Sample Notes: How Far Did Pakistan Achieve Stability Following The Death of Jinnah?: What were the main achievements of the various ministries in the years 1948–58?
O Level Pakistan Studies – The History and Culture of Pakistan
Context
- Pakistan was created in August 1947.
- The first decade (1948–1958) was crucial for establishing institutions, stabilizing economy, writing a constitution, and dealing with internal/external challenges.
- Four major figures led governments during this period:
- Liaquat Ali Khan (1947–1951)
- Khwaja Nazimuddin (1951–1953)
- Ghulam Muhammad (1951–1955 as Governor-General)
- Iskander Mirza (1956–1958 as Governor-General and later first President)
Liaquat Ali Khan (Prime Minister, 1947–1951)
Achievements
- Political
- First Prime Minister of Pakistan.
- Introduced the Objectives Resolution (March 1949), laying down guiding principles of the Constitution based on Islam.
- Tried to establish parliamentary democracy.
- Laid foundation for constitution-making.
- Economic
- Introduced first Budget and economic policies to stabilize economy.
- Dealt with shortage of funds after division of assets with India.
- Encouraged trade with other countries.
- Foreign Policy
- Formulated Pakistan’s first foreign policy vision: friendship with all, special ties with Muslim world.
- Strengthened relations with the USA, Middle East, and Muslim countries.
- Social
- Worked on rehabilitation of refugees after Partition.
- Introduced educational reforms and promoted Islamic culture.
Limitations
- Could not complete constitution.
- Assassinated in Rawalpindi on 16 October 1951, creating instability.
Timeline
- 1947 – Became PM.
- 1949 – Objectives Resolution passed.
- 1950 – Initiated planning for economic development.
- 1951 – Assassinated.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level Pakistan Studies The History and Culture of Pakistan Full Scale Course
Khwaja Nazimuddin (Governor-General 1948–1951; Prime Minister 1951–1953)
Achievements
- As Governor-General (1948–1951)
- Took over after Jinnah’s death in 1948.
- Represented continuity of Muslim League leadership.
- Strengthened parliamentary tradition by working with Liaquat Ali Khan.
- As Prime Minister (1951–1953)
- Tried to continue Liaquat’s policies.
- Handled severe economic crises due to food shortages, inflation, and unemployment.
- Introduced measures to increase food production.
- Managed language controversy in East Pakistan but failed to solve it.
- Struggled with law and order: anti-Ahmadi riots of 1953 occurred during his tenure.
Limitations
- Considered weak administrator.
- Dismissed in April 1953 by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad.
Timeline
- 1948 – Became Governor-General after Jinnah’s death.
- 1951 – Became PM after Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination.
- 1952–53 – Faced food crisis and riots.
- 1953 – Dismissed by Governor-General.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level Pakistan Studies The History and Culture of Pakistan Full Scale Course
Ghulam Muhammad (Governor-General, 1951–1955)
Achievements
- Took over as Governor-General after Nazimuddin became PM.
- Political
- Played strong role in politics, dismissed ministries using his powers.
- 1954: Dismissed Constituent Assembly and PM Nazimuddin’s government.
- Appointed Mohammad Ali Bogra as PM.
- Economic
- Initiated First Five-Year Plan (1955–1960) (though implemented later).
- Encouraged foreign aid and investment.
- Administrative
- Reorganized provinces under One Unit Scheme (1955): West Pakistan merged into one province to balance East Pakistan.
Limitations
- Accused of authoritarianism, undermining parliamentary democracy.
- Dismissal of Constituent Assembly created political instability.
- Fell ill in 1955 and was replaced.
Timeline
- 1951 – Became Governor-General.
- 1953 – Dismissed Nazimuddin’s government.
- 1954 – Dissolved Constituent Assembly.
- 1955 – Introduced One Unit scheme; replaced due to ill health.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level Pakistan Studies The History and Culture of Pakistan Full Scale Course
Iskander Mirza (Governor-General 1955–1956, President 1956–1958)
Achievements
- As Governor-General
- Replaced Ghulam Muhammad in 1955.
- Oversaw completion of first Constitution of Pakistan (1956).
- As First President of Pakistan (1956–1958)
- Promulgated 1956 Constitution establishing Pakistan as Islamic Republic.
- Parliamentary system with PM and President roles defined.
- Tried to balance politics between East and West Pakistan.
- Administrative
- Continued One Unit policy for West Pakistan.
- Managed law and order in both wings.
Limitations
- Used emergency powers to dismiss governments frequently.
- In 1958, abrogated the Constitution with help of General Ayub Khan → ended parliamentary democracy, start of military rule.
Timeline
- 1955 – Became Governor-General.
- 1956 – Constitution passed, became first President of Pakistan.
- 1956–58 – Multiple ministries dismissed under his rule.
- October 1958 – Declared Martial Law with Ayub Khan, later exiled.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level Pakistan Studies The History and Culture of Pakistan Full Scale Course
Overall Evaluation (1948–1958)
- Positive Achievements
- Objectives Resolution (1949).
- Constitution of 1956 → Pakistan became Islamic Republic.
- Attempts at economic planning (Five-Year Plan).
- Refugee rehabilitation and administrative reorganization.
- Limitations
- Political instability: frequent dismissals of ministries.
- Weak leadership (except Liaquat Ali Khan).
- Failure to provide permanent, stable constitution until 1956.
- Beginning of authoritarianism and military involvement.