“Political inequality was the main reason for tension between East and West Pakistan.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that political inequality was the main reason for tension between East and West Pakistan. Candidates may refer to the weakness of parliamentary democracy with elections being a farce and very few Bengalis represented in the parliament or the military. Even in their own province, all the key posts in administration were held by West Pakistanis. The “one man one vote” demand of the Awami league led by Sheikh Mujib was not accepted. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example economic colonization and exploitation of East Pakistan by West Pakistan with jute and other raw materials being bought at cheap prices. The per capita income was much higher in East Pakistan. There were cultural differences also, for example Bengali not Urdu being the main language in East Pakistan. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.