Notes of Early Ministries of Pakistan by Jawad Bajwa BASE Academy Multan (03006389430)

Notes of Early Ministries (1947-58) Questions & Answers

“Constitutional and Political Developments in Pakistan during 1947-58”

Q: What was Constituent Assembly and how were its members elected/chosen?
First assembly of Pakistan which was formed after the creation of Pakistan and it was supposed to perform dual function of making
constitution of Pakistan as well as managing state’s executive/govt. affairs. Its members were chosen from those Muslim League
leaders who had won elections in 1945-46 elections.
Q: Why was Governor General’s office considered more important than PM office during early years of Pakistan?
*It was initially held by Quaid-E-Azam who was the most popular leader in all parts of Pakistan. *Pakistan lacked well
organized political party so all major decision making had to be done by Governor General *P.M L.A.K. (Liaqat Ali Khan)
had no stable majority in the legislature (i.e. Constituent Assembly) so people looked more towards Quaid-e-Azam (the Governor
General). * Legacy of Governor General’s office being very important since the time of the British India.
Q: What was BPC?
BPC stands for Basic Principles Committee. It was a committee that was consisted of constitutional experts who were assigned a duty
to help parliament frame first constitution of Pakistan. It was formed by PM Liaqat Ali Khan to give proposals for the first constriction.
The proposals it gave were known as reports of BPC and first two reports of it were heavily criticized.
of Pakistan.
Q: What was Objectives Resolution?
It was a resolution passed in the constituent assembly on the advice of PM Liaqat Ali Khan in 1949. It was the first constitutional
document which laid the principles of future constitution. It contained values of Islamic as well as Western political system. It
contained the principles which the first BPC had unanimously agreed upon.
Q: Describe the silent features of objective resolution. [4]
Pakistani constitutions to follow these principles/objectives: *principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, social justice
as laid down by Islam. *Muslims to be able to live according to Islamic principles. *Minorities to be protected and be given
freedom to practice their religion freely. *Provide all fundamental human rights. *Legal system to be independent
of government/executive.
Q: Why was objectives resolution passed in 1949? [7]
*To lay down the basic structure and to set the directions/ parameters for the future constitution of Pakistan.
*To counter rumors against the work of BPC (there was debate of constitution to be Secular or Islamic)
*To address the concerns of minorities (as they were unclear about their future status in Pakistan).
Q: Describe features of 1st report of BPC.
1st Report of BPC: In September 1950, a draft of proposals (i.e. 1st report of BPC) based on the objective resolution was put forward
by the basic principles committee. A bicameral legislature (a law-making body that consist of two houses upper & lower was proposed
with equal powers of each house). It was also proposed that the president was to be elected by the joint session and suggested that
Urdu would be the official language of Pakistan.
Q: What was Basic Principles Committee?
The basic principle committee was set by PM Liaqat Ali Khan in 1949. It had 25 members. Its sole purpose was to determine the basic
principles of the future constitution in Pakistan. It presented its reports after doing consultations with people of every walk of life. Its
first two reports faced a lot of criticism and were rejected causing delay in framing the first constitution of Pakistan.
Q: Why was the 1st report of BPC opposed/criticized? [7]
*Bengalis resented it– on issue of language: Urdu-Bengali conflict+ and the issue of less representation in govt. and assembly
*Provincial leaders - objected on powers being given to head of state and federal/central Govt. and they demanded more provincial
autonomy.
*Ulemas complained about it– stating it is not sufficiently Islamic.
Q: What was PARODA? [4]
It was an act/law introduced by Liaqat Ali Khan in 1949. It stands for Public and Representative Officers Disqualification Act.
Introduction of this law was actually an attempt to control corruption and mismanagement in the politicians and the government affair
but unfortunately it was misused by the governor generals and became a tool in the hand of governor generals to dismiss their
opponents at their will whether they were guilty or not. It became very unpopular and in 1954 PRODA was denounced/criticised as
incompatible with democratic politics and was hence repealed, but not before it had claimed a few well-known victims.
Q: Describe Liaqat-Nehru Pact? [4]
This is also knows as Delhi Pact or Minorities Pact. It was first peace treaty signed in Delhi in 1950 between Pakistani PM Liaqat
Ali Khan and Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru which helped to improve relations between two countries after 1948 Kashmir war. This
pact was signed to protect the rights of the minorities on both sides of the border. According to pact this looted properties of the
refugees were agreed to be returned and forced conversions were also unrecognized. Furthermore visa system was also introduced to
regulate the movement of people across the border.

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 Notes of Early Ministries of Pakistan by Jawad Bajwa BASE Academy Multan (03006389430)
Q: What was Rawalpindi Conspiracy or Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case? [4]
Some army officers (including Chief of General Staff Maj-General Akbar Khan) and some left wing politicians met at Rawalpindi in
March 1951 to plan a coup against PM Liaqat Ali Khan. They didn’t agree with many policies of L.A.K and considered him corrupt
so wanted to change his govt. This conspiracy was discovered by Ayun Khan and the conspirators were arrested.
Q: Why was Rawalpindi Conspiracy planned against Liaqat Ali Khan?
First, a general discontent of Army's Pakistani Officers with the performance of the Liaqat Ali Khan's Government, whom they
thought of as corrupt and incompetent.
Second, many of the high ranking Pakistani Generals viewed the continuing presence of British Army Officers in the army as a
security threat as well as an impediment/obstacle to their speedy promotions (although sir Douglas Gracy, the first C-n-C of Pakistan,
had retired in January 1951 but still some British officers were present on important ranks in Pak army).
Third, the most immediate cause was their discontent with Liaqat regime's handling of the Kashmir war with India (1948). Army
officers thought Government's acceptance of UN mediation and ceasefire, as a 'tame surrender' and 'flouting an opportunity to capture
whole of Kashmir'. It is to be noted that several Pakistan Army officers who had fought the Kashmir war, were ethnic Kashmiris and
owned land in the contested province.
Fourth, Maj. General Akbar Khan (who was the master mind behind the Rawalpindi Conspiracy) had communist leanings (which
explains why he enlisted the support of communist/leftists intellectuals of Pakistan. e.g. Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Syed Sajjad Zaheer
{Secretary General of Pakistan Communist Party}) and wanted to develop good relations with USSR whereas Liaqat Ali Khan was
following pro-USA policy. Whether USSR was actively involved in this conspiracy is not supported by any evidence. Note:This
conspiracy had no connection with Pakistan's joining SEATO or CENTO, as both these international bodies came into being much
later (in 1954 and 1955, respectively).
Q: Who was Ghulam Muhammad? [4] *ex-Finance Minister of Pak. *became 3rd gov. gen. of Pak in 1951 *introduced 6 years and
then 5years plans *caused constitutional crisis in 1954-55 *forced to resign in 1955
Q: Describe six year plan for Pakistan launched by Ghulam Muhammad in 1951? [4]
These were the economic and development plans introduced by Ghulam Mohamed in 1951. These plans were part of a series of
economic measures taken to increase industrialization and improve economy of Pakistan and were to be reviewed after every 6 years.
These were later replaced by 5 years plans. Pakistan inspired it from Soviet Union. Although, due to political instability, these plans
could not be followed properly and failed to produce the required results but still were important in boosting the economy.
Q: Describe the importance of six or five years plan? [4]
*brought economic and infrastructural development *Jute processing plant in E.Pak in 1952 *exploration of oil and natural gas
*social uplift schemes
Q: Describe the social and economic problems faced by Pakistan during the governor generalship of Gh. Muhammad? [4]
*Severe drought hit Pak between 1951-53, resulted in food shortages. *Food shortages lead to rioting. No plan to deal with these
shortages, this became a reason for dismissal of Kh. Nazimuddin by Ghulam Muhammad. *End of Korean War - led to
decline in export of Jute and cotton causing economic problems. *Anti-Ahmadi Movement by ulemas in 1952 onwards.
*Violent protests by Bangali students in 1952 due police action on State language day celebrations by Bengalis.
Q: Describe objections on 2nd report of BPC.
2nd report of BPC also faced a lot of criticism from: *Liberals/Modernist (They objected on inclustion of Ulema Board to the
legislation (making of laws)), they thought it a surrender to fundamentalist/extremist Mullahs), *Bengalis (They felt Under
represented +language issue) *Minorities (they were uncomfortable on condition of being Muslim for the Head of state)
Q: Describe the achievement of M. Ali Bogra as PM of Pakistan. [4]
*repealed the disputed act known as PRODA *managed foreign aid to boost economy *convinced Canada, Australia to send Pak
millions of tons of wheat to calm fears of famine that had sparked the riots *set up Planning Board to produce a 5 year plan *helped
Pak be part of CENTO that helped Pak get a lot of Western aid for economy and military.
Q: Describe the main features of the law/amendment passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1954 under the advice of PM Bogra. [4]
*all minister including PM must be members of the assembly-this law restricted Governor General’s power to appoint anyone as PM
at his will. *the decision about cabinet to be approved by the assembly which reduced influence/role of the governor general in
decision making of the govt. *Governor General had to take (act on) the advice of his minister/cabinet *this weakened the powers
of the Governor General and increased the powers of the constituent assembly according to the spirit of parliamentary democracy.
Q: Describe the Constitutional crisis 1954/55. [4]
Q: Why was there Constitutional crisis in 1954/55? [7]
(identify its reasons from the whole episode of the tussle of power between PM and Governor General) *Attempt of the constituent
assembly and Bogra to limit powers of Gevernor General *Ghulam Muhammahd, the Gov. Gen. Strikes back *Maulvi Tameezuddin
Case *eight months without a proper govt. All these event led a crisis known as Constitutional Crisis.
Q: What was Bogra Formula (1953)? [4]
When Muhammad Ali Bogra became the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the main task ahead of him was to achieve an agreement on a
workable constitution for the country. He worked hard on this project and within six months of assuming power, came out with a
constitutional formula. He presented the formula to the Constituent Assembly on 7 th October 1953 and it is known as the Bogra
formula.

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 Notes of Early Ministries of Pakistan by Jawad Bajwa BASE Academy Multan (03006389430)
Main Features of Bogra Formula: The major features of the formula were: The federal legislature would comprise of two houses –
Both Houses were to have equal powers in all matters. The House of People was to have a total number of three hundred members,
to be divided among the five units. (East Bengal 165 members and remaining from West wing. It maintained the principle of parity
between East and West Pakistan in combined Houses, with 175 seats for each zone. In place of the Board of Ulama, the Supreme
Court was given the power to decide if a law was in accordance with the basic teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Analysis:This proposal was received with great enthusiasm however, there were some points of criticism as well. The issue of equal
powers to both Houses attracted a lot of criticism and some people maintained that since the lower house represented the people it
should have more power. But generally this proposal was accepted although the parliament was divided on the response to the formula.
Another significant measure during this period which facilitated the problem of constitution making was the settlement of the language
issue. In 1954 the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan decided that the Bengali and Urdu would be the national languages of Pakistan.
This decision facilitated the constitution making process. Unlike the two reports of the Basic Principles Committee, the Bogra Formula
was appreciated by different sections of the society. There was great enthusiasm amongst the masses as they considered it to be a plan
that could bridge the gulf between the two wings of Pakistan and would act as a source of unity for the country. The proposal was
discussed in the Constituent Assembly for 13 days, and a committee was set to draft the constitution on 14th November 1953.
However, before the constitution could be finalized, the Assembly was dissolved by Ghulam Muhammad, the then Governor General
of Pakistan.
Q: Why was one unit scheme introduced? [7]
*More unity, less provincial prejudice, rivalries, differences. *It made it easy to agree on new constitution by allowing the principle
of parity to be established between two wings of Pakistan. *Greater efficiency and cost effectiveness in governance, rapid
development can take place due to unity of command.
Q: what was the principle of parity? [4]
Hints: *means equality. *300 seats of the National Assembly equally divided between two wings in 1956 constitution. *Initially
faced resistance but later on accepted by large.
Q: Why was one unit scheme opposed? [7]
*Bengalis opposed it as they thought that although this scheme gave East Pakistanis equality in the assembly not they believed they
deserved majority in the assembly as they make more than 50% of Pakistan’s total population (10 million more population in E. Pak.
than in W.Pak.) *Provincial leaders and political parties of Wast Pakistan were also unhappy on loss of power/seats under
thus scheme. In Sindh situation became very violent and tense due to protests against this scheme. *Loss of provincial identity wasn’t
welcomed as ethnicity (being Sindhi, Punjabi etc) has deep roots in society and politics of Pak (Hint: Social problems discussed in
early problem).
Q: What was United Front? [4]
Hints: Coalition of different parties from East Pak that contested elections against Muslim League in 1954 and won and formed
Provincial Govt. there. They demanded - - - - - -.
Q: Why was there so much delay in framing 1st constitution of Pakistan? [7]
*Demands of Bengalis and provincial leaders were not being met so they objected every move to frame the constitution. *Ulema’s
objections also created problems to develop a consensus. *Lack of strong leadership and political instability in Pakistan due to misuse
of power by the governor general didn’t allow the timely establishment of constitution. *Early problems didn’t help the cause as it
was difficult for the PM to focus on this academic kind of issue due to business in many early problems faced by Pakistan.
Q: Describe the main features of 1956 constitution. [4]
According to the 1956constitution Pakistan was declared ‘Islamic Republic of Pakistan’ and president had the most of powers as he
could choose prime minister and had emergency powers too. Then came the power the prime minister who could choose the cabinet.
The cabinet could advise president only. The national assembly had 300 members, 150 from West Pakistan and 150 from East Pakistan
according to the principle of parity. Both Urdu and Bengali were made the national languages of Pakistan.
Q: What measures did Iskinder Mirza take to modernize the country? [4]
He started a government program for industrialization and rural development. He also completed the construction of Karachi airport.
Railway system was made modern by replacing steam engines to diseal engines. The telephone system was expanded. Mirza
publicized government provision in health and education services.
Q: Why martial law in 1956 in Pakistan? Or Why did Ayub Khan come into Power? (7)
*Political (and Economic) instability (4 PMs changed within a span of two years and this political instability was not good for
economy) * Iskinder Mirza feared going in elections (as he could see clear defeat due to loss his popularity and
Suharwardy’s plan of uniting all parties against him alarmed him further so Mirza ran away from elections and turned towards military
for help by declaring M. Law.) *Failure of 1956 Constitution (e.g. one unit scheme created great dissatisfaction
among the East Pakistanis who now lost their right to demand extra weightage in assemblies) *Failure of founding party
Muslim Leage (to maintain its unifying role in Pakistani politics which created space for new parties to emerge and this led the
country to more confusion than conherence so some uniting force was required so army was the only proper functioning organization
as failure of bureaucracy, political parties and government made army the only possible organization to save the country in times of
peril such as the one Pakistan was facing at that time so M. Law was imposed giving command of the country to army.)

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 Notes of Early Ministries of Pakistan by Jawad Bajwa BASE Academy Multan (03006389430)

Past Papers Questions of Early Ministries

Q Why was it so difficult to agree on a new Constitution in 1950? [7] (N2011/P1/4b)
Mark Scheme: East Pakistan disagreed with the draft proposals in 1950 because it felt that its people were under-represented,
especially given its large population, and it wanted representation equal to each of West Pakistan’s provinces. It also objected to
Urdu being the main language, given its use of Bengali. There was opposition from local and provincial politicians, as they had no
input under the proposals of approving of the power of the head of state and central government. Religious groups also objected, as
the new constitution wouldn’t put enough emphasis on Islam, and they argued that Pakistan should be governed on Islamic
principles.
Q Describe the constitutional crisis of 1954–55. [4] (J 2012/P1/4a)
Mark Scheme: Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a developed statement. Candidates might
refer to: Bogra the PM had little political experience, and GG Ghulam Mohammad expected him to support his authority – do as he
was told. Bogra wanted to curb power of GG. GM out of country so Bogra introduced an amendment to 1935 GoI Act, trying to take
away some power. Caused a political crisis, GM declared state of emergency and dissolved Assembly. Legal challenges were made
against GG who eventually won through.
Q Who of the following contributed the most to Pakistan’s domestic policies between 1948 and 1958:
(i) Liaquat Ali Khan; (ii) Malik Ghulam Muhammad; (iii) Iskander Mirza?
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above. [14] (J 2013/P1/4c]
Mark Scheme: Explains the contribution of at least two statesmen. All 3 for max marks [9–13]
Liaquat Ali Khan made the first move towards constitutional development with his Objectives Resolution in 1949. This focussed on
the principles of Islam and human rights. It was designed to deflect criticism from religious leaders who said the new state was not
Islamic enough. This was then followed by the drafting of a constitution, which attracted much criticism as it was seen by many as
being insufficiently Islamic. He also managed to keep the economy going and produced surplus budgets for the new state. Malik
Ghulam Muhammad as Governor General was responsible for the 6 Year Plan for Pakistan that covered agriculture, power,
industry and transport. It played an important part in bringing about economic development in Pakistan. However there were
severe problems in Pakistan that hampered development at this time such as food shortages and a drought. Rioting followed and the
government found difficulty in dealing with these matters and resulted in many changes in personnel. Little constitutional
development could take place because of these problems. Malik Ghulam Muhammad resigned in 1955 due to ill health. Iskander
Mirza became Governor General and introduced the new Constitution in 1956, under which he was able to become President.
However its introduction was short lived as he scrapped it in 1958 and declared Martial Law. He did introduce the One Unit policy
in 1955 which he claimed would bring about greater efficiency and development in West Pakistan. In introducing this policy he
prevented East Pakistan gaining a majority in the Assembly. His rule became increasingly unpopular and lost the support of many
leading politicians despite declaring Martial Law and having appointed Ayub Khan as PM in 1958, he was forced to resign by Ayub
Khan. LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation.
Q Describe the 1956 Constitution? [4] (N 2013/P1/4a]
Q Why were there so many governments between 1951 and 1958? [4] (N 2014/P1/4b)
Mark Scheme: Jinnah had died in 1948 and Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951. The country was struggling to establish
itself without these two experienced figures. The problems of running a new country were very difficult to overcome and India had
not been forthcoming in sharing out the joint assets. The problems associated with managing the Kashmir issue and relations with
India over it were very difficult with no agreement on its future. The formation of East Pakistan brought with it problems relating to
the capital being located in West Pakistan, and the refusal to have Bengali as the main language was a source of discontent and
conflict. Together with a plethora of assassinations of leading figures, inexperienced politicians were having great difficulty
running the country, and as a result there was a lack of stability in governing and this led to many different governments being
formed during these years.
Q Why was there a constitutional crisis between 1954 and 1955? [7] (N 2016/4b)
Mark Scheme: Jinnah had died in 1948 and Khan Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951. • The country was struggling to
establish itself without these two figures. • The problems of running a new country were very difficult to overcome and joint assets
had not been shared. • There was a lack of stability which led to many different governments being formed during these years. • In
1953 Nazimuddin’s government was dismissed and replaced with Bogra who lacked experience. • An example was in the passing of
the amendment to Government of India Act in 1954 while Ghulam Muhammad was abroad to limit his powers causing a crisis.
When he returned he dissolved the Assembly and declared a state of emergency stating that Bogra had lost the confidence of the
people. • This was challenged in court but Ghulam Muhammad prevailed. • The One Unit Policy was also unpopular, causing
unrest.

Q Explain why there was a constitutional crisis in 1958. [7] (J 2018/5b)

Mark Scheme: Level 3: Explains reasons 5–7 (Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for
three explanations)
e.g. • There were a number of Prime Ministers between 1956 and 1958 and it reached a stage where Ayub Khan felt the army
should take control until stability had been restored. • Previous governments endured a number of problems that
hampered development such as food shortages and a drought, which led to demonstrations of discontent. As successive governments
found difficulty in dealing with these matters, there were many personnel changes to try to find a solution. As a result, little
constitutional development could take place. • Iskander Mirza lost the support of many of the leading politicians
and was alarmed at a plan by Prime Minister Suhrawardy

(Best of luck)