Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems

Learning Objectives

• Initial problems faced by Pakistan immediately after partition.

• Achievements of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Initial problems faced by Pakistan:

• Constitutional Problems
• Geographical Problems
• Economic Problems
Internal Factors
• Political Problems
• Administrative Problem
• Social Problems
• Refugee & Accommodation Crisis
• Accession of Princely States
External Factors
• Canal Water Dispute
• Division of Assets

British India

11 Provinces

Hindu Majority Muslim Majority

Division along
➢ Assam Punjab
Communal lines
➢ U.P Bengal
➢ C.P N.W.F.P
➢ Bihar Sindh
➢ Madras Balochistan
➢ Bombay

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 1

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Treasury
British India Assets Military
Assets: To be divided
Development Projects/
upon basis of population
Infrastructure
Industries

Princely States

Accession was based upon two factors:

1. Geographical attachment to India and Pakistan.

2. Consensus of their majority population.

Introduction: (Radcliffe Commission)

A boundary commission was setup by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, which consisted of equal number of INC and
ML members. The objective of boundary commission was to partition India and design new
boundaries.

Radcliffe Award:

Announced on 16th August 1947, partitioned Punjab and Bengal along communal lines. The award
was entirely disappointing for ML.

E.E.Q Why was the Radcliffe award disappointing for ML? /7

1. Calcutta was granted to India and was separated from Bengal. Although Calcutta had a Hindu
majority yet it was largely surrounded by Muslim majority areas. The Hindus of Calcutta areas were
mostly lower caste Hindu who worked for the Muslims; hence supported the ML. Jinnah was confident
that Calcutta would vote for ‘Pakistan’, joining its eastern wing that is East Pakistan. As Calcutta was
granted to India, Jinnah turned this act as ‘Removal of lungs from the human body’.

To remember: Calcutta possessed the entire jute mills which processed jute grown in East Pakistan and
was a port city heavily industrialized by the British.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 2

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
2. In Punjab, Ferozepur was given to India. Ferozepur contained all the major headworks of the canals
that irrigated the Eastern part of West Pakistan (Punjab).

Analysis: These Canals irrigated Punjab, the agricultural hub of West Pakistan. Farmers traditionally
cultivated their land, thus by handing over Ferozepur to India, the Indians could now threaten
Pakistan’s agro based economy.

3. Gurdaspur, was the only passage for Indian troops to enter Kashmir, by granting Gurdaspur to India
now Kashmir could be occupied by Indian army leading to war between the two newly created states,
Gurdaspur was a Muslim majority district with a single Hindu dominated town known as ‘Pathankot’.

• Remember: Sylhet joined the Eastern wing of Pakistan, which was formally part of Assam. N.WF.P
joined Pakistan after a referendum was conducted. Tribal areas of Baluchistan held a Jigra meeting and
joined Pakistan.

Initial problems faced by Pakistan:

1. Geographical Problems:
• Remained Unsolved
• An Eastern and Western wing of Pakistan was separated by distance of 1000 miles with Indian
territory lying in between.

Effect: Difficulty of management of trade, commerce, administration and defence along with
communication.
2. Refugee crisis and accommodation problem:

Background: When partition was conducted and Radcliffe award was announced many people found
themselves living in the wrong part of the country. As a result, a mass movement/ migration of
Muslims started as they travelled towards their newly created state of Pakistan, leaving their
belongings behind. Therefore the weak economy of Pakistan had to beat the burden of sustaining and
accommodating almost 10 million refugees that entered Pakistani territories.

• Karachi alone received 100,000 refugees.

• Pakistan neither had resources nor the infrastructure required to accommodate and sustain their
refugee.
• The refugee crisis created a grave situation for the leaders who were already engaged in the Kashmir
dispute.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 3

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
• Communal violence had erupted and it was believed that Hindu + Sikh radical groups collaborating
with Indians troops massacred the migrating Muslims towards Pakistan.

This created chaos and anarchy on the borders where Muslims were been slaughtered.

F.A.Q) Why did Pakistan face a refugee crisis by 1947? /7

• Lack of infrastructure to accommodate refugees.
• Those who migrated for a better future had to spend time in slums.
• Lack of resources to sustain the influx of refugees.
• Communal violence: disorder and chaos.
• Leaders already engrossed in war + other issues.
• Lack of funds, as India refused to grant Pakistan’s due share of treasury.

3. Accession of princely states:

• Amb, Dir, Kalat, Kalam, Khairpur, Bhawalpur (2 million people), Swat, Hunza, Gilgit acceded to the
newly created state of Pakistan.
• Princes of various princely states had the option to accede to either Pakistan or India. Mountbatten
denied the princely states the choice of attaining dominion status or Independence. Thus the decision
of princely states was influenced by two factors:
I. Religion
II. Geographical location

Prominent issue arose over 3 major princely states:

A. Hyderabad
B. Junagadh
C. Kashmir

A. Hyderabad: was the largest princely state, located in central India known as Hyderabad Deccan. The
Nizam or Ruler of Hyderabad also known as ‘His exalted Highness’ was a Muslim and initially wanted
dominion status from the British which Mount Batten refused to grant. The Annual revenue generation
of Hyderabad was Rs.160 million. The majority population was Hindu regardless of the efforts of
Mount Batten and INC to reach a compromise there were increasing fears that Nizam would either
declare independence or join Pakistan. To prevent this from happening, the Indian govt. sent troops

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 4

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
and invaded Hyderabad, dismantling the state and incorporating it into various provinces. This initiated
protests from Pakistan and a case was filed in international court of justice against India in 1948.

B. Junagadh: was a state 200 km Southwest of Karachi. Its Nawab was a Muslim with Hindu majority in
its state. Junagadh wanted to accede to Pakistan but was surrounded by Indian Territory. Indian
troops formed a blockade around Junagadh and soon there were food shortages. Indians tried to
prevent the Nawab from joining Pakistan. Accession of Junagadh was termed by Lord Mount Batten as
‘impeachment of Indian Territory’. As a result, junagadh was forced to join India.

C. Kashmir: The maharaja of Kashmir was Harisingh a Hindu Ruler. Majority of the population was
Muslim and wanted to join Pakistan. The maharaja was known for his notorious actions, atrocities and
acts of oppression against the Muslims. Although the Maharaja at first wanted independence which
was denied by Lord Mount Batten. Strategically Kashmir was a very important state having borders
with China, India, Tibet, Afghanistan and U.S.S.R. When independence was declared Mahraja started
driving out the Muslims and eventually 20,000 fled to Pakistan and the rest rose in rebellion. Harisingh
agreed to join India for help which came only after Harisingh agreed to join India. The Maharaja
accepted the offer and soon Indian troops started to attack the Muslims in Kashmir leading to a battle
between Pakistan and Indian army. Pakistan army came to aid the rebels who led to a full scale fighting
between India and Pakistan. Neither side had neither the resources nor the equipment or the strength
to pursue the war therefore the matter was referred to the UN Security Council.

4. Division of financial + Military Assets:

Financial assets:
• British India possessed a treasury worth 4 billion rupees. The reserve of 4 billion rupees along with
military assets had to be divided amongst India and Pakistan in the Ratio of 17:5

India Pakistan
• Out of a total reserve of 4 Billion rupees, Pakistan was to receive a total

sum of 750 million rupees, which India refused to grant.

• After a payment of 200 million rupees, India refused to give Pakistan its due to share as they argued
Pakistan would only buy weapons to fight a war against India in Kashmir.
• British India has 16 ordinance factories all which were geographically located in India after partition.
As none of them were located in Pakistan. Hence Pakistan had to be given a due share in terms of
finance to construct its own ordinance factories. India agreed to pay 60 million rupees as a
compensation for the ordinance factories which were used by Pakistan’s govt. to build the Wah
Ordinance factory.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 5

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems

Military assets:
• The military assets included the army, infantry, artillery and armored and various other divisions of
British Indian army along with the number of personnel serving in British army.
• The British army officers were given a choice to join either state. Hence the Muslim regiments and
officers joined Pakistan whilst non-Muslims joined India.
• 150,000 British army personnel’s now joined Pakistan but Pakistan’s army lacked senior
commanding officers. There were only 2500 British trained Muslim officers out of 4000 that are
required by the Pakistani army. Jinnah was forced to recruit 500 British officers, including Commander-
in-chief Douglas Gracey of Pakistan’s armed forces.

Facts: Military assets were divided such that Pakistan received 33% and India received 66% of the total
share of British Indian Army.
• India tried to withhold Pakistan’s military as well as financial share to ensure that to new state
would became weak and bankrupt.
• Pakistan had to hire surplus British officers which were an extra burden on its economy.

E.E.Q why was Jinnah reluctant to appoint Douglas a Commander-in-chief of the Pakistan’s army? Or
what could be the problems faced by Pakistan if British officers are hired?

• Douglas Gracey was the first Commander-in-chief of Pakistan’s armed forces who refused to combat
Indian forces in Kashmir.
• There was a threat that if Indian forces integrated Pakistan’s territory, Douglas Gracey would not
take an effective action against Indian troops commanded by British officers.
• Being British national Douglas Gracey could conspire with Lord Mount Batten in an attempt to either
overthrow Jinnah or takeover govt. by imposing martial law.

5. Canal Water Dispute:

• Ferozepur a district in Punjab contained all the head works of canals that drained Western and
Southern Punjab. Ferozepur was granted to India by the Radcliffe Award. Indians now blocked the
water flowing into the canals which drained River Ravi and Sutlej.
• The Indians claimed that as the head works were now part of their territory, they could do whatever
they wanted with the water flowing into Pakistan.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 6

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
• These rivers had drained Punjab and its fertile farmlands. The farmers had traditionally irrigated
their crops by the help of these canals. This move of the Indian government threatened Pakistan’s
weak agro-based economy.
• Now the water flow began to decrease drastically and the canals were running dry, there was a
danger that if further crop yield was reduced there would be famine in the country. [problem resulting
due to canal water dispute.]

Lurk age, already refugee crisis had crippled the country which meant that there would be lack of food
supplies to sustain the migrating population.

Fact: Bari Doab region was the most affected.

6. Constitutional Reforms:
By 1947, two newly created states, India and Pakistan were told that their interim constitution would
be 1935 act, until and unless their respective constituent assembly drafts a new constitution.

Unluckily Quaid-e-Azam died before a constitution was established for Pakistan, although he laid down
principles that would serve as clauses/foundations for the new constitution.

Long term solutions: it was not before 1956; Pakistan became a republic with its first constitution.
Within Pakistan’s short history, three constitutions have been drafted 1956, 1962 and 1973.

7. Administrative Problems:
Background: Pakistan lacked both the administrative buildings and government officials, required/
needed to cope with the problems it faced and to run the new created states. India had inherited
governmental buildings and officials directly from the British. The part of the sub- cont. that the British
had developed now became India and the least developed regions residing near the borders of British
India became Pakistan. Even during the transfer of power Indians had burnt the official copies of
documents that would be required by Pakistan’s govt. to govern their state.
• ML was predominately a collection of wealthy land-owners with little experience in running of govt.
on the contrary the INC had politicians with mass appeal and extensive experience in running of the
British Govt. ‘Jawaharlal Nehru’, ‘Valabai Patel’ and ‘Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad’ led the independence
movement of Indians, enjoyed public confidence and gained administrative experience in congress
Rule 1937-39.
• As the majority of the government buildings were in India initially offices were to be setup in camps
with little stationary and documents. Even the initial expenses of the state were paid by Muhammad
Ali Jinnah and Liaqat Ali khan.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 7

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Solutions: Jinnah had to tackle with all the problems faced by newly created state of Pakistan,
producing solutions to enable this country to survive. Unfortunately, the great leader was suffering
from tuberculosis and was short of time as his health deteriorated therefore he short lived to resolve
these problems.

8. Economic Problems:
• Majority of the industrialization had taken place in the regions that were now a part of India. Jute
produced in East Pakistan was processed in Calcutta which was given to India where majority industries
were located.
• N.W.F.P and Baluchistan were least developed regions of British India with a negligible industrial
base. Pakistan had very few semi urban areas. Majority of the population lived in the rural areas and
approx. 90% were uneducated. All the major urban areas became part of India, where as Pakistan
inherited only Lahore.
• The refugee influx had further affected the economic resources, the semi-urban areas were unable
to accommodate and sustain the large number of migrating Muslims due to their limited resources.
• Agro-based economy was threatened by canal water dispute.

9. Social Problems:
• Pakistan comprised of 5 different nations, namely Punjabi,Sindhi, Pathans, Balochi and Bengali.
• They spoke different languages. Their cultures were different, so was their lifestyle, Literature, art,
music, heroes and history. Hence there was nothing common except the religion Islam and the
language which was not even the case in Bengal.

Solutions reached by Pakistan’s Govt. [1947-48]

• To initial problems facing Pakistan.

Immediate Solutions:

• Gandhi’s hunger strike in 1948 pressurized the Indian govt. to pay 300 million rupees, which was
Pakistan’s due share of British Indian state treasury.
• The 300 million rupees paid by Indian govt. were used to accommodate and rehabilitate refugees
and construct new industries.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 8

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Economic Problem: India had refused to pay the remaining 250 million rupees, after the payment of
300 million as they believed that Pakistan would use this amount to buy weaponry against India.

E.E.Q how successful was the initial (immediate solution) govt. of Pakistan in resolving the problems
faced after partition?
• Immediate solution Resolving initial problems (L3) Success
• Problems Unresolved or long term solution (L4) Failure

Marking Key (L2) Identify the problem, L3 Problems remaining L4

solution resolved unsolved

❖ Both Gandhi and Jinnah officaly declared at the time of partition that communities within India
should refrain from voilence in speech or action to minimize the communal voilence and to grant
protection to those who were migrating. [Refugee crisis + Communal voilence].
❖ By 1948 kashmir issue was reffered to united nations and it was decided that a refferndum would be
conducted once situation had normalized. The war in kashmir ended and it was divided into two parts
amongst pakistan and India [Kashmir Issue].

❖ Social + administative Problems, resolved by Jinah.

• The Quaid hired 500 British officers in order to strengthen his army and to provide the army with
efficient commanders to deal with Indian threat.
• By 1949 Liaquat –Nehru Pact was signed in which a visa system was introduced to protect the
minorities and provide them with safe passage from India to Pakistan.

Long term Solution:

• Canal water dispute was somewhat resolved by signing the Indus basin water treaty with the
mediation of World Bank during the era of Ayub Khan 1960. The Indian govt. agreed to supply water to
Pakistan whilst the govt. explores alternate sources of irrigation.
• By 1967 General Azam Khan was appointed as the rehabilitation Minister during era of Ayub Khan
who accommodated 75000 refuges in the newly developed dwellings near Karachi.[Refugee Crisis]
Problems remaining unsolved:
1. Geographical problems. (1971 civil war resulting in East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh)
2. Accession of Princely states
3. Division of Financial Assets

Achievement of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as Governor General of Pakistan

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 9

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
• Jinnah assumed the role of Governor General of Pakistan in 1947 as a new state was created. He
stated “Pakistan has come into existence forever”.

E.E.Q why was Lord Mount Batten not granted the role of Governor General of Pakistan?

1. Lord Mount batten was the governor general of India and there was a fear of reversal of partition, if
he was granted the highest position of Pakistan’s govt. Moreover, Mount batten was a friend of Nehru,
India’s first prime minister therefore was a risk of biased decision being taken by the GG.
2. GG was the highest-ranking position in Pakistan govt. and by placing viscount Mount batten as GG,
Jinnah’s role and power would be restricted.
3. Jinnah believed that his role as a GG and a Muslim would be seen as an act of devotion by the rural
masses on the contrary still as Pakistan’s GG Mount batten would give the impression that Muslims are
still under British rule.
4. Jinnah understood the needs and aspiration of the Muslim community in India, for who he had
created Pakistan just for the protection of their rights and fought a long-lasting battle for them. Mount
batten had been in India for the last 6 months only and as the last viceroy before partition took place,
henceforth as the GG of Pakistan he would not be able to tackle the critical situation faced by the
country.

E.E.Q ; How successful was Jinnah as the Governor General of Pakistan? /14

Failures:
There are certain successes and failures attached to the personality of Jinnah. However his failures
were far less as compared to his successes

L3/5: Jinnah did not constitute a constitution for Pakistan. His untimely and sudden death left many
citizens of the young country in shock. Without his wisdom and excellent knowledge of the
subcontinent and of the people, an effective constitution could not be drawn. Thus this led to a
constitutional crisis for the future government.

Successes:

L4/6: Jinnah toured all the provinces and appreciated the services and sacrifices of those who were
involved in the creation of Pakistan. He reminded that the only uniting force was Islam and language
Urdu. Therefore all men and servants of one God should adopt the language Urdu and make it unifying

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 10

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
symbol. He also stressed that a feeling of nationalism be developed that shows responsibility to one’s
nation rather than their tribe or province. (Solution to social problems)

L4/7: Jinnah established a relief funds for the refugee crisis. The refugee crisis was termed as “a grave
problem” that must be addressed immediately. (Solution of refugee crisis)

L4/8: Jinnah called himself the “protector General” of minorities and was opposed to religious
intolerance. He claimed that Sikhs and Hindus should not feel threatened living in Pakistan as a
minority.

L4/9: Jinnah formulated an industrialization policy. He believed that industrialization is important for
Pakistan’s international recognition. He stated that prosperity would only result if industrialization
forms the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. As a result Sindh industrial trading estate was established
for the setup of new industries.

L4/10: Jinnah took Pakistan’s membership to the UNO Benefits

1. Pakistan could muster support for Kashmir issue.
2. Pakistan would receive international recognition.
3. Pakistan could engage in trade activities and receive loans for development projects.

L4/11: In 1948 Jinnah setup the state bank of Pakistan.

L4/12: Muhammad Ali Jinnah took the post of Governor General and appointed Liaquat Ali khan as the
P.M. He recognized the constituent assembly with task of drafting a constitution. He laid down several
principles that would serve as clauses for the constitution. Moreover he also directed the members of
the constituent assembly that they must serve the nation with optimism and loyalty rather considering
themselves as the rulers of the nation.

L4/13: Jinnah was not afraid of using the ill-equipped army against India and thus he stressed upon
national security. He reminded the armed forces that their duty was to defend the borders not to rule
the country.

L4/13:Max Jinnah organized the administrative system and appointed Karachi as the capital, the
secretariat was also shifted to Karachi.

Question: How successfully did Pakistan’s government deal with

A. Accession of princely states

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 11

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
B. Refugee Crisis
C. Canal Water Dispute 14

Answer: Both Gandhi and Jinnah officially declared at the time of partition that communities within
India should refrain from violence in speech or action to minimize the communal violence and to grant
protection to those who were migrating. Hence Pakistan government tried to solve the refugee crisis to
some extent.

By 1967, General Azam Khan was appointed as the Rehabilitation Minister during the era of Ayub Khan
who accommodated 75000 refugees in the newly developed dwellings near Karachi. Therefore, this
played a vital role in resolving the refugee crisis.

Pakistan’s government of 1947-48 established a relief fund for the refugee crisis as Jinnah termed it as
a "grave problem” that must be dealt with immediately. Hence, the problem of refugee crisis was
solved.

In 1948, Pakistan was given its due share of British Indian state treasury of 500 million rupees by the
Indian government. The 500 million rupees paid by Indian government were used to accommodate and
rehabilitate refugee and construct new industries. Thus efforts were made to solve refugee crisis.

By 1948, Kashmir issue was referred to United Nation at it was decided that a referendum would be
conducted once situations had normalized. The war in Kashmir ended and it was divided into two parts
amongst Pakistan and India.

Canal water dispute was somewhat resolved by signing the Indian basin water treaty. With the
mediation of World Bank, during the era of Ayub Khan 1960. The Indian government agreed to supply
water to Pakistan whilst the government explores alternate sources of irrigation.

On the contrary, the initial government of Pakistan was unable to resolve refugee crisis. People who
hoped for a better future had to live in slums and due to unhygienic conditions coupled with refugee
crises resulted in thousands of people dying.

The Indus water treaty to resolve canal water dispute was signed in 1960 by Ayub Khan. Until then
India still had powers to block water flowing to Pakistan as a result it led to food shortages and famines
throughout the country.

The accession of princely states i.e. Hyderabad, Kashmir and Junagadh still remained under Indian
power. In junagadh and Hyderabad, India had strong holds and Indian troops still were centered at
Kashmir which resulted in Pakistan government not being able to solve the issue of accession of
princely states.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 12

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Why was there a refugee problem in 1947? /7

After the announcement of Radcliffe Award on 16 August 1947, many Muslims found out that the
area/province in which they were living was not included in Pakistan as many Muslim majority
areas like Gurdaspur were given to India. Thus, a large number of Muslims left their belongings and
homes and started migrating to Pakistan which created a refugee problem.

The Muslims living in India were subjected to violence due to the partition. Large scale Muslim
massacres were carried out by Hindus and Sikhs especially in Punjab. Therefore, the Muslims living
in those areas migrated in large numbers towards Pakistan to escape the violence. This aggravated
the problem of refugees.

Millions of Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan and were short of both food and shelter. The
government being unstable was not prepared, and could not provide the immigrants with proper food
and accommodation which worsened the situation

Why was the division of military officials and assets a problem for Pakistan? /7
The distribution of officials was done on communal lines; Muslims opted for Pakistan while Hindus and
Sikhs did for India. Pakistan needed 4000 officials but got only 2500 because British mostly favored
Hindu officers in the army. This was a problem for Pakistan as without sufficient officers Pakistan’s
military was deprived of efficient leadership to stand up to its enemies.

The division of army assets also created difficulties. All the ordinance factories were given to India and
Pakistan had no factory capable of making military goods. Thus, Pakistan was placed in difficult
situation because without sufficient weapons, Pakistan army was unable to strengthen its defense
against the enemies.

The division of assets was done in a ratio of 17:5 in India’s favor. But the supplies sent to Pakistan
arrived very late and when they did arrive, they were mostly damaged and obsolete. This was a
problem for Pakistan without efficient weapons; Pakistan army would be unable to secure the country
from the strong and hostile enemies.

Was canal water dispute the most difficult problem faced by Pakistan during
initial years of independence? Explain your answer? /14

The majority of Pakistan's early problems were disputes with India and this included the canal water
dispute.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 13

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
The head works of the Irrigated land of Pakistan were In India and so both of the nations ended up
claiming rights over the water. Hence this was a problem for Pakistan because its agro-based economy
was dependent on the water coming from India.

India had threatened to stop the supply of water. This would have resulted in shortage of food and
even famine as Pakistani land could not be cultivated without irrigation, so Pakistan was placed In a
Difficult Position.

Moreover this had a negative impact on the Indo-Pak relations and henceforth it was a major problem
for Pakistan because it could not afford anymore hostilities with its border sharer as it would be a
threat for national security.

Apart from this Pakistan had to face many other problems as well there was shortage of properly
qualified and experienced personnel for the new state. This was also a great problem for Pakistan
because running the government department was extremely difficult without trained staff.

Pakistan received only 200 million of the original 750 million of the financial assets promised at the
time of independence. This proved to be a problem for Pakistan because the new state was short of
funds to deal with problems like health and education.

The little money that Pakistan did receive put enormous strain on the new government since it was
unable to use the money appropriately as it was so little that it could not be justly divided between all
departments.

The distribution of the military and its assets was along communal lines. Pakistan’s immediate
requirement was of an army of 150,000 men and 4000 officers whereas there were only 2500 Muslims
officers. Furthermore, the military assets which were given to Pakistan were obsolete or out of order.
This was a dilemma for Pakistan as It needed a strong army to secure itself against its hostile
neighbors.

The refugee problem was another difficulty for Pakistan. First of all, the 10 million refugees from India
needed food but the disorganized government was not able to property arrange this and so Pakistan
was faced with another Issue. Moreover, they had abandoned their homes and the government could
not arrange for their accommodation due to lack of funds and the fact that all the developed available
spaces were already occupied so the government was again faced with another crisis.

In addition most of the refugees flocked to the capital, Karachi. This created huge logistical problems
for the already struggling capital. Hence Pakistan again faced a problem because these refugees had
faced a great strain on the capital.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 14

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Pakistan also feared internal rebellions immediately after independence. This was because firstly the
Khans of Kalat in Baluchistan were demanding independence even though their jigra had decided to be
a part of Pakistan. Even more alarming was that some Pathans from N.W.F.P were demanding a
separate homeland and Afghanistan was encouraging them. This was a problem for Pakistan because if
these internal rebellions took a serious turn Pakistan would have been disintegrated even before it had
been recognized by the world.

Was the refugee problem the most difficult problem faced by Pakistan after
independence in 1947?

When millions of Muslims found themselves in India instead of Pakistan after the partition, they
started to migrate to Pakistan. At the time Pakistan had no supplies, facilities or shelters to give to the
refugees an accommodating them become a hassle for the Pakistani government.

Some of the refugees started slaughtering the local non-Muslims (as part of revenge) and this lead to
severe communal violence. The Pakistani government was already over worked trying to run the
country & now they had to stop the refugees who were disturbing the peace.

On the contrary, many other problems existed as well. East Pakistan & West Pakistan were more than a
thousand miles apart & their views, customs, cultures & even languages were completely different. It
was difficult to unite these people into a nation that would cooperate with each other to help Pakistan
in its Fledging years.

Also the distance between both wings made it difficult to transport goods to one another. Not only did
Pakistan not have the money for transport costs, their goods had to pass through 1000miles of enemy
territory & they could be intercepted or damaged which could hurt the welfare of the people.

Pakistan had no government buildings, equipment or even officials which made the running of
Pakistan's Government extremely difficult & the existing officials faced many hurdles running the
government.

The constituent assembly was made up of wealthy landowners not politicians. This delayed many
things like setting up an efficient government & drawing up a constitution etc as most of the leading
officials had little idea of what to do.

The states in Pakistan were mostly on the borders of British India like NWFP & had been left out of the
industrialization of central India so the majority of Pakistan was severely underdeveloped with fewer
industries. So Pakistan was not self-sufficient in manufacturing & it was hard to set up a firm industrial
base.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 15

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Another problem was that Pakistan had to import most of its goods due to lack of industries and
Pakistan could not afford this kind of expenditure. The economy was overburden.

Some princely states like Kalat in Baluchistan started declaring independence after accepting to
become part of Pakistan & the Pakistan Army was pushed to suppress these troublemakers. Thus
Pakistan had to face internal conflicts which added to difficulties.

A major problem faced was the Kashmir issue. As a Muslim majority state it was to be Pakistan's but its
Maharaja was Hindu & wanted to join India. India & Pakistan were faced to fight a war over the
obsession of Kashmir & with a shortage of equipment and trained officers the Pakistani army had to
war really hard to tend of the Indians even though a ceasefire was called nothing was resolved.

The Indians also refused to pay 550 million rupees out of Pakistan's 750 Million rupees. Pakistan
needed is money to stabilize the country and its people and the lack of money posed a threat to
running Pakistan

Moreover Pakistan had only 2500 trained officers when 4000 were needed. The military was needed to
ensure security in the country and this shortage led to security risks & Pakistan was very vulnerable.

Pakistan also had no ordnance factories & with the Kashmir war over their Heads they needed any sort
of Military equipment possible. Pakistan could not become strong military & this deficit once again
indeed progress

Even military supplies that came to India were Damaged or worn down. Sometimes they did not come
at all, with practically none resources. Pakistan faced many Problems to ensure smooth running of the
army.

The canal water dispute was a problem. The head works of many rivers were in India but their rivers
owned to Pakistan. As an agro based country Pakistan needed the water for irrigation and so when
India threatened to turn off the water off Pakistan grew worried. This issue needed to be addressed
with urgently or Pakistan's economy would suffer.

Also many people were employed in agriculture. The refugee had already increased the unemployment
rate and with no water many other people would also lose their livelihood. An unemployed country
could not possibly progress so the issues of the canal water had to be addressed urgently.

Finally with no or little water crop would die out. Pakistan’s government already had to feed million of
mouth and low crop yield could lead to famines if the canal dispute was not solved.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 16

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
How successful was Pakistan in solving its initial Problems during 1947-48? Explain
your answer?
Of the many initial problems faced by Pakistan, it was not able to solve many of them.

The dispute of the canal water was not fully resolved and the agreement between Pakistan and India
was only temporary and a permanent agreement was yet to be reached. This meant that Pakistan
would be deprived of water from majority of its rivers, thus affecting its agro-based economy.

The refugees had been settled into barracks and flats but the majority had no permanent homes, jobs
or basic facilities thus the accommodation of these refugees as permanent citizens of Pakistan was not
yet done.

Furthermore Kashmir is, even today, a disputed territory and although Pakistan had first fought for it in
a war in 1948 and then in a complaint to the United Nation. However the Kashmir issue has not been
addressed and resolved.

Jinnah, as chief executive of the Government, failed to start any definitive work on the constitution
and no time limit or even the outline of it was not decided by Jinnah. Afterwards this posed serious
problem in constitution making and resulted in the constitution bring delayed and severely altered
from Jinnahs vision of the law in Pakistan.

However On the contrary, Pakistan was able to solve many of its problems.

Jinnah could not lessen the distance between East and West Pakistan but he tried to achieve a single
nation through speeches and emphasizing on thinking, feeling and acting like a Pakistani. This helped
lessen the gap between the two communities, internally, at least.

Also Jinnah tried to end communal violence and the Ill-treatment of non Muslims in Pakistan by
announcing himself as the 'Protector General of minorities'. He showed that as the founder of
Pakistan, he accepted all the people in Pakistan as Pakistanis and helped reduce the violence that was
erupting between them

At the end of 1947 Pakistan also worked with India so that the refugee transfer could be regulated and
be made safer. This, although unsuccessful in completely ending communal violence between Muslims
and non-Muslims, did at least lessen the chaos.

Jinnah also tried to solve the refugee's problem of accommodation by shifting his headquarters to
Lahore where the inflow of refugees was most concentrated where he could give his full attention and
see firsthand what the problem was and how to solve it.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 17

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
A relief fund was set up in Pakistan by Jinnah to fund the refugee's. He encouraged many to donate
cash or anything else and received a generous response from the masses which helped stabilize the
lives of many refugees’.

Pakistan also become a member of the United Nation Organization. It allowed it to gain recognition
and support of other nations. Later on its membership gave a lot of financial assistance in many
matters like the Indus water treaty.

Furthermore, Liaquat Ali khan was made prime minister and a cabinet was set up to help develop and
stabilize the new country Pakistan and its first government. Moreover, a constituent assembly was also
set up to start the constitution making process and further stabilize Pakistan’s government.

Many trained government officials were flown and brought in to Pakistan to improve the running of
the government in its initials years and give Pakistan a strong governmental base.

The civil service is a very important part of the government that looks after the civilians of a country
and ensures the smooth running of the administration. In order to give the civil service a firm footing,
the rules were drafted for them & Jinnah urged them to work diligently which most of them did.

Quaid-e-Azam moreover, motivated the government officials to work with patriotism and
determination even in the most tying conditions where even common pins were rare luxury. It is due
to their tireless efforts that Pakistan was able to progress in its most difficult initial years.

The State Bank of Pakistan was set up so the economy of Pakistan could develop and the economic
system could be stabilized. Furthermore In 1948 Jinnah also introduced the industrial policy statement
which said that industries were to be set up as soon as possible to make Pakistan self-sufficient and
strong industrially. Thus he gave a start to industrial development.

A temporary agreement was met at the Canal Water Dispute. It prevented any damage the agro based
country of Pakistan would have received through a water shortage and bought Pakistan time to find
alternative irrigational sources to keep agriculture going.

Pakistan also, with the help of Gandhi, manage to procure 500 (200+300 due to gandhis hunger strike)
million rupees as financial assets which saved Pakistan from Bankruptcy and kept the development of
the country going on.

+ combine if necessary

Finally, Pakistan persuaded India to pay Rs 60 million for an ordinance factory as India had got all
the old ones. This helped to improve the military of Pakistan.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 18

Section III -1947 Onwards Partition Problems
Why was there a Kashmir issue between Pakistan and India? (7)
There was a Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India because Radcliff award was unfair towards Pakistani’s.
Gurdaspur a Muslim majority area was given to India. India now had a border with Kashmir and could even
mobilize its troops into Kashmir. Thus, future disputes between Pakistan and India were inevitable to be
expected.

The state ruler Hari Singh was a tyrannical cruel ruler. The people of Kashmir felt that in view as a Muslim
majority population, the state ruler would accede to Pakistan rather He wanted to accede to India. He carried
out a massive massacre to turn the Muslim majority into minority, and to help him, the Indian government
landed their forces into Kashmir, Jinnah ordered his forces to fight against oppression and with the aid of tribal
areas of Pakistan, the Pakistani forces got hold of many places. India made an appeal in UNO and blamed
Pakistan for committing aggression, so due to uprising and war between Pakistan and India, there was an issue
over Kashmir.

The people of Kashmir were not given their due rights. The people of Kashmir were denied their right of
referendum to choose their fate, rather they were forced to join India. As a result, the Pakistani forces
intervened to help out their Muslim brothers against Oppression due to which multiple issues arose over
Kashmir.

Why was there a canal water dispute between Pakistan and India? (7)
The Canal Water Dispute mainly arose because of the partition of Punjab. The western half with
irrigated land was given to Pakistan but the water the land needed was coming from the head works in
eastern half, which was given to India. Thus conflicts started over the usage of water. Had the province
not been partitioned, the whole province would have been given to one country and disputes might
not have arisen.

Both countries argued over the water. India claimed that as headworks were in India, water from the
rivers Sutlaj and Bias belonged to her. Pakistan on the other hand claimed that as Pakistan’s agro-
based economy is dependent upon it, she has the right over the water. Thus, the non-compromising
attitudes of both countries lead to the dispute over the water.

India had promised not to interfere with the water coming to Pakistan but soon the supply was
stopped, and the dispute started because due to the inability of the land to be cultivated Pakistan was
placed in a difficult situation.

Prepared By Affan A. Siddiqi Page 19