistan, won a landslide victory.
- The ruling elite in West Pakistan, particularly President Yahya Khan, was reluctant to transfer power to the
Awami League. This led to a political impasse and triggered a military crackdown in East Pakistan in March
1971.

5. **Bangladesh Liberation War:**

- The military crackdown in East Pakistan escalated into widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis. This
resulted in a full-scale war between the Pakistani military and Bengali nationalists.
- India became involved in the conflict, supporting the Bengali nationalists. The war lasted for about two
weeks, culminating in the defeat of the Pakistani military and the creation of the independent state of
Bangladesh on December 16, 1971.

6. **International Intervention:**
- The international community played a role in diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid during the conflict.
The geopolitical context of the Cold War influenced the positions of various countries, with India receiving
support from the Soviet Union and sympathy from many other nations.

The separation of East Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 marked a significant event in South
Asian history, resulting in the birth of a new nation and the end of a tumultuous period for the people of the
region.

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Q.3 Evaluate the Islamic features of 1973 constitution. (20)
1973, Pakistan adopted a new constitution, and considering the Islamic nature of the state, there are several
features that reflect Islamic principles. Here are some key Islamic features of the 1973 Constitution of
Pakistan:

1. **Islamic Republic of Pakistan:** The constitution begins by declaring Pakistan as an Islamic Republic.

2. **Preamble:** The preamble of the constitution acknowledges the sovereignty of Allah and recognizes the
Quran and Sunnah as the supreme law.

3. **Principles of Policy:** The constitution outlines a set of principles of policy, and one of the fundamental
principles is to enable Muslims of Pakistan to order their lives in accordance with the fundamental
principles and basic concepts of Islam.

4. **Article 2: Islam as the State Religion:** The constitution declares Islam as the state religion of Pakistan.

5. **Article 31: Islamic Way of Life:** This article directs that steps shall be taken to enable the Muslims of
Pakistan, individually and collectively, to order their lives in accordance with the fundamental principles
and basic concepts of Islam.

6. **Article 227: Oath of Judges:** Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are required to take an oath
to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution as well as to do right to all manner of people according
to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will.

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7. **Islamic Advisory Council:** Although not initially part of the 1973 Constitution, an amendment in 1985
introduced the concept of the Islamic Advisory Council to ensure that all laws are in conformity with
Islamic injunctions.

8. **Prohibition of Interest (Usury):** The constitution also expresses the resolve to eliminate riba (usury)
from the economic system, reflecting an Islamic economic principle.

It's important to note that while the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan incorporates Islamic principles, there has
been ongoing debate and discussion about the extent to which these principles are implemented and the
role of Islamic law in the legal system. Amendments and legal interpretations may have occurred since
my last update, so it's advisable to consult more recent sources for the latest information on this topic.

Q.4 Discuss in denial the agrion reforms introduced by Z.A Bhutto government. Write the impacts of
these reforms on agriculture productivity of Pakistan. (20)

It seems there might be a typo in your question, as there is no widely known term "agrion reforms" associated
with Z.A. Bhutto or Pakistan's agricultural policies. However, it is possible that you meant "agrarian
reforms." If that's the case, I can provide information on the agrarian reforms introduced by Z.A.
Bhutto's government in Pakistan and their impact on agricultural productivity.

During his tenure as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1971 to 1977, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto implemented
several agrarian reforms aimed at addressing issues of land distribution, tenancy, and rural poverty. One

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 of the significant measures taken by his government was the introduction of the Land Reforms
Ordinance in 1972. The key features of these reforms included:

1. **Land Redistribution:** The government set limits on landownership, and excess land held by landlords
was distributed among landless farmers. The idea was to reduce land concentration and promote a more
equitable distribution of agricultural land.

2. **Tenancy Reforms:** The government sought to protect the rights of tenants by placing restrictions on the
maximum amount of land a landlord could retain for cultivation. This aimed to prevent exploitation of
tenant farmers and provide them with a more secure and fairer share of the agricultural produce.

3. **Price Support for Crops:** Bhutto's government also implemented policies to ensure fair prices for
agricultural produce. This was intended to protect the interests of small and marginal farmers by
providing them with reasonable returns for their efforts.

**Impact on Agriculture Productivity:**

While the agrarian reforms were initiated with the noble intention of addressing socio-economic inequalities in
rural areas, their impact on agricultural productivity was mixed, and opinions on their success vary.
Some of the perceived impacts include:

1. **Redistribution of Land:** The redistribution of land aimed to reduce disparities in land ownership.
However, the process was not without challenges, and in some cases, it led to fragmentation of land,
potentially affecting economies of scale and productivity.

2. **Tenancy Reforms:** The restrictions on landlords' landholdings and protections for tenants were
designed to empower small farmers. However, the actual implementation and enforcement of these
reforms faced obstacles, and the desired outcomes were not universally achieved.

3. **Price Support:** While price support was intended to benefit farmers, it also had implications for the
overall economy. Critics argue that setting artificially high prices could distort market forces and create
inefficiencies in the agricultural sector.
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In conclusion, Z.A. Bhutto's agrarian reforms had significant implications for the structure of Pakistan's
agricultural sector. While they aimed to address social and economic inequalities, the impact on
productivity was influenced by various factors, including implementation challenges and unintended
consequences. Public opinion on the success of these reforms remains diverse, with both positive and
negative assessments.

Q.5 What were the causes of formation of Pakistan national Alliance against the Bhutto government.
Discuss in detail. (20)
The Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) was formed as a political coalition in Pakistan in
the late 1970s to oppose the government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Several
factors contributed to the formation of the PNA, which represented a diverse group of
opposition parties with shared concerns and grievances. Here are some key causes that
led to the formation of the Pakistan National Alliance:

1. **Rigging Allegations in the 1977 Elections:**

- The 1977 general elections in Pakistan were marred by allegations of widespread
rigging by the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by Bhutto. Opposition parties,
including the Pakistan National Alliance, accused the government of manipulating the
electoral process to ensure a victory for the PPP.

2. **Economic Issues and Discontent:**

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 - Bhutto's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by economic challenges, including
inflation, unemployment, and a general sense of economic dissatisfaction. Many
segments of the population, including business and industrial communities, were
discontented with the economic policies of the government.

3. **Authoritarianism and Repression:**

- Bhutto's leadership style was often criticized for being authoritarian. He took several
steps to consolidate power, including the dismissal of provincial governments and the
imposition of martial law in certain regions. The opposition parties viewed these actions
as undemocratic and a threat to political freedoms.

4. **Suppression of Political Opposition:**

- Bhutto's government was accused of suppressing political opposition through arrests,
censorship, and the use of state machinery to stifle dissent. The opposition parties felt that
their political rights were being curtailed, and there was a growing concern about the
erosion of democratic norms.

5. **Bhutto's Handling of the Ahmedis Issue:**

- Bhutto's decision to declare the Ahmadiyya community as non-Muslim in 1974
generated controversy and was seen by some as an attempt to use religious issues for
political gain. This decision alienated certain religious groups and leaders, contributing to
a sense of discontent among various sections of the society.

6. **Formation of Tehreek-e-Istaqlal:**
- The formation of Tehreek-e-Istaqlal (Movement for Independence) by a group of
political leaders, including Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Asghar Khan, and others, marked a

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significant step toward the formation of the Pakistan National Alliance. This movement
aimed to unite various opposition forces against Bhutto's government.

7. **Role of Political Leaders:**

- Key political leaders, including figures like Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, Muhammad
Khan Junejo, and others, played a crucial role in bringing together diverse political
parties under the banner of the Pakistan National Alliance. Their leadership provided a
common platform for the opposition to rally against the government.

In summary, the formation of the Pakistan National Alliance against the Bhutto
government was a response to perceived electoral irregularities, economic challenges,
authoritarianism, suppression of political opposition, and concerns about the direction of
the country under Bhutto's leadership. The coalition represented a diverse range of
political forces united by their opposition to the incumbent government.

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