With reference to Pakistan’s defeat in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, discuss the political consequences for Pakistan.

Candidates are required to consider how Pakistan’s defeat in 1971 affected its political scene, both during and after conflict. A possible approach may be to explain immediate, short-term and long-term results; however, no set response is required.

Indicative content

• The decisive Indian victory resulted in the independence of Bangladesh. The Pakistanis signed the Simla Agreement (1972), implicitly recognising East Pakistani independence and agreeing to procedures for resolving Indo-Pakistani disagreements peacefully. Since 1971 there has not been a war.
• As a result of defeat, Yayha Khan stood down in favour of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the first civilian leader of a smaller Pakistan.
• The Bangladeshi state, led by Mujibur Rahman, swiftly gained international recognition—Bangladesh joined the UN in 1974.
• Defeat may also have prompted Bhutto to embark on his secret nuclear programme in order to compensate for the imbalance in conventional forces.
• Some believe that a long-term consequence was Pakistani support for Islamist forces in Afghanistan and Kashmir, with a view to entrapping India in a lengthy struggle in disputed Kashmir.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]