The Kashmir issue is the biggest obstacle between Pak-India relations.
Mention any THREE relevant facts to support the given statement.
Answer
I. The Kashmir issue is a major obstacle between Pakistan and India due to:
II. Disputed Territory: Both countries claim Kashmir, leading to its division and ongoing tensions since 1947.
III. Wars and Conflicts: The Kashmir dispute has caused multiple wars, including in 1947-48, 1965, and the Kargil conflict in 1999.
IV. Unresolved UN Resolutions: Despite UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite, it has never been held, leaving the issue unresolved and straining relations.
OR
I. Disputed Territory: Kashmir has been a disputed region between Pakistan and India since their independence in 1947. Both countries claim the entire region, but it is divided between them, with Pakistan controlling Azad Jammu and Kashmir and India controlling Jammu and Kashmir.
II. Wars and Conflicts: The Kashmir issue has led to several wars and conflicts between Pakistan and India, including the wars in 1947-48, 1965, and the Kargil conflict in 1999. The dispute has caused constant tension and military confrontations between the two nations.
III. UN Resolutions: The United Nations passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite (a vote by the people of Kashmir) to decide the region’s future. However, this has never been implemented, and the issue remains unresolved, fueling ongoing disputes and preventing peaceful relations between Pakistan and India
Question
‘We have been the victims of a deep-laid and well-planned conspiracy, executed with utter disregard of the elementary principles of honesty, chivalry and honour.’ Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, October 30, 1947
In the light of the given statement, analyse the impact of the decisions of the Bengal Boundary Commission (1947) on Pakistan.
The Bengal Boundary Commission’s 1947 decisions negatively impacted Pakistan by:
I. Loss of Key Territories: Pakistan lost economically vital areas like Calcutta and some Muslim-majority regions to India.
II. Displacement and Violence: The boundary caused mass migration, leading to widespread violence and suffering.
III. Challenges for East Pakistan: The division left East Pakistan economically and geographically disadvantaged, contributing to future political unrest.
OR
The Bengal Boundary Commission’s 1947 decisions had a significant negative impact on Pakistan. Key territories, including the economically important city of Calcutta and some Muslim-majority regions, were awarded to India, depriving Pakistan of vital economic resources. This loss was compounded by the mass displacement and violence that followed the boundary decisions, as millions of Muslims were forced to migrate to Pakistan, resulting in widespread suffering and chaos. Additionally, the partition of Bengal left East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) geographically and economically disadvantaged, contributing to long-term political unrest and eventually the separation of East Pakistan in 1971. These decisions were viewed as unjust and unfair, causing enduring challenges for Pakistan.
Question
On 1st April, 1948, India’s East Punjab discontinued the flow of canal water to Pakistan’s West Punjab which posed a huge threat of dearth and loss of crops for West Punjab. This resulted in the Indus Basin Water Dispute.
How did Pakistan try to solve the above-mentioned problem?
Answer
I. Diplomatic Negotiations: Pakistan engaged in diplomatic talks with India to resolve the water dispute. These negotiations aimed to reach an agreement on the sharing of river waters.
II. Indus Waters Treaty: The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, resolved the dispute by allocating water rights: India received control over the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej), while Pakistan got control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
III. Construction of Infrastructure: Pakistan undertook the construction of major infrastructure projects, such as the Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam, to manage and store water from the western rivers, ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture and reducing dependence on the eastern rivers.
Question
Describe any FOUR features of the Independence Act of 1947
Answer
I. Declaration of Independence: Ended British rule and declared India and Pakistan as independent states.
III. Partition: Divided British India into two dominions—India and Pakistan—based on religious lines.
IV. Abolishment of Secretary of State for India: Ended the British administrative role in India, transferring power to Indian leaders.
V. Establishment of Governor-General: Created the position of Governor-General for each dominion, providing greater autonomy.
VI. Transfer of Power: The Act facilitated the transfer of legislative, executive, and judicial powers to the new dominions.
VII. Empowerment of Constituent Assemblies: Allowed India and Pakistan to draft their own constitutions and govern independently.
Question
Analyze how the Boundary Commission Award proved to be unjust.
Answer
The Boundary Commission Award proved unjust because:
I. Unequal Resource Allocation: Key areas and resources were unfairly allocated to India, disadvantaging Pakistan.
II. Displacement and Violence: The division caused mass migrations and widespread violence.
III. Ignoring Demographics: It failed to account for local demographic and cultural realities, displacing communities.
VI. Perceived Bias: The decisions were seen as biased, exacerbating tensions and conflicts between India and Pakistan.
