What was the official name of the political entity that existed in Pakistan between 1947 and 1956?

The political entity that existed in Pakistan between 1947 and 1956 was officially known as the Dominion of Pakistan, though it was also commonly referred to simply as Pakistan.

What act of the British Parliament led to the establishment of the Dominion of Pakistan?

The Dominion of Pakistan was established through the Indian Independence Act 1947, passed by the British parliament.

Besides Pakistan, what other independent dominion was created by the Indian Independence Act 1947?

The Indian Independence Act 1947 also created the independent Dominion of India.

What territories comprised the Dominion of Pakistan at its inception?

Upon its creation, the Dominion of Pakistan comprised those presidencies and provinces of British India that were allocated to it during the Partition of India.

When did the Dominion of Pakistan transition into a republic, ending its status as a dominion?

Pakistan transitioned from a dominion to a republic with the completion of its constitution on March 23, 1956, marking the end of its dominion status.

What administrative change occurred in Pakistan with the 1956 constitution?

The 1956 constitution administratively divided the nation into two distinct regions: West Pakistan and East Pakistan.

What was the primary motivation behind the Muslim push for a separate state, as highlighted by the Lahore Resolution?

The Muslim push for a separate state, exemplified by the Lahore Resolution in 1940, stemmed from a belief that they would otherwise become second-class citizens in a Hindu-majority India.

Who held the positions of Governor-General and Prime Minister at the time of Pakistan's independence?

Muhammad Ali Jinnah served as the first Governor-General, and Liaquat Ali Khan became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan upon its independence.

What was the estimated number of deaths resulting from the communal violence in Punjab following the Partition of India?

The communal violence in Punjab after the Partition of India resulted in an estimated 200,000 to 2,000,000 deaths.

What was the scale of migration across the new borders during the Partition of India?

More than ten million people migrated across the newly drawn borders between India and Pakistan during the Partition.

What was the official stance of the British monarch in relation to the Dominion of Pakistan?

The British monarch served as the head of state for the Dominion of Pakistan, with their constitutional roles delegated to the Governor-General of Pakistan.

What significant territorial dispute arose between Pakistan and Afghanistan in 1949?

In 1949, Pakistan faced territorial problems with neighboring Afghanistan concerning the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, commonly known as the Durand Line.

What was the initial currency used in Pakistan after its independence?

Following its independence, Pakistan initially used the Indian rupee from 1947 to 1948, before transitioning to the Pakistani rupee.

What was the stated goal of the 'Islamistan' concept promoted by some Pakistani leaders?

The 'Islamistan' concept, promoted by leaders like Chaudhry Khaliq-uz-Zaman, envisioned bringing together all Muslim countries into a pan-Islamic entity, with Pakistan positioned as its leader.

What economic challenges did Pakistan face immediately after its independence?

Pakistan faced significant economic challenges, including a large influx of refugees, the departure of skilled non-Muslims, a lack of industrial infrastructure, limited financial resources, and crippled industries due to the loss of experienced staff.

What was Pakistan's literacy rate in 1950?

In 1950, Pakistan's literacy rate stood at a low of 10%.

Which key financial institutions were established under the leadership of Victor Turner, Pakistan's Finance Secretary?

Victor Turner, as Finance Secretary, oversaw the establishment of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Bureau of Statistics, and the Federal Board of Revenue.

What action did India take regarding water supply to Pakistan in April 1948?

On April 1, 1948, India disrupted the water supply to Pakistan by cutting off access from two canal headworks located on its side of Punjab.

What was the significance of the Objectives Resolution introduced in March 1949?

The Objectives Resolution declared that sovereignty belongs to Allah and aimed to establish Pakistan as an ideological Islamic state, influencing subsequent constitutions.

Who were the monarchs of Pakistan during its dominion period?

George VI reigned as the monarch of Pakistan from 1947 to 1952, followed by Elizabeth II from 1952 until Pakistan became a republic in 1956.

When did Pakistan officially adopt a republican constitution and abolish the monarchy?

Pakistan abolished its monarchy and adopted a republican constitution on March 23, 1956, establishing itself as an Islamic republic within the Commonwealth.

What was the outcome of the 1954 legislative elections in Pakistan regarding political alliances?

The 1954 elections saw communists gain influence in East Pakistan, aligning with the Shramik Krishak Samajbadi Dal and Awami League, while the Republican Party gained a majority in West Pakistan, ousting the ruling Pakistan Muslim League.

What was the 'One Unit Program' introduced in 1954?

The 'One Unit Program' was a controversial initiative imposed by Prime Minister Ali Bogra that divided Pakistan into a single administrative unit, modeled after Germany's geopolitical structure.

What was the status of the Bengali language in Pakistan during the early years, and how did this evolve?

Initially, Jinnah declared Urdu as the sole state language. However, following protests in East Bengal in 1952, Bengali was granted equal status with Urdu, a right later codified in the 1956 constitution.

What event in 1953 led to the first instance of martial law in Pakistan?

The anti-Ahmadiyya riots in 1953, instigated by religious parties, led to significant violence and the subsequent imposition of martial law, marking the beginning of military intervention in Pakistani politics.

What was the Radcliffe Line, and how did it divide the provinces of Punjab and Bengal?

The Radcliffe Line, determined by the Radcliffe Boundary Commission, demarcated the border between India and Pakistan. It divided Punjab into West Punjab (Pakistan) and East Punjab (India), and Bengal into East Bengal (Pakistan) and West Bengal (India).

What was Pakistan's foreign policy stance towards other Muslim countries after independence?

After gaining independence, Pakistan actively pursued bilateral relations with other Muslim countries and sought to lead the Muslim world, advocating for the unity of Islamic nations and supporting various Muslim self-determination movements.

What was the initial reaction of the United States to the creation of Pakistan?

The United States did not approve of Pakistan's creation upon its establishment.

What was the outcome of the trade dispute between India and Pakistan following the devaluation of the pound sterling in September 1949?

Following the pound sterling's devaluation, India refused to recognize the Pakistani rupee, leading to a trade war that ended in February 1951 when India recognized the Pakistani rupee after a trade agreement.

What was the percentage of Pakistan's population living in rural areas according to the 1955 census?

According to the 1955 census, over 90% of Pakistan's population resided in rural areas, with only 10% living in urban centers.

What was the role of the State Bank of Pakistan upon its establishment?

The State Bank of Pakistan was established to fill occupational gaps left by partition, restore banking services, and bolster government revenue collection, contributing to economic development.

What was the Pakistani government's policy focus for fostering economic and industrial development?

Due to limited private capital, the Pakistani government opted to focus on the public sector to drive economic and industrial development.

What was the estimated number of abducted women during the Partition violence, according to official estimates?

Official estimates indicated that approximately 33,000 non-Muslim women were abducted in Pakistan, while around 50,000 Muslim women were abducted in India during the Partition.

What was the nature of Pakistan's relationship with the Soviet Union immediately after its formation?

The Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, did not welcome the partition that led to the creation of Pakistan and India.

What was the Pakistani government's policy regarding imports in 1952 and 1953?

In 1952, Pakistan imposed bans on importing cotton textiles and luxury goods, and in 1953, it implemented comprehensive import regulations, which contributed to the country's rapid economic growth.

What was the contribution of manufacturing to Pakistan's GDP in the fiscal year 1949-50?

In the fiscal year 1949-50, manufacturing contributed 7.8% to Pakistan's GDP.

What was the stated goal of Pakistan's foreign policy regarding self-determination for Muslims in other countries?

Pakistan vigorously championed the right of self-determination for Muslims worldwide and supported independence movements in various countries, fostering closer ties with them.

Who succeeded Liaquat Ali Khan as Prime Minister of Pakistan?

Following the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, Khawaja Nazimuddin became the second Prime Minister of Pakistan.

What was the outcome of the 1953 anti-Ahmadiyya riots in Pakistan?

The anti-Ahmadiyya riots in 1953 resulted in numerous Ahmadi deaths and led to the first imposition of martial law in the country.

What was the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as Governor-General?

Muhammad Ali Jinnah served as the first Governor-General of Pakistan from August 15, 1947, until his death on September 11, 1948.

What was the percentage of the urban population in East Pakistan compared to West Pakistan in 1955?

In 1955, the urban population constituted 4.0% of East Pakistan's total population, while in West Pakistan, it was 18.1%.

What was the primary purpose of establishing the Federal Bureau of Statistics and the Federal Board of Revenue?

The Federal Bureau of Statistics and the Federal Board of Revenue were established to enhance statistical knowledge and improve taxation and revenue collection within the country.

What was the nature of Pakistan's relationship with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth Dominions during its dominion period?

During its time as a dominion, Pakistan shared the same monarch as the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth Dominions, indicating a shared sovereign but independent governance.

What was the impact of the Partition of India on Pakistan's industrial and port infrastructure?

India inherited most of British India's industrial hubs and major ports, leaving Pakistan with Karachi as its only significant port, which presented considerable economic challenges.

What was the stated aim of the first five-year plan presented in 1948?

The first five-year plan, presented in 1948, aimed to coordinate economic development and included the establishment of key financial institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan.

What was the outcome of the trade relations between India and Pakistan after the devaluation of the pound sterling in September 1949?

Following the devaluation of the pound sterling, trade relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated significantly because India refused to recognize the Pakistani rupee, leading to a trade war that lasted until February 1951.

What was the general sentiment of the Arab world towards Pakistan's pan-Islamic aspirations during the mid-20th century?

During the mid-20th century, the Arab world was experiencing a nationalist awakening, and Pakistan's pan-Islamic aspirations, including the concept of 'Islamistan,' held little attraction, with some Arab states viewing it as an attempt at Pakistani dominance.

Dominion Of Pakistan Wiki: The Genesis of a Nation: Pakistan's Dominion Era

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Historical Foundation

Partition and Independence

The Dominion of Pakistan was established on August 14, 1947, following the Indian Independence Act 1947. This act partitioned British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. The new dominion inherited territories from British India and acceded princely states, marking the end of British rule in these regions.

The creation of Pakistan was driven by the demand for a separate Muslim state, culminating in the Lahore Resolution. The initial period was marked by immense challenges, including mass migration and communal violence, with estimates of deaths ranging from 200,000 to 2 million. The Kashmir dispute also emerged immediately, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani War.

Early Governance and Ideology

Muhammad Ali Jinnah served as the first Governor-General, and Liaquat Ali Khan as the first Prime Minister. A significant early step was the Objectives Resolution in March 1949, which declared sovereignty belonging to Allah and laid the groundwork for Pakistan's transformation into an Islamic state, supported by religious scholars.

Tensions arose regarding language policy, particularly in East Bengal, where protests for Bengali's equal status with Urdu occurred in 1952. Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan's assassination in 1951 and subsequent political instability, including anti-Ahmadiyya riots in 1953, highlighted the nascent nation's internal struggles.

Territorial Evolution

Initially comprising five provinces—East Bengal, West Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, and the North-West Frontier Province—Pakistan expanded with the accession of several princely states. The Radcliffe Line, demarcating borders, led to the partition of Punjab and Bengal, creating complex geographical divisions.

The princely states, including Bahawalpur, Khairpur, Swat, Dir, Chitral, and the Khanate of Kalat, acceded to Pakistan, gradually integrating into the national structure. The controversial "One Unit Program" later reorganized West Pakistan, reflecting ongoing administrative and political experimentation.

Political Landscape

Constitutional Framework

Pakistan operated as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy during its dominion period. Sovereignty was vested in the British monarch, represented by the Governor-General. The Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the nation's constitution.

The government structure included a Prime Minister as the head of government and a Governor-General as the monarch's representative. This period saw significant political maneuvering and the establishment of foundational state institutions, though it was also marked by instability and the eventual imposition of martial law.

Leadership and Unrest

Key figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan shaped the early political direction. Following their tenures, the nation experienced leadership changes and significant political unrest, including the Bengali Language Movement and anti-Ahmadiyya riots, which led to the first instance of martial law.

Prime Ministers such as Khawaja Nazimuddin, Mohammad Ali Bogra, and Chaudhry Mohammad Ali navigated complex political challenges. The 1954 elections revealed ideological divides, with the Republican Party gaining majority in West Pakistan and communists influencing East Pakistan, setting the stage for future political realignments.

Constitutional Transition

The culmination of the dominion period was the adoption of the Constitution of Pakistan on March 23, 1956. This constitution transformed Pakistan into an Islamic Republic, formally ending its status as a dominion and establishing a presidential system, with Iskander Mirza becoming the first President.

This constitutional milestone marked a significant shift in Pakistan's governance structure, moving from a dominion under a monarch to a sovereign republic, while retaining membership within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Economic Foundations

Post-Partition Challenges

The newly formed Pakistan faced severe economic challenges due to the Partition of India. The mass migration of over six million refugees from India created significant strain on resources and infrastructure. Furthermore, the departure of skilled non-Muslim professionals left critical sectors like insurance, manufacturing, and education crippled.

India inherited most of the industrial hubs and ports, leaving Pakistan with Karachi as its sole major port. The nation suffered from a lack of economic infrastructure, limited financial resources, and a low literacy rate of only 10% in 1950, with poverty affecting 55-60% of the population in West Pakistan.

Agrarian Base and Development

Pakistan's economy was predominantly agrarian, with agriculture constituting 53% of the GDP in 1947 and employing approximately 65% of the labor force. Agriculture was also the primary source of exports and foreign exchange earnings.

To address these issues, the government established a Development Board and a Planning Advisory Board. The first five-year plan was introduced in 1948, leading to the establishment of the State Bank of Pakistan and efforts to improve statistical knowledge, finance, and revenue collection.

Trade and Fiscal Policies

The government focused on public sector development due to limited private capital. Trade relations with India deteriorated after India devalued the pound sterling in 1949, but normalized in 1951 after a trade agreement. Pakistan imposed import bans on textiles and luxury goods in 1952, contributing to rapid national growth.

However, policies biased against agriculture and unfavorable trade terms between agriculture and industry led to a decline in agricultural growth. By 1955, over 90% of the population still resided in rural areas, highlighting the ongoing developmental challenges.

The Crown and Commonwealth

Royal Succession

As a dominion, Pakistan shared its sovereign with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations. Initially, George VI was the monarch. Following his death in 1952, his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, ascended as Queen Elizabeth II, the sovereign of Pakistan.

The Queen's Coronation Oath in 1953 included a promise to govern the people of Pakistan according to their laws and customs, underscoring the constitutional relationship.

Commonwealth Ties

Pakistan's status as a dominion meant it remained within the Commonwealth of Nations. This association provided a framework for international relations and reflected a continuation of ties with the former colonial power, albeit in a new political structure.

The Commonwealth connection was maintained even after Pakistan transitioned to a republic, with Queen Elizabeth II sending a message of continued association and prosperity.

Transition to Republic

The dominion era concluded on March 23, 1956, with the adoption of Pakistan's first constitution. This pivotal moment marked the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of Pakistan as an Islamic Republic, signifying a complete break from its dominion status.

Despite becoming a republic, Pakistan chose to remain within the Commonwealth of Nations, maintaining a unique position in the evolving global political landscape.

Foreign Affairs

Border Disputes

Pakistan faced territorial challenges with neighboring countries. In 1949, disputes arose with Afghanistan over the Durand Line. Simultaneously, the unresolved Kashmir dispute with India escalated into conflict, shaping regional dynamics.

These border issues and territorial claims significantly influenced Pakistan's foreign policy and its relationship with its immediate neighbors.

Diplomatic Recognition

The Imperial State of Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan in 1947. Diplomatic overtures were also made by Israel in 1948, though Jinnah did not respond. The Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, initially did not welcome Pakistan's creation.

Pakistan actively pursued bilateral relations with Muslim countries, aspiring to leadership within the Muslim world. However, these pan-Islamic aspirations received limited attraction from the Arab world, which was undergoing its own nationalist awakenings.

Anti-Colonial Support

Pakistan championed the right to self-determination for Muslims globally. Its diplomatic efforts and support for independence movements in Indonesia, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Eritrea fostered close ties with these nations during the early years of its existence.

This active stance in international affairs reflected Pakistan's commitment to supporting liberation struggles and asserting its role on the global stage.

Territorial Framework

Initial Provinces

Upon its inception, the Dominion of Pakistan was structured as a federation comprising five provinces: East Bengal (later Bangladesh), West Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, and the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). Each province was administered by its own governor, appointed by the Governor-General.

This initial division laid the groundwork for Pakistan's administrative geography, though it was later subject to significant reorganization.

Princely States

In the year following independence, several princely states acceded to Pakistan, expanding its territory and administrative complexity. These states, previously under subsidiary alliances with the British, retained internal self-government for several years.

Prominent among these were Bahawalpur, Khairpur, Swat, Dir, Chitral, and the Khanate of Kalat. The last vestiges of their internal autonomy were eventually absorbed by 1974.

Boundary Demarcation

The Radcliffe Award, published on August 17, 1947, defined the Radcliffe Line, establishing the border between India and Pakistan. This demarcation involved the partition of the provinces of Punjab and Bengal, creating distinct territories for each new dominion.

The commission aimed to separate Muslim-majority regions in the east and northwest from Hindu-majority areas, a process that led to significant population displacement and complex border arrangements.

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References

See territorial exchanges between India and Bangladesh (IndiaâBangladesh enclaves).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Dominion of Pakistan Wikipedia page

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The Genesis of a Nation

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Foundation 📜

🕊️ Partition and Independence

🏛️ Early Governance and Ideology

🗺️ Territorial Evolution

Political Landscape ⚖️

👑 Constitutional Framework

👤 Leadership and Unrest

⚖️ Constitutional Transition

Economic Foundations 📈

🏚️ Post-Partition Challenges

🌱 Agrarian Base and Development

💼 Trade and Fiscal Policies

The Crown and Commonwealth 👑

🇬🇧 Royal Succession

🤝 Commonwealth Ties

➡️ Transition to Republic

Foreign Affairs 🌍

📍 Border Disputes

🤝 Diplomatic Recognition

✊ Anti-Colonial Support

Territorial Framework 🗺️

📍 Initial Provinces

👑 Princely States

📏 Boundary Demarcation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Foundation

Partition and Independence

Early Governance and Ideology

Territorial Evolution

Political Landscape

Constitutional Framework

Leadership and Unrest

Constitutional Transition

Economic Foundations

Post-Partition Challenges

Agrarian Base and Development

Trade and Fiscal Policies

The Crown and Commonwealth

Royal Succession

Commonwealth Ties

Transition to Republic

Foreign Affairs

Border Disputes

Diplomatic Recognition

Anti-Colonial Support

Territorial Framework

Initial Provinces

Princely States

Boundary Demarcation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice