OL/IGCSE Pakistan Studies: Yahya Khan Era, 1970 Elections, and the 1971 War

Comprehensive question-and-answer review flashcards covering Yahya Khan's presidency, the Legal Framework Order, the 1970 elections, causes of unrest in East Pakistan, the 1971 Civil War and Bangladesh Liberation War, and the origins of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.

When did Yahya Khan impose the second Martial Law and declare himself President of Pakistan?

On 25th March 1969.

What initial actions did Yahya Khan take regarding the 1962 Constitution and the political structure upon assuming power?

He abrogated the 1962 Constitution, banned all political parties and activists, dissolved the national and provincial assemblies, dismissed the central and provincial cabinets, and abolished the One-unit scheme.

When was the Legal Framework Order (LFO) announced, and what was its constitutional purpose?

It was announced in March 1970 to serve as an interim constitution while adhering to many provisions of the 1962 Constitution.

Under the Legal Framework Order (LFO), what voting principle was established for elections?

Elections were committed on the basis of a direct vote by adult franchise under the principle of "One Man One Vote".

According to the LFO, how many total seats were designated for the National Assembly, how many were reserved for women, and what was the timeframe to frame a constitution?

The National Assembly was allotted $313$ seats, with $13$ reserved for women, and the assembly had to frame a new constitution in $120$ days.

Who had the sole authority for interpretation and amendment of the Legal Framework Order (LFO)?

Only the President had the right of interpretation and amendment of the L.F.O.

What was the election motto of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan People Party (PPP) during the 1970 campaign?

"Food, Shelter & Clothing".

Why were the 1970 general elections postponed from October to December 1970?

They were postponed due to severe floods in East Pakistan.

What were the voter turnout and election results for the Pakistan People Party (PPP) in West Pakistan during the 1970 general elections?

The voter turnout was $90\%$, and Bhutto's PPP won $81$ out of $138$ seats, securing the majority in West Pakistan.

What were the election results for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League in East Pakistan in 1970?

The Awami League won $160$ out of $162$ seats ($99\%$ of seats) in East Pakistan.

What power-sharing arrangement did Yahya Khan offer Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and how did Mujib respond?

Yahya offered Mujib to share the government with Bhutto, with Mujib as President and Bhutto as Prime Minister; Mujib refused the offer.

How did trade revenue from jute exports create economic resentment in East Pakistan?

Foreign exchange earned through East Pakistan's jute exports was predominantly spent on the development of West Pakistan, where wealth and industrial assets were concentrated.

What was the percentage share of Bengalis in the armed forces and central government services prior to 1971?

Bengali representation was limited to only $10\%$ in the armed forces and $15\%$ in central government services.

Why did the national language decision alienate the people of East Pakistan?

Urdu was declared the sole national language despite Bengali being spoken by the majority of the population.

Why did the electoral victory of the Awami League trigger a constitutional crisis?

The Awami League won an outright majority to form the central government on a platform limiting federal control and decentralizing foreign exchange, which West Pakistani leaders opposed, leading Yahya Khan to postpone the constituent assembly session.

Who was appointed Chief Martial Law Administrator and Governor of East Pakistan in March 1971?

Tikka Khan.

What was the Mukti Bahini, and what actions did they take during the civil conflict in East Pakistan?

The Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) was a rebel force that targeted people not belonging to East Pakistan as well as those who did not support the Six Points.

What was Operation Searchlight, and to which earlier military operation was it seen as a sequel?

It was a planned military operation carried out by the Pakistan Army in March 1971 to suppress the Bengali nationalist movement; it was seen as the sequel to "Operation Blitz" launched in November 1970.

Approximately how many refugees fled to India as a result of the military actions during Operation Searchlight?

Some $10\text{ million}$ refugees fled to India.

When was the secret broadcast from Dhaka announcing the Sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh made?

On 26th March 1971.

What incident in June 1971 gave India justification to halt airborne supply routes between West and East Pakistan?

The Indian plane hijacking drama in June 1971.

Which superpower signed a defence pact with India in August 1971?

The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).

What were the exact dates of the full-scale 1971 war between India and Pakistan?

The full-scale war broke out on 3rd December 1971 and lasted until 16th December 1971.

Who commanded the Pakistani surrender in December 1971, and how many prisoners of war (POWs) were taken?

General Niazi surrendered with about $90000$ prisoners of war.

On what date did Yahya Khan resign as President, and who replaced him?

Yahya Khan resigned on 20th December 1971 and was replaced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

When was the Republic of Bangladesh officially declared, and when did Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assume office as its first Prime Minister?

The Republic of Bangladesh was officially declared on 21st December 1971, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became its 1st Prime Minister on 10th January 1972.

What religious relic incident in Kashmir contributed to the tensions leading to the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War?

The theft of the sacred hair of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from the Dargah Hazrat Bal in Kashmir sparked severe tension and hostility.

What covert strategy proposed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Ayub Khan escalated tensions prior to the 1965 War?

Bhutto proposed that Pakistani soldiers disguise themselves as Mujahideen and enter Indian-controlled Kashmir.

What military and operational disadvantages did Pakistan face during the 1971 war with India?

Pakistan had to fight a larger Indian army on two separate fronts, contend with Mukti Bahini rebels trained by India, and deal with soldiers reluctant to fight fellow Muslims during the civil war.