Discuss the political challenges facing Pakistan between 1947 and 1971.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the political challenges facing Pakistan between 1947 and 1971. In their approach, candidates may discuss internal and external challenges or focus on one aspect in depth. Areas of discussion may include Pakistan’s relationship with India and the geographical and ethnic divide with East Pakistan. Examples could include the refugee crisis, the issue of Kashmir and the three Indo-Pakistan wars. Following Jinnah’s death Pakistan faced the challenge of maintaining a democratic state and candidates may discuss the assassination of Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan and military rule under General Ayub Khan and General Yahya Khan. Corruption, instability and the rise of fundamentalism and violence may also be discussed. Friction between East and West Pakistan due to unfair political treatment of East Pakistan was a significant political challenge that led to the creation of Bangladesh.