1.1.
1 Recognising the importance of Pakistan Studies
Pakistan Studies helps students understand the history, culture, and politics of Pakistan by exploring the
origin, creation, and development of the country. It go through into the events, ideologies, and movements
that led to the establishment of Pakistan, as well as the ongoing challenges the country faces. The
subject aims to build a deeper understanding of Pakistan's foundation and its national identity, ensuring
students appreciate the significance of historical milestones such as the Two-Nation Theory, Pakistan
Movement,Lahore Resolution and key political events that shaped the country towards its formation.
1.2.1 Define ideology
An ideology is a system of beliefs, ideas, and values that guide the political, social, and cultural direction
of a society or nation. The ideology of Pakistan was shaped primarily by the need for a separate
homeland for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, based on the principles of Islam, equality, justice,
democracy, and the protection of rights for all citizens.
1.2.2 Basic components of the ideology of Pakistan
● Islam: The most central component of Pakistan's ideology is Islam. It was envisioned as the
guiding force for both governance and social systems in the country, reflecting the desire to
create a state where Muslims could live according to their religious principles and values.
● Equity and Justice: Pakistan’s ideology emphasizes equity (fairness) and justice for all its
citizens, regardless of their social, economic, or religious backgrounds. This ensures that every
individual has equal opportunities, rights, and protections under the law.
● Democracy: Pakistan was to be a democratic state, where the people would have the power to
elect their representatives. This concept aligns with the idea of governance through popular will
and ensures that political decisions are made for the benefit of the citizens.
● Equal rights for all: One of the foundational principles of Pakistan’s ideology is that all citizens
should have equal rights and opportunities, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, or gender. This
aim was to create a society where minorities and marginalized groups are treated with dignity and
respect.
1.2.3 Analyse how Pakistan has been successful in implementing these components
While Pakistan has made efforts to implement the principles of its ideology, achieving full success has
been a challenge.
● Islamic principles have shaped many laws, such as the Hudood Ordinances and the
Islamization of laws under later regimes.
● Equity and justice have faced difficulties due to disparities in wealth, regional imbalances, and
issues related to governance.
● Democracy has been tested by political instability, military interventions, and challenges in
ensuring transparent elections and governance.
● Equal rights for all remain a work in progress, as there are still issues regarding the rights of
women, religious minorities, and economic inequalities.
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
1.3.1 Reasons for the start of the Aligarh Movement in 1858
The Aligarh Movement emerged in response to the social, political, and economic decline of Muslims in
British India after the 1857 revolt (often called the Indian Mutiny or War of Independence 1857).
Muslims faced increased marginalization and were lagging in educational, social, and political spheres.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent reformer, initiated the Aligarh Movement in 1858 to modernize
Muslim society, promote education, and bridge the gap between Muslims and the British authorities. He
saw that education, particularly Western-style education, was essential for progress and empowerment.
1.3.2 Role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan as a reformer (educational, social, and political)
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan played a pivotal role as a reformer in British India. His contributions were vast:
● Educational reform: He founded Aligarh Muslim University (then the Muhammadan
Anglo-Oriental College) to provide modern education to Muslims, focusing on science, English,
and other subjects that would prepare them for careers in the modern world.
● Social reform: Sir Syed encouraged Muslims to adopt modern values without compromising their
Islamic beliefs. He promoted social unity, discouraged rigid traditions, and stressed the
importance of critical thinking and rationality.
● Political reform: Politically, Sir Syed advocated for cooperation with the British to secure political
rights for Muslims, ensuring their representation in British-run institutions. His efforts helped lay
the foundation for Muslim political awareness and the eventual demand for a separate Muslim
state.
1.3.3 Contribution of Aligarh Movement towards the political and social upliftment of the Indian
Muslims
The Aligarh Movement had a profound impact on the political and social upliftment of Muslims in
India. By establishing a modern educational institution, it provided Muslims with the tools they needed to
succeed in an evolving world. It also led to the creation of a more politically aware Muslim elite that would
later lead the demand for the creation of Pakistan. The movement’s influence on political mobilization
led to the formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906, which became the key political force
advocating for Muslim rights and autonomy.
1.3.4 Reasons for the emergence of the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924)
The Khilafat Movement was triggered by the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. The
Ottoman Sultan was also the Caliph of Islam, a spiritual leader for Muslims worldwide. When the British
and their allies dismantled the Caliphate in 1924, many Indian Muslims saw this as an attack on the unity
and honor of the global Muslim community. The Khilafat Movement, led by Maulana Mohammad Ali
Jauhar and Shaukat Ali, aimed to protect the Caliphate and preserve the political unity of Muslims
across the world.
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
1.3.5 Impacts of the Khilafat Movement on the Muslims of the subcontinent (positive and negative)
● Positive impacts:
○ The Khilafat Movement united Indian Muslims, creating a collective identity that
transcended regional and sectarian differences.
○ It helped in raising political awareness, and the movement played a key role in increasing
Muslim participation in the political process.
○ The movement also led to greater collaboration between Muslims and Hindus (under
Mahatma Gandhi's leadership) in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
● Negative impacts:
○ The failure of the Khilafat Movement left many Muslims disillusioned with the Indian
National Congress and the Hindu-Muslim unity they had briefly experienced, which
ultimately laid the groundwork for Muslim separatism.
○ The focus on the Caliphate, which was distant from India’s political concerns, made it
difficult for the movement to gain traction among broader segments of the Muslim
population.
1.4.2 Significance of the Lahore Resolution (Pakistan Resolution) in terms of its demand and its
impact on the politics of the subcontinent:
The Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, was a landmark event in the history of
the subcontinent. It was passed on March 23, 1940, during the All-India Muslim League's annual
session in Lahore, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The resolution laid the foundation for
the creation of Pakistan and had profound political, social, and historical significance. Below, we'll analyze
its demand and impact on the politics of the subcontinent:
Demand of the Lahore Resolution: The Lahore Resolution called for the establishment of separate
states for Muslims in the regions where they were in the majority, essentially advocating for the creation
of Pakistan. The key points of the resolution included:
● Separate Muslim Homelands: The resolution demanded that Muslims be given autonomous
states in the north-western and eastern zones of India, where they were the majority. These
were essentially the areas that would later become Pakistan.
● Separate Political Identity: The demand was for Muslims to have their own political identity and
independence from the majority Hindu population. The resolution highlighted the distinct cultural,
religious, and social identity of Muslims, emphasizing the need for a separate nation to safeguard
their rights.
● Self Government for Muslim-majority regions: It called for complete Self Government
(autonomy)for the Muslim-majority regions, allowing them to have their own governance, laws,
and policies that suited the interests of Muslims. This was seen as essential for the protection of
Muslim identity, culture, and religious freedom.
● Opposition to Congress and the Hindu-majority state: The resolution made clear that
Muslims could not live as a minority in a unified, predominantly Hindu-majority state. It reflected
the growing political and cultural divide between the Hindu-majority Indian National Congress
and the Muslim-majority All-India Muslim League.
2. Impact on the Politics of the Subcontinent:
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
The Lahore Resolution had profound political implications that significantly shaped the future of the
Indian subcontinent:
A. Shift Toward Muslim Separatism:
● Clear Path to Pakistan: The resolution marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Pakistan
Movement. It formally articulated the demand for a separate Muslim state and marked a shift
from the earlier demand for Muslim rights and autonomy within a united India.
● End of Cooperation with Congress: The Lahore Resolution marked the formal end of
cooperation between the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress. It made it clear
that the Muslim League no longer wanted to remain part of a united India under the Congress
Party.
B. Political Mobilization of Muslims:
● Muslim Identity and Unity: The Lahore Resolution strengthened the sense of Muslim identity
and unity across the subcontinent. It united Muslims under the banner of the Muslim League
and provided a clear political goal — the creation of Pakistan. This contributed to the mass
mobilization of Muslims in support of the idea of a separate nation.
● Rise of Jinnah's Leadership: The resolution solidified Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership as
the foremost political leader for Muslims in India. His role as the leader of the Muslim League
became central, and he was now seen as the champion of the Muslim cause.
C. Rejection of Hindu-majority Rule:
● Concerns Over Hindu Dominance: The demand for separate Muslim states was based on the
fear that Muslims would be politically and socially marginalized under a Hindu-majority India.
The Lahore Resolution was, in part, a rejection of the idea of a unified Indian state where Hindus
would dominate the political landscape.
● End of Congress-Muslim League Partnership: The Hindu-Muslim alliance, which had existed
in the early years of India’s struggle for independence (such as during the Non-Cooperation
Movement), began to fracture following the resolution. The Muslim League felt that the
Congress was not sufficiently safeguarding Muslim interests and that Muslims would not be able
to coexist as equals in a Hindu-majority India.
D. Impact on British Colonial Rule:
● Accelerating Partition: The Lahore Resolution helped accelerate the breakdown of the British
colonial rule. As the demand for a separate state gained momentum, it became evident to the
British government that they would need to partition India to avoid a possible civil war between
the two communities. This eventually led to the partition of India in 1947, resulting in the
creation of Pakistan and India as two independent nations.
● British Response: The resolution showed the British that the demand for separate Muslim
autonomy was no longer negotiable, and this was a critical factor in their decision to leave the
subcontinent, recognizing that the political and religious divisions had reached an irreconcilable
point.
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
E. Long-term Influence on South Asian Politics:
● Creation of Pakistan: The Lahore Resolution directly led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. It
shifted the political landscape of South Asia, as the Muslim League’s demand for a separate
state was eventually realized. Pakistan was formed as a Muslim-majority state, with the
two-nation theory becoming the foundation of its identity.
● Global Muslim Identity: The Lahore Resolution also contributed to the broader global Muslim
identity, highlighting the desire for self-determination and political autonomy for Muslims. It
influenced other Muslim-majority countries in the region to seek their independence and political
recognition.
1.4.4 Important Features of the 3rd June Plan 1947:
The 3rd June Plan, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, was a pivotal plan that outlined the steps for
the partition of British India and the creation of two independent nations: India and Pakistan. Announced
by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India, on June 3, 1947, the plan laid the
framework for the division of India. The important features of the plan were:
1. Division of British India into Two Independent Dominions:
○ The plan proposed the creation of two new independent nations: India and Pakistan.
The decision to partition was primarily based on religious lines, with Hindus forming the
majority in India and Muslims being the majority in Pakistan.
2. Transfer of Power and Independence:
○ The plan granted full independence to both India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947,
marking the end of British colonial rule.
3. Division of Punjab and Bengal:
○ The provinces of Punjab and Bengal were to be divided into two parts based on religious
majorities. This would result in the creation of West Punjab and East Punjab (part of
India) and East Bengal (now Bangladesh) and West Bengal (part of India).
4. Partition of Princely States:
○ The princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan based on
geographical location, religious composition, or the preference of their rulers. States like
Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Junagadh were especially significant in this context.
5. Partition of Assets and Military Resources:
○ The division also entailed the partition of British India's military assets, government
services, and treasury between the two newly-formed countries.
6. Radcliffe Line:
○ The Radcliffe Line, drawn by the Boundary Commission, demarcated the borders
between India and Pakistan, specifically dividing Punjab and Bengal.
7. Direct Transfer of Power:
○ The transfer of power would be direct, and the British would not remain as intermediaries
after August 15, 1947.
1.4.5 Salient Features of the Indian Independence Act 1947:
The Indian Independence Act 1947, passed by the British Parliament, legally provided for the partition of
British India into two independent nations—India and Pakistan. Some salient features of the Act are:
1. Division of British India into Two Dominions:
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
○ The Act provided for the creation of two dominions: India and Pakistan, both of which
were granted complete independence on August 15, 1947.
2. End of British Sovereignty:
○ The Act ended British sovereignty over India, and the British monarch’s authority was
transferred to the governments of India and Pakistan.
3. Division of Punjab and Bengal:
○ The provinces of Punjab and Bengal were to be divided on the basis of religion, leading
to the creation of West Punjab (in Pakistan) and East Punjab (in India), as well as East
Bengal (in Pakistan) and West Bengal (in India).
4. Constitutional Change:
○ The Act declared that India and Pakistan would be governed by independent
constitutions. India retained the title of "Dominion of India" and Pakistan became the
"Dominion of Pakistan."
5. Transfer of Powers:
○ The Act provided for the immediate transfer of power from the British Crown to the two
new dominions. The British Viceroy would continue until the date of independence, but
after that, the power would be transferred to the governments of India and Pakistan.
6. Abolition of the British Raj:
○ The British Raj was formally abolished, and India and Pakistan became two separate
sovereign states.
7. Formation of the Boundary Commission:
○ The Act authorized the formation of the Boundary Commission to decide the boundary
lines between India and Pakistan.
8. Treaty Obligations:
○ The Act laid down the legal basis for the division of assets and liabilities between the two
new countries, including the military, financial, and governmental resources.
1.4.6 Structure and Objectives of the Boundary Commission:
The Boundary Commission was established to demarcate the borders between India and Pakistan,
particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal. The structure and objectives were as follows:
1. Structure of the Boundary Commission:
○ The Boundary Commission was headed by Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer with no
prior knowledge of Indian affairs. He was chosen to draw the boundary line between the
two countries.
○ The commission included representatives from both India and Pakistan, with Sir
Radcliffe making the final decision on the borders.
2. Objectives of the Boundary Commission:
○ Demarcate the Borders: The primary objective was to establish a clear and fair division
between India and Pakistan, focusing on the provinces of Punjab and Bengal.
○ Consider Religious Demographics: The commission was tasked with considering
religious majorities in deciding the division, ensuring that Muslim-majority areas became
part of Pakistan and Hindu-majority areas remained in India.
○ Handle Territorial Disputes: The commission was to address territorial disputes arising
due to the partition, especially with regard to areas like Kashmir, which had a mixed
population.
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
○ Minimize Conflict: One of the goals was to minimize inter-communal violence and
displacement by ensuring that communities were not divided unnecessarily by the new
borders.
1.4.7 Basic Instructions Given to the Boundary Commission:
The instructions given to the Boundary Commission were primarily focused on creating a division that
was both fair and based on geographical and religious considerations. These instructions included:
1. Religious Majority Rule:
○ The commission was instructed to draw the boundary lines keeping in mind the religious
demographics of the areas. Muslim-majority areas in Punjab and Bengal were to be
allocated to Pakistan, while Hindu-majority areas were to remain in India.
2. Considerations of Contiguity:
○ The commission was asked to ensure that the new borders were contiguous and that
both India and Pakistan had coherent territorial units, especially for administrative and
political purposes.
3. Consideration of Minorities:
○ The commission was also tasked with ensuring that minority populations (Hindus and
Muslims) in both countries would not face persecution or discrimination based on the new
boundaries.
4. Protection of Sacred Sites:
○ The commission was instructed to take special care in dividing sacred sites and places
of religious importance, ensuring that both countries had access to them.
5. Minimization of Displacement:
○ While the division could not avoid all displacement, the commission was instructed to
minimize forced migration of people from one country to the other, especially in border
regions.
1.4.8 Impact of the Decisions of the Boundary Commission on Pakistan:
The decisions made by the Boundary Commission had a significant and lasting impact on Pakistan,
particularly in terms of territorial boundaries, communal tensions, and political issues. Some key impacts
include:
1. Loss of Gurdaspur to India:
○ One of the most controversial decisions was the allocation of Gurdaspur district to
India. Despite being a Muslim-majority area, Gurdaspur was awarded to India. This
allowed India to have access to Kashmir, which was critical in the subsequent Kashmir
conflict.
2. Partition of Punjab:
○ The division of Punjab was traumatic, with mass migration of people across the newly
drawn borders. Millions of Muslims moved to Pakistan, while Hindus and Sikhs relocated
to India, leading to widespread violence and displacement.
○ Lahore, the capital of Punjab, became part of Pakistan, which was a significant gain, but
the region experienced significant challenges in terms of resettlement and infrastructure.
3. Territorial Disputes:
○ The boundaries drawn by the Radcliffe Line led to ongoing territorial disputes, especially
in Kashmir, which remains a source of conflict between India and Pakistan to this day.
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
4. Economic Impact:
○ The partition resulted in the division of valuable resources, such as canal irrigation
systems, industrial assets, and military resources. Pakistan's economy was affected
by the division, with significant losses in infrastructure and access to resources.
5. Creation of East Pakistan (Bangladesh):
○ The boundary decisions contributed to the later separation of East Pakistan (now
Bangladesh) in 1971, as the region was economically and politically disadvantaged within
the newly created Pakistan.
6. Community Tensions and Violence:
○ The drawing of the boundary lines led to severe sectarian violence in many regions, as
religious communities were forced to leave their ancestral homes. This resulted in a
tragic loss of life and property during the partition.
Chapter 1:Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background