PAK-STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 9th

Chapter # 3 – Emergence of Pakistan

3.4.1. Discuss the Immediate Problems Faced by Pakistan in the Establishment of an Independent Nation.

• Division of financial and military assets,
• Refugee problems,
• Administrative problems,
• Problem of national language,
• Canal water dispute,
• Princely states (Hyderabad, Junagarh, Kashmir)

Background

Pakistan emerged as a separate state after a long struggle and freedom movement. It can be considered one of the greatest victories for the democratic ideals of life. Many leaders played an active role in the freedom movement, and their relentless efforts ultimately led to the creation of a separate nation for Muslims. Since its establishment, Pakistan has faced numerous issues and challenges that posed significant obstacles. Let’s explore the immediate problems faced by Pakistan in the establishment of an independent nation were:

Division of Financial

 Pakistan had to negotiate with India for the fair division of financial assets, including the distribution of cash balances, debts, and military assets.  India engaged in deceitful practices to financially undermine Pakistan by failing to fulfill its commitments to Pakistan’s benefit. Pakistan was promised to get Rs 750 million, but the Indian government refused to provide this amount, delivering only 200 million instead. Additionally, Pakistan did not receive its rightful share of military assets.

Pakistan urgently needed this money to address the severe economic challenges it faced as a newly established country under the most difficult economic conditions.

Division of Military Assets

When Pakistan was established, its military faced resource shortages. India did not fulfill Pakistan’s share of military equipment as per the agreement. India had a total of 16 ordnance factories, none of which were allocated to Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan lacked the capability to manufacture military goods. The equipment supplied by India to Pakistan was often in poor condition, obsolete, and not useful. Additionally, the military supplies that did reach Pakistan were often delayed.

Refugee Problems

Millions of people migrated from both sides amid violence, with millions of Muslims arriving in Pakistan empty-handed, ill, and weak. Providing clothing, food, shelter, medicine, and immediate and long-term rehabilitation for refugees was a challenging task for the newly created but economically crippled country.

 Administrative Problems

A new government had to be established, and a decision had to be made regarding the new capital. Records were left behind in India, and there was a shortage of offices to initiate bureaucratic and public services. The offices lacked stationery.

Problem of National Language

East Pakistanis began protesting against the declaration of Urdu as the National Language. They demanded that Bengali should be declared the National Language because it was spoken by the majority of people in Pakistan.

Canal Water Dispute

India blocked water to Pakistan from Ferozpur, where the canal headworks are located. India claimed that as the headworks were in its country, it had complete rights to do what it wanted with the water. However, the economy of Pakistan depended upon this water.

Princely States (Hyderabad, Junagarh, Kashmir)

The annexation of Princely States

All Indian princely states were given the option to join either of the dominions. However, the fate of the following states remained undecided.

Junagadh

The Muslim Nawab ruling Junagadh favored accession to Pakistan. However, the Indian Government sent Army troops towards Junagadh and forcibly occupied the state in November 1947.

Hyderabad Deccan

Hyderabad Deccan, the largest and wealthiest state ruled by the Muslim ruler Nizam, opted to remain independent. However, the Indian government and Mountbatten began applying pressure tactics. India launched an attack on Hyderabad on September 13, 1948, and forcibly annexed the state to India.