Chapter # 8 – Political Development in Pakistan 1947-2002

8.1   Formative Phase of Pakistan (1947-58)

8.1.1   Discuss the Political Changes that took place during this Era.

The formative phase of Pakistan, spanning from 1947 to 1958, was marked by significant political changes as the newly created nation grappled with the challenges of nation-building, governance, and defining its identity. Here are the key political changes that occurred during this era:

1. Partition and Independence (1947):
   • Pakistan emerged as an independent nation on August 14, 1947, following the partition of British India. The partition led to the creation of two separate entities, India and Pakistan, based on religious lines, with Pakistan established as a homeland for Muslims.
   • The partition resulted in massive population migrations, communal violence, and displacement, leading to immense human suffering and social upheaval.
2. Adoption of the Objectives Resolution (1949):
   • In 1949, Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly adopted the Objectives Resolution, which laid down the guiding principles for the country’s future constitution.
   • The resolution affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Islam as its foundational principle, while also ensuring the rights of religious minorities and guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.
3. Governor-Generalship of Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1947-1948):
   • Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as the Quaid-e-Azam (Great Leader), served as Pakistan’s first Governor-General.
   • Jinnah played a pivotal role in the early years of Pakistan, advocating for the rights of Muslims and providing leadership during the tumultuous period of partition and independence.
4. Adoption of the First Constitution (1956):
   • The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan adopted the country’s first constitution in 1956, establishing Pakistan as an Islamic republic.
   • The constitution provided for a parliamentary form of government, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
   • However, political instability and disputes between the central government and provincial governments led to the abrogation of this constitution in 1958.
5. Role of Political Parties:
   • During this period, various political parties emerged and played significant roles in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape.
   • The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was instrumental in the creation of Pakistan and dominated the political scene in the early years.
   • Other parties, such as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Awami League, also began to gain prominence and influence.
6. Military Intervention and Establishment of Martial Law (1958):
   • Political instability, economic challenges, and conflicts between different political factions led to a series of political crises.
   • In 1958, President Iskander Mirza declared martial law and appointed General Ayub Khan as the Chief Martial Law Administrator.
   • This marked the end of the civilian government and the beginning of a period of military rule in Pakistan, which would continue for much of its history.

The formative phase of Pakistan was characterized by significant political changes, including the partition and independence, the adoption of the Objectives Resolution, the promulgation of the first constitution, and the onset of military rule. These political developments set the stage for the subsequent evolution of Pakistan’s political system and institutions.