A
The Awami League
Heading into the elections of December 1970, the Awami League are by far the most popular political party in East Pakistan. Founded amid the Bengali Language movement in 1949, the Awami League is now led by the charismatic Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Mujib has rallied mass support around both his own personality and widespread resentment of West Pakistan.
Mujib himself proclaims to want East Pakistan to remain united with the west, although with wide-ranging devolved powers. However, there are powerful factions within the Awami league, many of them students, that want to see full independence for East Pakistan. Mujib has managed to appease these factions up until now, whether he will be able to after the elections remains to be seen.
The Awami League
Heading into the elections of December 1970, the Awami League are by far the most popular political party in East Pakistan. Founded amid the Bengali Language movement in 1949, the Awami League is now led by the charismatic Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Mujib has rallied mass support around both his own personality and widespread resentment of West Pakistan.
Mujib himself proclaims to want East Pakistan to remain united with the west, although with wide-ranging devolved powers. However, there are powerful factions within the Awami league, many of them students, that want to see full independence for East Pakistan. Mujib has managed to appease these factions up until now, whether he will be able to after the elections remains to be seen.
B
The Bengali People
The Bengali people populate East and West Bengal. East Bengal is the province that became East Pakistan in 1947, whilst West Bengal remained a part of India. Other than a shared religion, the Bengalis had little affinity with their compatriots in the West wing; they had a separate history, separate culture and separate language.
The British stereotype of the Bengalis was one which considered them to be a people of peace, one that was content with being ruled by a benign power and a people whose men did not make good soldiers. Consequently, Bengalis were not actively recruited by the British Army. This meant that when Pakistan gained independence and the military seized power, there were very few Bengalis in high ranking positions.
Bhola Cyclone
The Bhola cyclone hit East Pakistan on 12th November 1970. After the floods of August, it was the second natural disaster to hit the region in the space of three months, an estimated 500,000 people lost their lives. The military government have been heavily criticised for their humanitarian response, and this has been seized upon by the Awami League.
Interestingly, the elections have not been postponed for a second time. This is largely due to the insistence of the Awami League. All other parties in the East however, have called for their further postponement. As a result, they are enacting a boycott of the forthcoming elections in protest at the poor response of the government to the disaster. This naturally leaves the path clear for a large Awami League victory.
The Bengali People
The Bengali people populate East and West Bengal. East Bengal is the province that became East Pakistan in 1947, whilst West Bengal remained a part of India. Other than a shared religion, the Bengalis had little affinity with their compatriots in the West wing; they had a separate history, separate culture and separate language.
The British stereotype of the Bengalis was one which considered them to be a people of peace, one that was content with being ruled by a benign power and a people whose men did not make good soldiers. Consequently, Bengalis were not actively recruited by the British Army. This meant that when Pakistan gained independence and the military seized power, there were very few Bengalis in high ranking positions.
Bhola Cyclone
The Bhola cyclone hit East Pakistan on 12th November 1970. After the floods of August, it was the second natural disaster to hit the region in the space of three months, an estimated 500,000 people lost their lives. The military government have been heavily criticised for their humanitarian response, and this has been seized upon by the Awami League.
Interestingly, the elections have not been postponed for a second time. This is largely due to the insistence of the Awami League. All other parties in the East however, have called for their further postponement. As a result, they are enacting a boycott of the forthcoming elections in protest at the poor response of the government to the disaster. This naturally leaves the path clear for a large Awami League victory.
C
Pakistan's links with China
Pakistan's relationship with China improved markedly after the 1965 war with India over Kashmir. Foreign Minister Bhutto was particularly frustrated by what he understood as an American security guarantee that never came. Therefore he looked to form an alliance with the communist government in Beijing. He did this by conceding to China the Aksai Chin province of Kashmir that was controlled by India. This move instantly united the Chinese and Pakistani position over the region.
The true strength of the allegiance between the two is one for debate. It is difficult to tell if China will come to Pakistan's aid in the event of an attack by India.
Pakistan's links with China
Pakistan's relationship with China improved markedly after the 1965 war with India over Kashmir. Foreign Minister Bhutto was particularly frustrated by what he understood as an American security guarantee that never came. Therefore he looked to form an alliance with the communist government in Beijing. He did this by conceding to China the Aksai Chin province of Kashmir that was controlled by India. This move instantly united the Chinese and Pakistani position over the region.
The true strength of the allegiance between the two is one for debate. It is difficult to tell if China will come to Pakistan's aid in the event of an attack by India.
D
E
F
Floods in Pakistan, August 1970
Catastrophic floods hit Pakistan in August 1970. It left an estimated 300,000 people dead, and countless others without homes. As a result, the Pakistan election were postponed until December.
Floods in Pakistan, August 1970
Catastrophic floods hit Pakistan in August 1970. It left an estimated 300,000 people dead, and countless others without homes. As a result, the Pakistan election were postponed until December.
G
H
I
The 1947 Indo-Pakistan War
Almost as soon as India and Pakistan became independent, they were at war. Following partition, the princely state of Kashmir decided to remain independent. This was much to the dismay of Pakistani leaders. They felt that with a more than 70% muslim majority population, the Sikh monarch of Kashmir, Hari Singh should have joined their new state.
Eventually this led to Pakistan instigating and supporting tribesmen throughout Kashmir in an attempt to overthrow Singh. With his own forces unable to cope, Singh looked to India for support. The Indians provided help on the condition that Kashmir become part of India, to which Singh agreed. The Indians succeeded in pushing the Pakistanis back approximately half way out of Kashmir before a ceasefire was agreed. The result was that half of Kashmir was administered by Pakistan, and half by India- with both countries staking a claim to the entirety.
The 1965 Indo-Pakistan Wars
There were two brief wars between India and Pakistan in 1965. The first was a scuffle over the Rann of Kutch; an uninhabited salt marsh along the India-West Pakistan border. The result of the war was inconclusive, with both sides agreeing to withdraw.
The conflict over the Rann of Kutch did though give the Pakistani government the confidence to once stake a claim for Kashmir. Pakistan looked to engineer an uprising against India within Kashmir, but once the Indians found out about the plot they invaded West Pakistan.
A truce was eventually achieved through mediation with the Soviet Union. In the Soviet city of Tashkent (now the capital of Uzbekistan), India and Pakistan agreed to return to the makeshift borders of 1947 and to settle future differences in a peaceful manner.
The 1947 Indo-Pakistan War
Almost as soon as India and Pakistan became independent, they were at war. Following partition, the princely state of Kashmir decided to remain independent. This was much to the dismay of Pakistani leaders. They felt that with a more than 70% muslim majority population, the Sikh monarch of Kashmir, Hari Singh should have joined their new state.
Eventually this led to Pakistan instigating and supporting tribesmen throughout Kashmir in an attempt to overthrow Singh. With his own forces unable to cope, Singh looked to India for support. The Indians provided help on the condition that Kashmir become part of India, to which Singh agreed. The Indians succeeded in pushing the Pakistanis back approximately half way out of Kashmir before a ceasefire was agreed. The result was that half of Kashmir was administered by Pakistan, and half by India- with both countries staking a claim to the entirety.
The 1965 Indo-Pakistan Wars
There were two brief wars between India and Pakistan in 1965. The first was a scuffle over the Rann of Kutch; an uninhabited salt marsh along the India-West Pakistan border. The result of the war was inconclusive, with both sides agreeing to withdraw.
The conflict over the Rann of Kutch did though give the Pakistani government the confidence to once stake a claim for Kashmir. Pakistan looked to engineer an uprising against India within Kashmir, but once the Indians found out about the plot they invaded West Pakistan.
A truce was eventually achieved through mediation with the Soviet Union. In the Soviet city of Tashkent (now the capital of Uzbekistan), India and Pakistan agreed to return to the makeshift borders of 1947 and to settle future differences in a peaceful manner.
J
The Jute Industry
Jute is a type of fibre that is used to make rope. It is the biggest industry in East Pakistan and is a bedrock of the economy. Jute is by far Pakistan's biggest export, but the profits have been distributed disproportionately between the East and the West. In short, money made from jute in the East has been largely spent in the West, developing infrastructure and military capabilities. Part of Mujib's six point plan is to ensure that all of the money made from the Jute industry is spent exclusively in East Pakistan
The Jute Industry
Jute is a type of fibre that is used to make rope. It is the biggest industry in East Pakistan and is a bedrock of the economy. Jute is by far Pakistan's biggest export, but the profits have been distributed disproportionately between the East and the West. In short, money made from jute in the East has been largely spent in the West, developing infrastructure and military capabilities. Part of Mujib's six point plan is to ensure that all of the money made from the Jute industry is spent exclusively in East Pakistan
K
Kashmir
Kashmir is a region that lies between India and West Pakistan. Since the province decided to remain independent during partition in 1947, it has been a major point of contention in South Asia. Both India and Pakistan have claimed authority over the entire region, and this has led to wars in 1947 and 1965.
Kashmir
Kashmir is a region that lies between India and West Pakistan. Since the province decided to remain independent during partition in 1947, it has been a major point of contention in South Asia. Both India and Pakistan have claimed authority over the entire region, and this has led to wars in 1947 and 1965.
L
M
N
The Pakistan National Assembly
The Pakistan National Assembly is due to convene once the elections have taken place. There are 300 seats available, 138 in the West and and 162 in the East. The immediate task of the National Assembly, as set out in the Legal Framework Order is to agree a new constitution for Pakistan. If this is not achieved within 100 days of it convening, the Assembly will be dissolved and elections re-held.
The Pakistan National Assembly
The Pakistan National Assembly is due to convene once the elections have taken place. There are 300 seats available, 138 in the West and and 162 in the East. The immediate task of the National Assembly, as set out in the Legal Framework Order is to agree a new constitution for Pakistan. If this is not achieved within 100 days of it convening, the Assembly will be dissolved and elections re-held.
O
The "One time exception": An Arms deal agreed between the US and Pakistan, October 1970
Following the arms embargo placed upon both India and Pakistan by the US (and UK) in 1965, the US decided to make an exception in October 1970. US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Keating, openly argued that the move would escalate tensions in the region and could possibly lead to an arms race, but these concerns were duly ignored in Washington. It is difficult to argue that this decision could help ease anxiety on the subcontinent. It is certainly possible that this move is linked to the US desire to improve relations with China, using Yahya as an interlocutor.
Following the arms embargo placed upon both India and Pakistan by the US (and UK) in 1965, the US decided to make an exception in October 1970. US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Keating, openly argued that the move would escalate tensions in the region and could possibly lead to an arms race, but these concerns were duly ignored in Washington. It is difficult to argue that this decision could help ease anxiety on the subcontinent. It is certainly possible that this move is linked to the US desire to improve relations with China, using Yahya as an interlocutor.
P
Pakistan People's Party (PPP)
Following his ousting from Ayub's government, Bhutto joined with other prominent socialists to form the PPP. Bhutto was installed as leader and has promoted the idea of incorporating socialist ideals into the Islamic faith under the banner of "Islamic Socialism".
The PPP is, overall, the most popular party in West Pakistan, but much of its support is confined to Bhutto's home region of Sindh.
The Partition of British India 1947
Once the decision was reluctantly made by the British government to grant independence to the former British India, an area which covered modern day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Each princely state within British India at the time had the choice of joining a secular Indian state, an Islamic state of Pakistan or to remain independent. The majority of states joined the New India, whilst those with predominantly Muslim populations joined Pakistan, a few (notably Kashmir) chose to remain independent. The result was that the new state of Pakistan was split into two wings, one in the North West (West Pakistan) and one in the North East (East Pakistan).
Protests in Pakistan 1968
Unhappy with the military dictatorship, mass protests erupted throughout Pakistan against President Ayub Khan. Protestors insisted that they would only present their demands to a civilian government, thus leaving Ayub in an untenable position. Subsequently, Yahya was installed as President, with the promise to transfer power to a democratically elected government.
Pakistan People's Party (PPP)
Following his ousting from Ayub's government, Bhutto joined with other prominent socialists to form the PPP. Bhutto was installed as leader and has promoted the idea of incorporating socialist ideals into the Islamic faith under the banner of "Islamic Socialism".
The PPP is, overall, the most popular party in West Pakistan, but much of its support is confined to Bhutto's home region of Sindh.
The Partition of British India 1947
Once the decision was reluctantly made by the British government to grant independence to the former British India, an area which covered modern day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Each princely state within British India at the time had the choice of joining a secular Indian state, an Islamic state of Pakistan or to remain independent. The majority of states joined the New India, whilst those with predominantly Muslim populations joined Pakistan, a few (notably Kashmir) chose to remain independent. The result was that the new state of Pakistan was split into two wings, one in the North West (West Pakistan) and one in the North East (East Pakistan).
Protests in Pakistan 1968
Unhappy with the military dictatorship, mass protests erupted throughout Pakistan against President Ayub Khan. Protestors insisted that they would only present their demands to a civilian government, thus leaving Ayub in an untenable position. Subsequently, Yahya was installed as President, with the promise to transfer power to a democratically elected government.
Q
R
S
Mujib's Six Point Plan
Mujib announced the Awami League's six point plan for devolution to East Pakistan in 1966. The Eastern Wing of Pakistan was left exposed to an Indian attack by the forces in the west, and a sustained movement for East Pakistani autonomy took hold. The six points were...
1- A Parliamentary constitution for Pakistan.
2- The central government should only deal in issues of foreign affairs and defence.
3- Separate currencies for each wing.
4- The central government should not be able to decide policies of taxation. This should be left to each wing to decide.
5- The maintainence of foreign exchange within each wing (essentially the East would be able to keep the money made from selling Jute)
6- A seperate militia or paramilitary force for East Pakistan.
Mujib was calling for "devo-max plus" for East Pakistan. He did though continually reaffirm his desire to remain within a united Pakistan. His critics claimed that the 6 points were simpy the first step toward independence.
Mujib's Six Point Plan
Mujib announced the Awami League's six point plan for devolution to East Pakistan in 1966. The Eastern Wing of Pakistan was left exposed to an Indian attack by the forces in the west, and a sustained movement for East Pakistani autonomy took hold. The six points were...
1- A Parliamentary constitution for Pakistan.
2- The central government should only deal in issues of foreign affairs and defence.
3- Separate currencies for each wing.
4- The central government should not be able to decide policies of taxation. This should be left to each wing to decide.
5- The maintainence of foreign exchange within each wing (essentially the East would be able to keep the money made from selling Jute)
6- A seperate militia or paramilitary force for East Pakistan.
Mujib was calling for "devo-max plus" for East Pakistan. He did though continually reaffirm his desire to remain within a united Pakistan. His critics claimed that the 6 points were simpy the first step toward independence.
T
Territorial Integrity
"Territorial Integrity" is a term of often used to refer to the continuing unity of Pakistan's East and West wings in one state.
Territorial Integrity
"Territorial Integrity" is a term of often used to refer to the continuing unity of Pakistan's East and West wings in one state.
U
V
W
X
Y
Z