Objective Resolution passed on 12 March 1949.

The constitution should observe the principles of democracy, freedom, equal tolerance and social justice
as laid down by Islam.

Muslims would be able to lead their lives according to Islamic principles.

Other religious groups should be able to practice their religion freely.

Minorities and the poor would be legally protected from social injustice.

All fundamental human rights should be guaranteed.

The legal system should be independent of government.

Q1. Why was the objective resolution passed? (7)

Objective Resolution was passed to provide a framework for the future constitution. After
Independence, Pakistan initially used the Government of India Act 1935 as an interim constitution, which
was not suitable for an independent and sovereign state. The Objective Resolution was necessary to
create a framework or preamble for the future constitution, incorporating clear principles in line with the
Objectives Resolution.

Secondly, it was passed to satisfy the minorities in Pakistan, ensuring that their rights and interests were
protected.

Q2. Why was the First Report of the Basic Principle Committee criticized? (7)
The First Report of the Basic Principle Committee came under criticism due to the issue of equal
representation in the Assemblies, also known as the parity of seats. The report proposed a bicameral
legislature with an upper house and a lower house. It allocated an equal number of seats to East
Pakistan and West Pakistan in both houses, despite the fact that East Pakistan had a larger population
(55% of Pakistan's total population). This unequal distribution of seats was seen as unfair and favored
West Pakistan, leading to criticism and opposition from East Pakistan.

Q3. Why was the Second Report of the Basic Principle Committee criticized? (7)

The Second Report of the Basic Principle Committee faced criticism for several reasons. Firstly, it
declared Urdu as the national language of Pakistan, even though less than 7% of the population spoke it
as their mother tongue. This decision neglected the linguistic and cultural diversity of East Pakistan,
where Bengali was widely spoken and considered an important part of their identity.

Secondly, the appointment of a Bengali as the President of Pakistan was another point of contention.
This issue was related to the unequal representation of East Pakistan in the government, as they felt that
they should have more influence in the selection of key positions.

Q. Why was the One Unit Policy introduced? (7)

The One Unit Policy was introduced for several reasons. Firstly, it aimed to promote nationalism and
avoid provincialism. After Pakistan's creation, there were significant differences in language, culture, and
lifestyle among its provinces. The people of each province often exhibited strong loyalty to their own
region, leading to provincialism. To address this issue, the One Unit Policy aimed to create a sense of
national unity and reduce provincial divisions.

Secondly, it was introduced to provide effective administration and development. The President at the
time, Iskander Mirza, believed that having only two units (East Pakistan and West Pakistan) would
streamline the administrative process and allow for more efficient development and governance.

Q. Why did the One Unit Scheme become unpopular? (7)

The One Unit Scheme became unpopular for several reasons. First, there was an unfair and unequal
distribution of wealth between East and West Pakistan. While the scheme aimed to distribute wealth
and resources equally, it failed to do so effectively. Most of the development and wealth accumulation
took place in West Pakistan, and politicians from West Pakistan used their influence to benefit their
region. As a result, East Pakistan remained underdeveloped and faced financial disparities.

Secondly, there was criticism of the equal representation in the National Assembly, which did not
accurately reflect the population differences between East and West Pakistan. This unequal
representation further fueled dissatisfaction and opposition to the One Unit Scheme.

Q. Why was it so difficult to agree on a new Constitution in 1950? (7)

It was difficult to agree on a new constitution in 1950 due to several reasons. First, there was objection
from religious groups, particularly from leaders like Maulana Mawdudi, the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami.
They objected to the secular design of the constitution and believed that it did not adequately
incorporate Islamic principles of governance.

Secondly, there were disagreements and political rivalries among various political groups and leaders.
This led to delays and difficulties in the constitution-making process as different factions had varying
visions for Pakistan's political and constitutional future.

Q. Why was the first Constituent Assembly dissolved in 1954? (7)

The first Constituent Assembly was dissolved due to its inability to draft a new constitution. It was
initially established to prepare a constitution for Pakistan, taking into account the country's geography,
culture, and religion. However, the Constituent Assembly only produced a few draft proposals for a
constitution since its formation in 1947.

The inability to create a new constitution and the demand for a new constitution from different groups
led to mounting dissatisfaction with the first Constituent Assembly. The lack of progress in constitution-
making and the demand for a new Constituent Assembly ultimately led to its dissolution in 1954.
Q. Why were there so many governments between 1951-58? (7)

Several factors contributed to the existence of numerous governments between 1951 and 1958 in
Pakistan. One significant reason was the food crisis and rioting during the period from 1951 to 1953.
Pakistan faced severe food shortages due to drought conditions, resulting in demonstrations and riots
against the government. Religious parties also launched the anti-Ahmadi movement, which escalated
into violence and spread throughout Pakistan. These developments led to the declaration of martial law
in Lahore and the dismissal of governments.

Another reason for the frequent change of governments was the power struggle between President
Iskander Mirza and Prime Ministers. The political instability and the inability to establish a stable
government led to a series of dismissals and resignations, contributing to the frequent changes in
government.

Q. Why did Iskander Mirza change so many prime ministers from 1955-1957? (7)

Iskander Mirza changed several prime ministers between 1955 and 1957 due to various reasons. One
primary reason was the personal choice of resignation by Chaudhri Muhammad Ali, who served as Prime
Minister from 1955. Chaudhri Muhammad Ali's resignation was influenced by his inability to gather
support for a new constitution and the One Unit scheme. He also struggled to control his own political
party, the Muslim League, and faced challenges like floods and food shortages in 1955.

The growing discontent within his own party, poor statesmanship, and the political challenges of the
time contributed to Chaudhri Muhammad Ali's resignation, necessitating the change in prime ministers.

Q. Why was there a constitutional crisis between 1954-55? (7)

A constitutional crisis occurred between 1954 and 1955 in Pakistan due to the dissolution of the First
Constituent Assembly by Ghulam Muhammad in 1954. This crisis stemmed from the power struggle
between Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra and Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad.
Under the Indian Independence Act, the Constituent Assembly had two functions: to draft a constitution
and to act as a Federal Legislative Assembly. However, the political rivalry and power struggle between
Muhammad Ali Bogra and Ghulam Muhammad led to the dissolution of the First Constituent Assembly
on October 24, 1954. This act disrupted the constitution-making process and halted the progress that
had been made since 1947.

The dissolution of the First Constituent Assembly by Ghulam Muhammad was a significant factor that
contributed to the constitutional crisis during this period. It led to a period of political uncertainty and
instability in Pakistan.

Q. Why was the first Martial Law imposed in Pakistan? (7)

The first Martial Law in Pakistan was imposed by President Iskander Mirza on October 7, 1958. There
were several reasons that led to this decision:

Political Instability: Pakistan was experiencing a period of political instability, with frequent changes in
government. The democratic process was unable to provide a stable and effective administration. The
numerous changes in government from 1951 to 1958 reflected this instability.

Economic and Social Issues: The country was facing economic challenges, including food shortages and a
lack of development in East Pakistan. Social unrest was also growing due to various issues, including
linguistic and regional disparities.

Personal Ambition: Iskander Mirza had a personal ambition to become a powerful president and
consolidate his authority. He believed that imposing martial law would allow him to control the
government and stabilize the situation.

Desire for Strong Governance: Iskander Mirza was influenced by the belief that a martial law regime
would provide strong and centralized governance, which he thought was essential to address Pakistan's
problems.
These factors, combined with Mirza's personal ambitions, led to the imposition of the first Martial Law in
Pakistan, paving the way for General Ayub Khan to assume power and eventually become the President.