22 questions · about 22% of the marks we indexed · examined in 9 of 9 sessions.
Questions by year
2026
2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q1 (a, b, c, d)25 marksRelations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971
2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q3 (c)7 marksEarly years of Pakistan 1947–1958
2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q4 (a, b, c)12.5 marksForeign policy of individual governments · Language, education and culture since 1947 · Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh
2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksCivilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958
2025
2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q4 (a, b, c)12.5 marksEarly years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Language, education and culture since 1947 · UN, world organisations and the Muslim world
2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksCivilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh
2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q1 (a, c)10 marksEarly years of Pakistan 1947–1958
2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q4 (a, b, c)12.5 marksRelations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971 · Zia-ul-Haq 1977–1988
2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksAyub Khan 1958–1969 · Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh · Zia-ul-Haq 1977–1988
2024
2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q1 (a, b, c, d)25 marksZulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977
2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q2 (b)3.5 marksLanguage, education and culture since 1947
2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksEarly years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh
2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q4 (a, b, c)12.5 marksOfficial paper ↗Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh · Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971
2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksOfficial paper ↗Civilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Zia-ul-Haq 1977–1988
2023
2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q4 (a, b, c)12.5 marksForeign policy of individual governments · UN, world organisations and the Muslim world · Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971
2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksRelations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977
2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q4 (a, b, c)12.5 marksEarly years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Zia-ul-Haq 1977–1988
2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksCivilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · UN, world organisations and the Muslim world · Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977
2022
2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q1 (a, b, c, d)25 marksAyub Khan 1958–1969 · Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK
2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksCivilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK
2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q4 (b, c)10.5 marksCivilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977
2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q5 (a, b, c)12.5 marksCivilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh
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References only, not question text. Open Official paper ↗ where Cambridge publishes the paper,
or see the official Cambridge past-papers page; for other papers, ask your
school. “Paper 42” means Paper 4, variant 2.
Practice questions
Original questions written by HomiLabs in the style of the exam, with answers and mark schemes. They are not
Cambridge past paper questions and have not been reviewed by Cambridge. Try each one before opening the answer.
Q1Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Bhutto's policy of nationalisation between 1972 and 1976.[4]
(b)Explain why Bhutto introduced land reforms in 1972.[7]
Show answer
(a) In January 1972 the government took over about 30 large firms in basic industries such as iron and steel, heavy engineering, chemicals, cement and public utilities; life insurance companies were nationalised in 1972; banks were nationalised in 1974; in 1976 cotton-ginning, rice-husking and flour mills were taken over; a Board of Industrial Management was set up to run the units.
1 mark per accurate point up to 4: about 30 large units / ten basic industries (1972); named industries (steel, engineering, chemicals, cement, utilities); insurance 1972; banks 1974; ginning, rice-husking and flour mills 1976; Board of Industrial Management; owners given limited compensation.
(b) Bhutto's PPP had promised 'roti, kapra aur makaan' and needed to keep the support of poor peasants who voted for it in 1970; a small number of landlords owned huge estates and held great political power, which Bhutto wanted to reduce; lowering the ceiling (to 150 acres irrigated / 300 unirrigated) was meant to release land for landless tenants; giving tenants security against eviction and making landlords pay water rates and seed costs aimed to raise farm output and reduce rural poverty.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: election promise / Islamic socialism; reduce power of big landlords (feudals); give land to landless peasants; tenants' rights against eviction; raise agricultural productivity; reduce rural inequality.
Q2Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the main features of the 1973 Constitution.[4]
(b)Explain why Bhutto was removed from power in July 1977.[7]
Show answer
(a) Pakistan became the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with Islam as the state religion; it set up a federal parliamentary system with the Prime Minister as head of government and the President as a largely ceremonial head of state; Parliament had two houses, the National Assembly and the Senate; the President and Prime Minister had to be Muslims; it listed fundamental rights and an independent judiciary; Urdu was the national language.
1 mark per point up to 4: Islamic Republic / Islam the state religion; federal; parliamentary – PM holds power; President ceremonial; bicameral (National Assembly and Senate); PM and President Muslim; Council of Islamic Ideology; fundamental rights; Urdu national language, English official for a time; passed April 1973, in force 14 August 1973.
(b) The opposition parties, united in the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), accused the PPP of rigging the March 1977 elections, which it won by a very large margin; mass protests and strikes followed and many people were killed, so the country became hard to govern; Bhutto used the army and the Federal Security Force against protesters, which made him look authoritarian; rising prices and the failure of nationalisation had lost him support among industrialists and the middle class; talks with the PNA dragged on, and on 5 July 1977 General Zia-ul-Haq took over in 'Operation Fair Play', saying he would restore order and hold elections.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: alleged rigging of 1977 elections; PNA movement / strikes and violence; harsh use of FSF and army; economic problems (inflation, nationalisation); loss of support of religious groups and businessmen; army intervention, Operation Fair Play.
Q3Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Simla Agreement of 1972.[4]
(b)Explain why Bhutto's industrial reforms did not achieve all that he hoped.[7]
Show answer
(a) It was signed in July 1972 by Bhutto and the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after the 1971 war; both sides agreed to settle their disputes peacefully through bilateral talks; troops were to withdraw to their own side of the international border and India gave back the West Pakistan territory it had occupied; in Kashmir both agreed to respect the new Line of Control; the return of prisoners of war was left to later talks (they came home by 1974).
1 mark per point up to 4: July 1972, Simla; Bhutto and Indira Gandhi; disputes to be settled peacefully and bilaterally; withdrawal to international border / territory returned; Line of Control in Kashmir respected; POW issue settled later; restore communications and trade.
(b) Many nationalised units were run by civil servants and political appointees rather than experienced managers, so efficiency fell and many made losses; private investors lost confidence and moved their money abroad or stopped investing, so industrial growth slowed; the take-over of small ginning and rice mills in 1976 upset small businessmen who had supported the PPP; the oil price rise of 1973–74 and floods raised costs and inflation, which hid any gains from the reforms; labour laws raised wages, but strikes and low productivity continued.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: poor management / political appointments; loss of investor confidence / capital flight; small businesses angered (1976); world oil crisis and inflation; labour unrest; corruption.
Q4Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–1977 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe Bhutto's policy towards the Muslim world between 1972 and 1977.[4]
(b)'Bhutto's domestic policies between 1971 and 1977 were successful.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) He hosted the second Islamic Summit Conference of the OIC at Lahore in February 1974, attended by leaders such as King Faisal and Colonel Gaddafi; at the summit Pakistan recognised Bangladesh; he built close links with Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iran and the Gulf states, which gave loans and aid; thousands of Pakistani workers went to the Gulf states, sending back remittances.
1 mark per point up to 4: Lahore Islamic Summit 1974; named leaders; recognition of Bangladesh at the summit; financial help from oil-rich states; jobs for Pakistani workers in the Middle East / remittances; support for Arab states over Palestine / 1973 war.
(b) Agree: the 1973 Constitution was passed with the support of all parties and is still the basis of government; land reforms and labour laws gave some help to tenants and workers; health reforms (rural health centres) and education reforms (free schooling to class 8, new schools, Allama Iqbal Open University 1974) widened opportunities; the Qadiani issue was settled to the satisfaction of religious groups. Disagree: nationalisation made industry inefficient and scared off investors; land reforms were evaded by landlords who transferred land to relatives; the Federal Security Force was used against opponents; the military action in Balochistan (1973–77) caused resentment; the 1977 election rigging allegations led to his fall. Judgement: e.g. the constitution was a lasting success, but economic and political methods weakened his government.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Successes: 1973 Constitution; social reforms (health, education, AIOU); labour reforms; nuclear programme begun. Failures: nationalisation; weak land reform; FSF / authoritarian rule; Balochistan; 1977 elections. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q5Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the problems faced by refugees arriving in Pakistan in 1947.[4]
(b)Explain why the canal water dispute was a serious problem for Pakistan between 1947 and 1960.[7]
Show answer
(a) Millions of Muslim refugees (about seven million) crossed into Pakistan, many on foot or in packed trains; trains and columns were attacked and many people were killed; they arrived with few possessions and needed food, shelter and medical care; camps such as the Walton camp in Lahore were overcrowded and disease spread; many had no jobs or land, so resettling them was slow.
1 mark per point up to 4: about seven million refugees; violence / attacks on trains and caravans; arrived with nothing; lack of shelter / camps (e.g. Walton, Lahore); disease and lack of medicine; unemployment / need for land and housing; Jinnah's Relief Fund.
(b) The Radcliffe Award left the headworks at Ferozepur and Madhopur in India although the canals they fed irrigated land in Pakistan's Punjab; in April 1948 India cut off the water, threatening crops at sowing time and the farm economy on which most Pakistanis depended; Pakistan feared India could do this whenever it chose, which added to bitterness between the two countries; a 1948 temporary agreement made Pakistan pay for water, which it saw as unfair; the dispute was only settled by the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 through the World Bank, which gave the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: headworks in India; water stopped April 1948; agriculture / food supply threatened; insecurity – India controlled supply; payment demanded; long dispute until 1960 treaty.
Q6Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the Objectives Resolution of 1949.[4]
(b)Explain why it took Pakistan nine years to produce its first constitution.[7]
Show answer
(a) It was moved by Liaquat Ali Khan and passed by the Constituent Assembly in March 1949; it said sovereignty belongs to Allah and is exercised by the people through their elected representatives as a sacred trust; the state would follow the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as laid down by Islam; Muslims would be able to live according to Islam; minorities would be free to profess and practise their religions; Pakistan would be a federation with fundamental rights and an independent judiciary.
1 mark per point up to 4: March 1949; Liaquat Ali Khan; sovereignty of Allah; authority exercised by elected representatives; Islamic principles of democracy, equality, tolerance, justice; minority rights; federal system; fundamental rights; independent judiciary.
(b) Politicians disagreed about the balance of power between East and West Pakistan, because East Pakistan had the larger population and wanted representation by population while the West feared domination; there was a dispute about the national language (Urdu or Bengali as well); there was disagreement about the place of Islam in the state; leading figures died early – Jinnah in 1948 and Liaquat assassinated in 1951 – leaving weak leadership; governors-general such as Ghulam Muhammad dismissed governments and dissolved the Constituent Assembly in 1954, delaying the work; provincial jealousies and frequent changes of Prime Minister made agreement hard.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: East–West representation (parity); language issue; role of Islam; deaths of Jinnah and Liaquat; dissolution of Constituent Assembly 1954 / bureaucratic interference; provincialism / weak parties.
Q7Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the main features of the 1956 Constitution.[4]
(b)Explain why the One Unit scheme was introduced in 1955.[7]
Show answer
(a) It came into force on 23 March 1956 and named the country the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; the President had to be a Muslim; it set up a parliamentary system with a Prime Minister; there was a single-house National Assembly of 300 seats with parity, 150 each for East and West Pakistan; Urdu and Bengali were both national languages; Iskander Mirza became the first President.
1 mark per point up to 4: 23 March 1956; Islamic Republic; President a Muslim; parliamentary / PM; unicameral National Assembly 300; parity between wings; Urdu and Bengali national languages; federal; Iskander Mirza President.
(b) Merging the provinces and states of the west into a single province of West Pakistan created two units of equal standing, so parity could be used in the National Assembly and East Pakistan's larger population would not give it a permanent majority; the government argued it would reduce administrative costs by replacing several provincial governments with one; it was meant to reduce provincialism and build national unity; it made it easier to plan development such as irrigation for the whole western wing.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: create parity with East Pakistan; reduce the influence of the Bengali majority; save administrative cost / efficiency; reduce provincial rivalry / unity; easier development planning.
Q8Early years of Pakistan 1947–1958 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the events of the war over Kashmir in 1947–1948.[4]
(b)'Dealing with the refugee crisis was Jinnah's greatest achievement as Governor-General.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Muslims in Poonch rebelled against the Maharaja Hari Singh, and Pashtun tribesmen entered Kashmir in October 1947 in support; the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession to India and Indian troops were flown into Srinagar; fighting followed and the Pakistani army joined in 1948; India took the issue to the UN, which arranged a ceasefire from 1 January 1949 and called for a plebiscite, which was never held.
1 mark per point up to 4: Poonch revolt; tribesmen enter, October 1947; Maharaja accedes to India; Indian troops airlifted to Srinagar; Pakistan army involved 1948; UN involvement; ceasefire 1 January 1949; ceasefire line / Azad Kashmir; plebiscite promised but not held.
(b) Agree: he set up the Quaid-e-Azam Relief Fund, moved temporarily to Lahore to oversee the work, appealed for calm and visited camps, and millions of refugees were fed and slowly resettled. Disagree: other achievements were as important – he set up a working central government in Karachi from almost nothing, building a civil service; he founded the State Bank of Pakistan (1948) so Pakistan had its own currency; he negotiated with the princely states, bringing many (e.g. Bahawalpur, Khairpur, Kalat) into Pakistan; he dealt with the division of assets and the Kashmir war; he gave the nation a sense of unity in its first year. Judgement: e.g. setting up a working state was the greater achievement because without it refugees could not have been helped.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Refugees: Relief Fund, camps, resettlement. Others: central administration / civil service, State Bank 1948, princely states, division of assets, national unity speeches, Kashmir. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q9Civilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the domestic policies of Nawaz Sharif's first government (1990–1993).[4]
(b)Explain why Benazir Bhutto's first government was dismissed in 1990.[7]
Show answer
(a) He followed a policy of privatisation, selling state-owned industries and banks; he deregulated the economy and encouraged foreign investment; the Yellow Cab scheme gave loans to young people to buy taxis; work began on the Lahore–Islamabad motorway (M-2); the Shariat Bill (1991) declared the Quran and Sunnah the supreme law.
1 mark per point up to 4: privatisation; deregulation / foreign exchange relaxed; investment incentives; Yellow Cab scheme; motorway project; Shariat Bill 1991; Karachi operation 1992.
(b) President Ghulam Ishaq Khan used the Eighth Amendment (Article 58(2)(b)) to dismiss her in August 1990; he and the army leadership distrusted her and she clashed with them over appointments; her government was accused of corruption, including charges against her husband Asif Zardari; law and order in Sindh broke down, with ethnic violence in Karachi and Hyderabad after her alliance with the MQM ended; her opponents in the IJI controlled the Punjab government and blocked her policies, so she passed almost no laws.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Eighth Amendment powers of the President; conflict with President and army; corruption allegations; violence in Sindh; opposition-controlled Punjab / no legislation; inexperience.
Q10Civilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the nuclear tests carried out by Pakistan in 1998.[4]
(b)Explain why General Musharraf took power in October 1999.[7]
Show answer
(a) India carried out nuclear tests on 11 and 13 May 1998; Nawaz Sharif's government responded with tests on 28 May 1998 in the Ras Koh hills of Chagai, Balochistan, followed by a further test on 30 May; Pakistan became the first Muslim country to show nuclear weapons capability; the USA, Japan and others imposed economic sanctions; 28 May is marked as Youm-e-Takbeer.
1 mark per point up to 4: response to India's tests (May 1998); 28 and 30 May 1998; Chagai (Ras Koh), Balochistan; first Muslim nuclear power; sanctions / aid stopped; foreign currency accounts frozen; national celebration / Youm-e-Takbeer.
(b) Relations between Nawaz Sharif and the army had broken down after the Kargil conflict of 1999, when Sharif withdrew under US pressure and blamed the army; on 12 October 1999 Sharif tried to dismiss Musharraf while he was flying back from Sri Lanka and to stop his plane landing, so the army took over; Sharif had built up a lot of personal power through the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments and had clashed with the judiciary and the President, which made many see him as autocratic; the economy was weak after the 1998 sanctions and foreign debt was high, so many people welcomed the change.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Kargil / civil–military tension; attempt to dismiss Musharraf, plane incident; Sharif's concentration of power (13th, 14th Amendments, clash with Supreme Court 1997); weak economy after sanctions; corruption allegations.
Q11Civilian governments and Musharraf 1988–1999 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the main events of Benazir Bhutto's second government (1993–1996).[4]
(b)'The Eighth Amendment was the main cause of political instability in Pakistan between 1988 and 1999.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Farooq Leghari, a PPP member, became President; the government ran the Lady Health Workers programme and set up women's police stations; a military operation was conducted against violence in Karachi; her brother Murtaza Bhutto was killed in a police encounter in Karachi in September 1996; Leghari dismissed the government in November 1996 for corruption and misrule.
1 mark per point up to 4: Leghari President; social programmes (Lady Health Workers, women's police stations); Karachi operation; economic difficulties / IMF loans; corruption charges; Murtaza Bhutto's death 1996; dismissed November 1996 under 58(2)(b).
(b) Agree: Article 58(2)(b) let the President dismiss elected governments, and it was used against Benazir (1990, 1996) and Nawaz Sharif (1993), so no government finished its term; every elected government knew it could be removed, so it spent its time defending itself. Disagree: other causes were important – rivalry between the PPP and PML(N) was bitter and each side tried to bring down the other; corruption allegations against both leaders gave reasons for dismissal; the army had a strong influence over politics and foreign policy; violence in Karachi; the Eighth Amendment was repealed in 1997 by the Thirteenth Amendment, yet the government still fell in 1999. Judgement: e.g. the amendment was the tool, but party rivalry and army influence were the deeper causes.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — For: 58(2)(b) dismissals 1990, 1993, 1996. Against: party rivalry, corruption, army influence, economic problems, Karachi violence, 1999 coup after repeal. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q12Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the results of the general election of December 1970.[4]
(b)Explain why East Pakistan separated from Pakistan in 1971.[7]
Show answer
(a) It was Pakistan's first general election held on adult franchise (one person, one vote); the Awami League led by Mujib won 160 of the 162 general seats in East Pakistan, giving it an overall majority in the National Assembly; the PPP led by Bhutto won 81 of the 138 seats in West Pakistan; neither party won any seats in the other wing.
1 mark per point up to 4: first election on adult franchise; Awami League 160 of 162 East Pakistan seats; overall majority; PPP 81 seats in the West; no party won seats in both wings; country divided along regional lines.
(b) East Pakistanis felt economically exploited because more development money, industry and jobs went to the West although jute from the East earned much of the foreign exchange; Bengalis were under-represented in the army and civil service, so they felt they had little power; the Urdu–Bengali language dispute made Bengalis feel their culture was not respected; after the 1970 election the Awami League was not allowed to form a government, and the military crackdown of March 1971 turned demands for autonomy into a war for independence; India supported the Mukti Bahini and invaded in late 1971, so Pakistani forces surrendered at Dhaka on 16 December 1971.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: economic disparity; under-representation in army and civil service; language and culture; Six Points / Awami League; denial of power after 1970 election; military action 1971; Indian intervention; geographical distance.
Q13Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Legal Framework Order of 1970.[4]
(b)Was the Six Points programme the most important reason for the separation of East Pakistan? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) It was issued by Yahya Khan in March 1970 to set the rules for the coming election; One Unit was ended and the four western provinces restored; parity was replaced by representation by population, one person one vote, in a National Assembly of 313 seats; the new Assembly had 120 days to write a constitution; the constitution had to protect Pakistan's Islamic ideology, federal system and territorial unity, and the President could reject it.
1 mark per point up to 4: March 1970; end of One Unit / provinces restored; one person one vote / end of parity; 313-seat National Assembly; 120 days to frame a constitution; conditions (Islamic ideology, federation, national integrity, provincial autonomy); President's power to authenticate it.
(b) Yes: Mujib's Six Points (1966) demanded a loose federation in which the centre controlled only defence and foreign affairs and each wing had its own currency and taxes; this gave Bengali grievances a clear programme and made the Awami League the dominant party, and West Pakistani leaders saw it as a step towards separation, so they would not hand over power. Other reasons: economic disparity built up resentment over many years; Bengalis were under-represented in the army and bureaucracy; the language dispute from 1948–52; Bhutto's refusal to attend the Assembly in Dhaka and Yahya's postponement of it in March 1971; the army crackdown (Operation Searchlight); Indian military intervention which decided the outcome. Judgement: e.g. the Six Points expressed the demand, but the military crackdown and Indian intervention made separation happen.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Six Points: autonomy demands, loose federation, Awami League support, refused by West. Others: economic disparity, representation, language, post-election deadlock, crackdown, India. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q14Yahya Khan and the separation of East Pakistan 1969–1971 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the military events in East Pakistan between March and December 1971.[4]
(b)'Economic differences between the two wings were the main reason why Pakistan was divided in 1971.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) On 25 March 1971 the army began Operation Searchlight to crush the Awami League and Mujib was arrested and flown to West Pakistan; Bengali fighters formed the Mukti Bahini and waged a guerrilla war with Indian help; millions of refugees fled into India; India attacked in November–December 1971 and full war followed on both fronts; Pakistani forces under General Niazi surrendered at Dhaka on 16 December 1971 and about 90,000 became prisoners of war.
1 mark per point up to 4: Operation Searchlight 25 March; Mujib arrested; Mukti Bahini guerrilla war; refugees to India; Indian invasion late 1971 / war in West too; surrender at Dhaka 16 December 1971; about 90,000 POWs.
(b) Agree: East Pakistan earned much of the foreign exchange through jute but received a smaller share of development spending; industry, banks and business families were mostly based in the West; income per head grew faster in the West, so Bengalis felt they were treated as a colony. Disagree: political factors were important – Bengalis were under-represented in the army and civil service and had little say under Ayub's rule; the language movement created lasting distrust; after the 1970 election the majority party was denied power; the military crackdown destroyed loyalty; the 1,600 km of Indian territory between the wings made unity hard; India intervened militarily. Judgement: e.g. economic grievances were a long-term cause, but the political crisis of 1970–71 and Indian intervention were decisive.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Economic: jute earnings, development spending, industry in West, income gap. Others: representation, language, 1970 deadlock, crackdown, geography, India. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q15Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Pakistan's relations with the USA between 1954 and 1965.[4]
(b)Explain why Pakistan's relations with the USSR were often poor between 1947 and 1979.[7]
Show answer
(a) Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement with the USA in 1954 and joined the US-backed alliances SEATO (1954) and the Baghdad Pact/CENTO (1955); in return it received large amounts of military and economic aid; it allowed the USA to use an air base at Badaber near Peshawar, from which the U-2 spy plane shot down over the USSR in 1960 had flown; relations cooled when the USA gave arms to India after 1962 and stopped aid to both sides in the 1965 war.
1 mark per point up to 4: 1954 defence agreement; SEATO 1954; Baghdad Pact / CENTO 1955; military and economic aid; Badaber base / U-2 incident 1960; US arms to India 1962; aid suspended in 1965 war.
(b) Pakistan joined US-led alliances (SEATO and CENTO) against communism, so the USSR saw it as part of the Western camp; Liaquat Ali Khan visited the USA in 1950 rather than the USSR, which was seen as a snub; the U-2 incident of 1960 led the USSR to threaten Pakistan; the USSR supported India over Kashmir, using its veto in the UN Security Council, and signed a treaty of friendship with India in 1971 before the war; it also supported Afghanistan's claims over Pakhtunistan. There were better moments, such as the Tashkent talks of 1966 and Soviet help with the Karachi steel mill in the 1970s.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Pakistan in Western alliances; Liaquat's US visit 1950; U-2 1960; Soviet support for India / veto on Kashmir; 1971 Indo-Soviet treaty; support for Afghanistan. Credit balancing points (Tashkent 1966, Pakistan Steel Mills).
Q16Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Standard · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe Pakistan's membership of the Commonwealth since 1947.[4]
(b)'Pakistan has had good relations with the UK since 1947.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Pakistan joined the Commonwealth at independence in 1947; it left in 1972 when Britain and other members recognised Bangladesh; it rejoined in 1989 under Benazir Bhutto; it was suspended from the Commonwealth's councils after the military takeover of October 1999; membership gave it access to scholarships, trade links and a forum to raise issues such as Kashmir.
1 mark per point up to 4: joined 1947; left 1972 over recognition of Bangladesh; rejoined 1989; suspended after 1999 coup; benefits (scholarships, trade, conferences).
(b) Agree: the UK was the former colonial power and many British officers served in Pakistan's army and civil service in the early years; Pakistan was a Commonwealth member and joined Western alliances with the UK; the UK is a major trading partner and source of aid and investment; a large Pakistani community lives in Britain and sends remittances; many Pakistani students study in the UK. Disagree: Pakistan felt the UK did not support it over Kashmir; Pakistan left the Commonwealth in 1972 because Britain recognised Bangladesh; the UK criticised the 1998 nuclear tests and the 1999 military takeover; immigration controls caused tension. Judgement: e.g. relations have mostly been good because of trade and the large British-Pakistani community, despite periods of tension.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Good: colonial links, Commonwealth, alliances, trade and aid, diaspora and remittances, education. Poor: Kashmir, 1972 withdrawal, nuclear tests, 1999 suspension, immigration. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q17Relations with the USA, USSR/Russia and UK · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Pakistan's relations with the USA during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan (1979–1989).[4]
(b)Explain why relations between Pakistan and the USA became worse during the 1990s.[7]
Show answer
(a) After the Soviet invasion of December 1979 Pakistan became a frontline state; the Reagan administration agreed a large aid package (about US$3.2 billion over six years from 1981) including F-16 fighter aircraft; US weapons and money for the Afghan mujahideen were channelled through Pakistan's ISI; the USA overlooked Pakistan's nuclear programme and military rule; Pakistan took in about three million Afghan refugees.
1 mark per point up to 4: frontline state after 1979; large aid package (1981, about $3.2 billion); F-16s; arms to mujahideen via ISI; refugees hosted; US silence on nuclear programme / military rule; Geneva Accords 1988.
(b) With the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 and the end of the Cold War, Pakistan was less important to the USA; in 1990 the USA applied the Pressler Amendment because it could not certify that Pakistan had no nuclear weapons, so aid was cut and F-16s already paid for were not delivered; Pakistan's nuclear tests in 1998 led to further US sanctions; the Kargil conflict of 1999 and the military takeover in October 1999 brought more criticism and restrictions; the USA built closer ties with India.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: end of Cold War / Afghan war; Pressler Amendment 1990; F-16 issue; 1998 nuclear tests and sanctions; Kargil 1999; 1999 coup; closer US–India relations.
Q18Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Pakistan's relations with China between 1950 and 1972.[4]
(b)Explain why Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan were difficult between 1947 and 1979.[7]
Show answer
(a) Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise the People's Republic of China (1950) and diplomatic relations began in 1951; the 1963 border agreement settled the frontier between Xinjiang and the northern areas; China gave diplomatic and military support to Pakistan in the 1965 war; work began on the Karakoram Highway to link the two countries; Pakistan helped arrange the secret visit of US adviser Henry Kissinger to Beijing in 1971.
1 mark per point up to 4: early recognition 1950; diplomatic relations 1951; 1963 border agreement; support in 1965 war; aid / military equipment; Karakoram Highway; Kissinger visit 1971 / role as bridge to USA; support in 1971 crisis.
(b) Afghanistan was the only country to vote against Pakistan joining the UN in 1947; it refused to accept the Durand Line as the border and claimed that Pashtun areas of Pakistan should form 'Pakhtunistan'; Pakistan's embassy in Kabul was attacked in 1955 and relations were broken off from 1961 to 1963, with the border closed and trade disrupted; Afghanistan received Soviet aid and was close to India, while Pakistan was in Western alliances; there were border clashes and support for rebels on both sides.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: UN vote 1947; Durand Line; Pakhtunistan; embassy attacked 1955 / relations broken 1961–63; Soviet and Indian links; border incidents.
Q19Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the war between Pakistan and India in 1965.[4]
(b)Explain why relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh improved after 1974.[7]
Show answer
(a) It began after clashes in the Rann of Kutch earlier in 1965 and Operation Gibraltar, when Pakistan sent fighters into Indian-held Kashmir in August; India attacked across the international border towards Lahore on 6 September 1965; there was heavy tank fighting, for example around Chawinda and Sialkot; after about 17 days a UN-backed ceasefire came into effect on 23 September 1965; the war ended with the Tashkent Declaration in January 1966.
1 mark per point up to 4: Rann of Kutch clashes; Operation Gibraltar, August 1965; Indian attack towards Lahore, 6 September; tank battles (Chawinda / Sialkot); air battles; ceasefire 23 September; Tashkent Declaration 1966.
(b) Pakistan recognised Bangladesh in February 1974 at the time of the Lahore Islamic Summit, and Mujib attended the summit, which opened the way to talks; both were Muslim-majority countries and members of the OIC, so they had shared interests; full diplomatic relations were set up in 1976 after changes of government in Bangladesh; trade agreements and air links followed; both were founding members of SAARC in 1985, which gave regular contact; leaders exchanged visits in the 1980s and 1990s. Problems such as the stranded Biharis and division of assets remained.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: recognition 1974 / Lahore Summit; shared Islamic identity and OIC; new governments in Bangladesh after 1975; diplomatic relations 1976; trade and air links; SAARC 1985; official visits.
Q20Relations with India, China, Afghanistan and Bangladesh · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Tashkent Declaration of 1966.[4]
(b)'The Kashmir issue has been the main reason for poor relations between Pakistan and India since 1947.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) It was signed in January 1966 by Ayub Khan and the Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at talks arranged by the Soviet Prime Minister Kosygin; both sides agreed to withdraw their forces to the positions held before the 1965 war; they agreed to settle disputes by peaceful means and not interfere in each other's affairs; diplomatic relations, trade and communications were to be restored and prisoners exchanged; Kashmir was not settled.
1 mark per point up to 4: January 1966; Soviet mediation (Kosygin); Ayub and Shastri; withdrawal to pre-war positions; peaceful settlement / non-interference; restore diplomatic and trade relations; exchange of POWs; no solution on Kashmir / Shastri died in Tashkent.
(b) Agree: Kashmir led to wars in 1947–48 and 1965 and the Kargil conflict of 1999; the promised plebiscite was never held; it has blocked many attempts at friendship, for example the talks after Lahore in 1999. Disagree: other issues caused hostility – the division of assets and the refugee violence of 1947; the canal water dispute until 1960; India's role in the separation of East Pakistan in 1971; the nuclear arms race and tests of 1974 and 1998; disputes over Siachen and Sir Creek. There were also periods of improvement: the Indus Waters Treaty, the Simla Agreement, the 1988 agreement not to attack nuclear facilities and the 1999 Lahore Declaration. Judgement: e.g. Kashmir is the most lasting cause, but 1971 and the nuclear race made relations worse.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Kashmir: wars 1947–48, 1965, Kargil 1999, plebiscite, UN. Others: 1947 assets and violence, water, 1971, nuclear race, Siachen. Improvements may be used for balance. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q21Ayub Khan 1958–1969 · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the system of Basic Democracies introduced by Ayub Khan in 1959.[4]
(b)Explain why Ayub Khan was able to take power in 1958.[7]
Show answer
(a) It created 80,000 elected Basic Democrats, 40,000 from each wing; they were elected by adult voters in union councils at the lowest level; above these were tehsil (thana), district and divisional councils, partly made up of officials; the councils handled local matters such as roads, sanitation and schools; the Basic Democrats formed the electoral college which elected the President and the assemblies.
1 mark per point up to 4: introduced 1959; 80,000 Basic Democrats (40,000 per wing); union councils elected; tiered system – tehsil/thana, district, divisional councils; officials nominated to higher tiers; local development duties; electoral college for President (1960 referendum, 1965 election).
(b) Between 1951 and 1958 there were many Prime Ministers, so government was unstable and politicians were seen as self-seeking; the economy was weak, with food shortages, smuggling and rising prices; President Iskander Mirza declared martial law on 7 October 1958 and appointed Ayub as Chief Martial Law Administrator, but Ayub removed Mirza on 27 October; the army was the most organised institution and Ayub was its commander, so there was little resistance; many people hoped the army would end corruption and restore order before the planned 1959 elections.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: political instability / frequent changes of PM; corruption; economic crisis; Mirza's martial law, October 1958; strength of the army; public support for order.
Q22Ayub Khan 1958–1969 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the agricultural reforms of Ayub Khan's government.[4]
(b)Explain why Ayub Khan's government fell in 1969.[7]
Show answer
(a) The 1959 land reforms set a ceiling of 500 acres of irrigated or 1,000 acres of unirrigated land per person, with the surplus given to tenants; high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice were introduced in the 'Green Revolution'; farmers were encouraged to use fertilisers, pesticides and tube-wells, with loans from the Agricultural Development Bank; the Indus Basin works built dams such as Mangla and link canals.
1 mark per point up to 4: land reform 1959 / ceilings; surplus land to tenants; Green Revolution – HYV seeds; fertilisers and pesticides; tube-wells; loans; Mangla dam / link canals; mechanisation (tractors).
(b) Many people saw the Tashkent Declaration of 1966 as a betrayal of the gains of the 1965 war, and Bhutto left the government and formed the PPP (1967) to oppose Ayub; economic growth had mainly benefited a few rich families (the '22 families'), while workers faced rising prices, for example of sugar; the 'Decade of Development' celebrations of 1968 annoyed people who had not benefited; in East Pakistan the Agartala conspiracy case against Mujib increased anger; student and worker protests spread across both wings and Ayub, also in poor health, handed power to General Yahya Khan in March 1969.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Tashkent; Bhutto and the PPP; inequality / 22 families; inflation; 'Decade of Development' resentment; East Pakistan unrest / Agartala case; mass protests; ill health.
Q23Ayub Khan 1958–1969 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the main features of the 1962 Constitution.[4]
(b)'Ayub Khan's economic reforms were more successful than his political reforms.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) It set up a presidential system in which the President held most power and there was no Prime Minister; the President was elected indirectly by the Basic Democrats acting as an electoral college; the President could veto laws and dissolve the National Assembly, and appointed ministers and governors; there was a single-house National Assembly; it introduced a federal system with two provinces; the country was first called the 'Republic of Pakistan', with 'Islamic' restored by amendment in 1963.
1 mark per point up to 4: presidential; no PM; indirect election by Basic Democrats; President's veto / power to dissolve assembly / appoint ministers; unicameral National Assembly; two provinces; name changed then 'Islamic' restored 1963; Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology.
(b) Agree: GDP grew quickly in the 1960s (about 6% a year); industry expanded with the help of foreign aid and the Pakistan Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation; the Green Revolution raised wheat and rice output; the Indus Waters Treaty and the Mangla and Tarbela projects improved irrigation. Disagree: the gains were unevenly shared, with wealth concentrated in a few families and East Pakistan falling behind; inflation rose in the late 1960s. Political reforms: Basic Democracies brought some local development and the 1962 Constitution gave stability for a time, and Islamabad was built as a new capital; but indirect elections were seen as undemocratic, the 1965 election against Fatima Jinnah was seen as unfair, and the system collapsed in 1969. Judgement: e.g. the economic reforms achieved more, but their unequal results contributed to his fall.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Economic: growth, industry, Green Revolution, water projects; but inequality. Political: Basic Democracies, 1962 Constitution, Islamabad; but lack of democracy, 1965 election, collapse 1969. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q24Zia-ul-Haq 1977–1988 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(b)Explain why Zia-ul-Haq was able to stay in power for eleven years.[7]
Show answer
(a) The Hudood Ordinances (1979) introduced Islamic punishments for crimes such as theft and adultery; the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance (1980) made the state deduct zakat from bank accounts; a Federal Shariat Court was set up in 1980 to check laws against Islamic teachings; the Majlis-e-Shoora was set up as an advisory council; Islamiyat and Arabic were encouraged in schools and the Qanun-e-Shahadat (law of evidence, 1984) was introduced.
1 mark per point up to 4: Hudood Ordinances 1979; Zakat and Ushr 1980; Federal Shariat Court 1980; Majlis-e-Shoora 1981–82; Qanun-e-Shahadat 1984; Islamic education / Islamiyat compulsory; blasphemy laws; interest-free banking steps; prayer breaks / Ramadan observance.
(b) Martial law gave him control of the army and courts, and the Provisional Constitutional Order of 1981 made judges swear loyalty to him; Bhutto, his main rival, was executed in 1979 and the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (1983) was crushed; the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan made Pakistan important to the USA, which gave large aid and ignored his rule; Islamisation won the support of religious parties; remittances from the Gulf helped the economy grow; the 1984 referendum and the non-party elections of 1985, with the Eighth Amendment, gave him legal cover.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: martial law / control of army and judiciary; Bhutto removed; MRD suppressed; US support after 1979; religious support; economic growth / remittances; 1984 referendum, 1985 elections, Eighth Amendment.
Q25Zia-ul-Haq 1977–1988 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe the Eighth Amendment of 1985.[4]
(b)'Islamisation was the most important of Zia-ul-Haq's domestic policies.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) It was passed by the National Assembly elected in the non-party elections of 1985, under Prime Minister Junejo; it gave legal protection (indemnity) to all actions of the martial law government since 1977; Article 58(2)(b) allowed the President to dismiss the Prime Minister and dissolve the National Assembly; the President could appoint the Prime Minister, provincial governors and the chiefs of the armed forces; it changed the system into a mix of presidential and parliamentary rule.
1 mark per point up to 4: 1985; passed by Junejo's assembly; indemnity for martial law actions; 58(2)(b) power to dissolve NA; appointment of PM, governors, service chiefs; balance shifted to the President; martial law lifted afterwards (December 1985).
(b) Agree: Islamisation changed the legal system (Hudood laws, Shariat courts), taxation (zakat and ushr) and education, and many of these laws lasted long after his death; it gave his rule legitimacy and religious support. Disagree: other policies were important – the economy grew at around 6% a year, helped by remittances and denationalisation of some industries returned to private owners; political policies such as the 1985 elections and Eighth Amendment shaped politics until 1997; the Afghan war policy brought aid but also refugees, weapons and drugs ('Kalashnikov culture'); local bodies elections were held in 1979. Judgement: e.g. Islamisation had the most lasting effect on society, though the Eighth Amendment had the greater political effect.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Islamisation: laws, zakat, courts, education, lasting impact. Others: economy and denationalisation, local government, 1985 elections and Eighth Amendment, Afghan war effects. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q26UN, world organisations and the Muslim world · Core · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe Pakistan's part in United Nations peacekeeping.[4]
(b)Explain why Pakistan has wanted close relations with other Muslim countries since 1947.[7]
Show answer
(a) Pakistan joined the UN on 30 September 1947; its troops first served in a UN mission in the Congo in 1960; Pakistani soldiers have since served in many missions, for example in Somalia, Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Liberia; Pakistan has been one of the largest providers of troops to UN peacekeeping; many Pakistani peacekeepers have lost their lives on duty.
1 mark per point up to 4: UN member 1947; first mission Congo 1960; named later missions (Somalia, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Haiti etc.); among the largest troop contributors; casualties / medals; police and medical units too.
(b) Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims, so Islamic unity is part of its ideology; it has supported Muslim causes such as Palestine and wanted Muslim support over Kashmir; oil-rich states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have given loans, cheap oil and aid, especially in crises; millions of Pakistanis work in the Gulf and send remittances home; through the OIC, of which Pakistan is a founding member, it gains a stronger voice in world affairs, as at the 1974 Lahore Summit.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Islamic ideology; Palestine and Kashmir; financial help / oil; jobs and remittances; OIC voice / Lahore Summit; defence links and training.
Q27UN, world organisations and the Muslim world · Standard · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe Pakistan's membership of SAARC and the ECO.[4]
(b)'Pakistan's membership of world organisations has brought it more benefits than problems since 1947.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) SAARC was founded at Dhaka in 1985 by seven South Asian countries including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, to encourage economic and social co-operation; Pakistan hosted its summit at Islamabad in 1988; the ECO was set up in 1985 by Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, replacing the earlier RCD of 1964; in 1992 it was expanded to ten members including Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics.
1 mark per point up to 4: SAARC 1985, Dhaka; seven founding members; aims – regional co-operation; Islamabad summit 1988; India–Pakistan rivalry limits it; ECO 1985 (Pakistan, Iran, Turkey); successor to RCD 1964; expanded 1992 to ten members.
(b) Benefits: the UN arranged the 1949 ceasefire in Kashmir and passed resolutions for a plebiscite; UN agencies such as UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR have helped with health, refugees and disasters; the World Bank arranged the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and the IMF has given loans; the OIC has supported Pakistan diplomatically; the Commonwealth and SAARC give trade and education links. Problems: the UN resolutions on Kashmir have not been carried out; SEATO and CENTO did not help Pakistan in 1965 or 1971; IMF loans come with conditions such as tax rises and subsidy cuts; Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth (1999); SAARC has been held back by India–Pakistan rivalry. Judgement: e.g. benefits outweigh problems because of aid and diplomatic support, even though Kashmir remains unresolved.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Benefits: UN ceasefire/resolutions, agencies, World Bank and Indus treaty, IMF loans, OIC, Commonwealth. Problems: Kashmir unresolved, alliances failed, IMF conditions, suspensions, SAARC weakness. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q28Language, education and culture since 1947 · Standard · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the language movement in East Pakistan between 1948 and 1956.[4]
(b)Explain why Urdu was chosen as the national language of Pakistan.[7]
Show answer
(a) In March 1948 Jinnah said in Dhaka that Urdu alone would be the state language, which upset Bengali speakers; in 1952 Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin repeated this, and students protested; on 21 February 1952 police fired on protesting students in Dhaka and several were killed; the movement continued, and in 1954 the Constituent Assembly accepted Bengali; the 1956 Constitution made both Urdu and Bengali national languages.
1 mark per point up to 4: Jinnah's 1948 speech; Bengali speakers' opposition; Nazimuddin 1952; student protests; 21 February 1952 shootings; martyrs remembered (Shaheed Minar); 1954 acceptance; 1956 Constitution – Urdu and Bengali.
(b) Urdu had been the language of the Pakistan Movement and was associated with Muslim identity across the subcontinent, since it is written in the Persian–Arabic script and contains many Persian and Arabic words; it was understood in most parts of the country, so it could unite people who spoke different regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi; it had a rich literature, including the poetry of Iqbal; Sir Syed and the Aligarh Movement had defended it during the Urdu–Hindi controversy, so it had become a symbol of Muslim rights; choosing a regional language would have favoured one province over the others.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: symbol of Muslim identity / Pakistan Movement; script and vocabulary; widely understood – unifying; rich literature (Iqbal, Ghalib); Urdu–Hindi controversy; neutral between provinces.
Q29Language, education and culture since 1947 · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 18 marks
(a)Describe how regional languages have contributed to the culture of Pakistan.[4]
(b)'Pakistan's governments were successful in improving education between 1947 and 1999.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.[14]
Show answer
(a) Punjabi has a strong tradition of Sufi poetry, such as Waris Shah's Heer Ranjha and the poems of Bulleh Shah; Sindhi literature includes Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's Shah jo Risalo; Pashto poets include Khushal Khan Khattak and Rahman Baba; Balochi has a long tradition of oral ballads and folk poetry; regional languages are used in radio, television, music and newspapers.
1 mark per point up to 4, with a named language and accurate example: Punjabi (Waris Shah, Bulleh Shah); Sindhi (Shah Abdul Latif); Pashto (Khushal Khan Khattak, Rahman Baba); Balochi (folk ballads, poets such as Jam Durrak); media and music in regional languages; academies / boards promoting them.
(b) Agree: the number of schools, colleges and universities grew greatly; Bhutto made schooling free up to class 8 and founded the Allama Iqbal Open University (1974) for distance learning; Zia promoted adult literacy and Islamic education; many new universities and technical institutes were opened, and the Social Action Programme of the 1990s targeted primary schools. Disagree: literacy rose only slowly and was still well under half the population by the end of the 1990s; spending on education stayed low, around 2% of GDP; girls and rural children had far fewer chances, and many schools lacked teachers or buildings; nationalisation of private schools in 1972 lowered standards in some places; frequent policy changes and the gap between English-medium and Urdu-medium schools continued. Judgement: e.g. access expanded, but low spending meant quality and literacy improved only slowly.
Level marking (14 marks). L1 (1–2): general statements with no relevant detail. L2 (3–6): identifies or describes relevant factors without explaining them. L3 (7–10): explains factors on one side only (7–8 for one explained point, 9–10 for two or more). L4 (9–13): explains factors on both sides (more developed points and accurate detail move the answer up the band). L5 (14): as L4, plus a supported judgement that answers 'how far' (or 'was it the most important'). Content points (credit any relevant, accurate point; each needs explaining, not just stating) — Success: expansion of schools and universities, free education, AIOU, literacy campaigns, SAP. Failure: low literacy, low spending, gender/rural gaps, poor facilities, policy changes, two-tier system. A judgement must weigh the stated factor against the others, not just repeat the question.
Q30Foreign policy of individual governments · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 11 marks
(a)Describe the foreign policy of Benazir Bhutto's first government (1988–1990).[4]
(b)Explain why Zia-ul-Haq's foreign policy made Pakistan more important to the USA.[7]
Show answer
(a) She hosted the SAARC summit in Islamabad in December 1988, when Rajiv Gandhi visited and the two countries agreed not to attack each other's nuclear facilities; Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth in 1989; she visited the USA in 1989 and addressed the US Congress; the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan was completed in February 1989, and her government supported the mujahideen's attempt to take Jalalabad; tension rose with India over Kashmir in 1990.
1 mark per point up to 4: SAARC summit 1988; Rajiv Gandhi visit / nuclear facilities agreement; rejoined Commonwealth 1989; visit to USA and Congress; Soviet withdrawal / Jalalabad; Kashmir tension 1990.
(b) After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, Pakistan became the frontline state against Soviet expansion, so the USA needed its co-operation; Zia allowed weapons and money for the Afghan mujahideen to pass through Pakistan, which was the only practical route into Afghanistan; Pakistan hosted about three million Afghan refugees, showing it was carrying a heavy burden for the West; its links with China and the Muslim world made it a useful partner; in return the USA gave large aid packages and F-16 aircraft and did not press Zia over democracy or the nuclear programme.
Level marking. L1 (1–2): general statements. L2 (2–4): identifies or describes reasons. L3 (4–7): explains reasons, 5 marks for one well-explained reason, 7 for two or more. Reasons: Soviet invasion – frontline state; supply route for mujahideen; refugee burden; links with China and Muslim world; resulting US aid and F-16s.
Similar questions
Questions that test the same subtopic in different years, grouped so you can work on one skill at a time.
References only: find each question in its paper (official link where available, otherwise through your school).
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 1971–19774 questions · 4/9 sessions
