PAKISTAN STUDIES

2021

(Syllabus & Format)

HISTORY AND CULTURE OF PAKISTAN P 1 INTRODUCTION/FORMAT by DR. USMAN HAMEED Page 1

 Why choose Cambridge O level Pakistan Studies?
Cambridge O Levels are established qualifications that keep pace with educational developments and
trends in Pakistan and abroad.

Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies is accepted by universities and employers as proof of an

understanding and knowledge of the country’s history, environment and development. The Cambridge O
Level Pakistan Studies syllabus encourages students to develop lifelong knowledge and skills, including:

• A balanced understanding of the heritage and history of Pakistan

• An awareness of the challenges and opportunities which Pakistan faces

• How to interpret and analyse a variety of sources of information to evaluate and draw conclusions

• investigate historical events, changes, people and issues

• develop understanding of how the past has been represented and interpreted

• develop an understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence

• organise and communicate knowledge and understanding of history

• develop and stimulate an interest and enthusiasm for history and acquire a basis for further historical
study

• acquire knowledge and understanding of the human past

Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies also provides a firm foundation for more advanced study in secondary
school and in higher education as well as valuable preparation for future employment in a wide range of
occupations and professions. Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies is one of the suites of area studies
offered by Cambridge International which includes also India Studies and Bangladesh Studies.

INTRODUCTION:
The Pakistan Studies syllabus consists of two distinct elements. The syllabus for Paper 1 is concerned
with the historical and cultural development of Pakistan up to 1999. The syllabus for Paper 2 is concerned
with the geography and environment of Pakistan. Thus candidates preparing for an examination in
Pakistan Studies will develop knowledge and understanding of their country’s history, geography,
political, social and economic situation.

Assessment at a glance

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For Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies candidates take two compulsory components, Paper 1 and Paper
2.

Paper 1: History and Culture of Pakistan

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Marks: 75

Section A (25 marks) – candidates answer one compulsory question made up of four parts: (a), (b), (c),
and (d), which are linked by a common theme.
Parts (a) and (b) are source-based questions using historical sources, text or pictures/ graphic. Candidates
use and interpret each source in answering the questions.

Section B (50 marks) – candidates answer two questions from a choice of four

.
Each question has three parts:

• One part testing knowledge (4 marks)

A factual answer of no more than one short paragraph is required (answer could be given in points).

• One part testing knowledge and understanding includes selecting relevant and appropriate information
(7 marks)
Answers require at least three paragraphs of writing.

• One part testing knowledge, understanding and analytical and evaluative ability (14 marks)

This includes the ability to synthesise information, the appropriate use of selected relevant examples and
the ability to compare and contrast. This question should be answered in an essay, in continuous prose of
approximately two pages of writing, not in note form.

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Total 75 marks externally assessed 50%.
Paper 2
The Environment of Pakistan

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Marks: 75

Candidates answer three questions (25 marks each) from a choice of five.

Each question:

• consists of four separate parts: (a), (b), (c) and (d); each part may be divided into one or more sub-parts
• requires the ability to interpret and analyse resources in the question; there may be diagrams, graphs,
maps, photographs, tables and written material.
Part (d) of each question specifically assesses analysis skills.
• requires the evaluation of information.

Following format shall be followed for paper 1 HISTORY.

SECTION A:

Q. 1 A (written source based) (3 marks)

B (Picture source based) (5 marks)

C (Statement question) (7marks)

D (Analytical question) (10marks)

SECTION B:

Q.2: A (4 marks)

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 B (7marks)

C (14marks)

Note: Q no. 3, 4 &5 shall be given according to Q. 2 format. Specimen paper is attached with this
document.

• Section A written source question could be answered in 3 pointers .students could copy the
said words. Weak students will get all 3 marks if they copy the whole para.
• For 5 marks picture based question I can see, I can infer with 4 points will get 5 marks.
• For 7 marks 3 reasons developed with impact must be discussed in three different
paragraphs.(never bother level 1 or 2.always follow level 3)
• For 4 marks questions 4 facts can be written in points too.
• For 10 and 14 marks questions format will remain the same.6 reasons 7th evaluation would be
preferred.(with or without simplistic statement and don’t forget to follow level 4 and level 5 )
• In how successful 3:3 or2:4 successes and failures and then evaluation in 7 th para with a valid
reason would be given. Every reason para will be of 50 to 60 words with 5 to 6 sentences.
• All answers must be written in English
• (Timing guidelines) Candidates should spend approximately 30 minutes on each question in
each paper. Within that, candidates need to allocate time according to the value of the marks
awarded in each part of each question.

Availability
This syllabus is examined in the June and November examination series.

This syllabus is available to private candidates.

Detailed timetables are available from www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables

All Cambridge schools are allocated to one of six administrative zones. Each zone has a specific timetable.

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge International
syllabus, like:

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• Cambridge IGCSE Pakistan Studies (0448) Syllabus has the same title at the same level.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Candidates will be assessed for their attainment in each of three objectives, in the following weightings:

1 .Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the material specified in the syllabus. 60%

2 .Ability to show understanding of the historical and cultural development of Pakistan 24%

3 .Ability to analyze and evaluate differing interpretations and points of view relating to the material specified in the syllabus
16%

SYLLABUS CONTENT (PAPER 1 HISTORY)

The syllabus is divided into three sections. It should be understood that the material within each section is inter-related.

Section 1: Cultural & Historical background to the Pakistan Movement.

• The Decline of the Mughal Empire.

• Expansion of the East India Company & British Colonial Rule.
• Shah wali Ullah
• Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barailvi
• Haji Shariat Ullah
• The war of Independence 1857.
• Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the Aligarh Movement.
• Literary & the linguistic background of Muslims in the sub-continent.

Section 2: The emergence of Pakistan, 1905-1947

• Partition/reversal of Bengal 1905-1911

• Simla deputation 1906
• Formation of Muslim League.1906
• Minto Morley reforms, 1909.
• Lucknow Pact 1916.
• Montague Chelmsford reforms 1919.
• The Khilafat Movement 1919-24
• Delhi proposals 1927
• Nehru report 1928
• Importance of the 14 points of Quaid 1929.
• Allahabad Address of Iqbal 1930.
• Three Round table conferences 1930-32.
• Ch Rehmat Ali and scheme of Pakistan1933
• Government of India act 1935.

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 • Congress rule 1937-39.
• Pakistan /Lahore Resolution 1940.
• Cripps Mission 1942.
• Quit India movement 1944
• Gandhi Jinnah Talks 1944.
• Simla Conference 1945 (Wavell Plan)
• Cabinet mission plan 1946
• 3rd June plan 1947
• Radcliffe award 1947

Section 3: Nation hood 1947-99.

• Initial Problems of Pakistan 1947-48

• Canal Water dispute.
• Kashmir issue
• Refugee crises
• Social issues (Education ,National Language)
• Jinnah as Governor General 1947-48
• Early years 1948 -58
• Ayub Khan & decade of Progress 1959-69.
• Yahya khan and creation of Bangladesh 1969-71
• Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971-77.
• General Zia-ul-Haq 1977-88.
• Benazir Bhutto 1988-90 1993-96
• Nawaz Sharif 1990-1993 1997-99
• Pakistan’s Foreign relations
(Bangladesh
India
Afghanistan
Iran
China
USSR
USA (CENTO/SEATO)
UK and the Commonwealth
UN PAKISTAN)

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