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Balancing power: the struggle for genuine democracy in Pakistan

96 1
20.05.2024

A country is fundamentally a political entity, governed by a distinct political framework. Yet, challenges arise when the administrative apparatus oversteps its bounds, assuming political roles traditionally held by entities such as political parties and the legislature. This overreach often leads to the subordination of these political groups under administrative dominance.

When British India was partitioned and Pakistan came into being through the Indian Independence Act of 1947, it was composed of previously existing political, social, economic, and cultural entities with rich and diverse histories and backgrounds.

Before the partition was legitimized through enactment, an exercise was carried out through the 3rd June Plan. The various provinces were asked and given the option to join or not join the new constituent assembly.

The 3rd June Plan of 1947, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, proposed the partition of British India into two dominions: India and Pakistan. The plan was accepted by the British government, the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and the Sikh community.

The plan was as under:

1- Bengal and Punjab would be divided between India and Pakistan.

2- The princely states could join either India or Pakistan.

3- The North-West Frontier Province would have a referendum to decide whether to join India or Pakistan.

4- The province of Assam would have a referendum to decide whether the district of Sylhet would join India or Pakistan.

5- The provinces would be governed by the Government of India Act 1935 until a new constitution was made.

6- The Governors-General of the new dominions would be appointed by the Crown.

7- The Governor-General would have the power to bring the act into force and divide the territories, powers, duties, rights, assets and liabilities between the two new dominions.

The plan gave options to the provinces of Bengal, Punjab, and Sindh regarding their accession to the new dominions. At the time, there was no province of Balochistan, as it became a province for the first time on July 1, 1970.

Pakistan is said to have been achieved through political struggle, with the All-India Muslim League leading the movement, particularly between 1940 and 1946, when it swept the 1946 elections based on the separate electorate system.

Failure of Pakistan Muslim........

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