The Foreign Policy and Foreign Relations of

Pakistan in the period of 1947 till 1999

❖Relations with India

❖The Kashmir Issue
❖Relations with USA
❖Relations with USSR
❖Relations with China
❖Relations with Bangladesh
❖Relations with Afghanistan
❖Relations with United Nations Organisation
❖Relations with Commonwealth
❖Relations with the Islamic World
❖World Organisations
❖Organisation of Islamic Countries
 Relations with India

Q How successful was Pakistan in its relationship with India between 1947 and 1999?

[Early problems] Partition of India was not accepted by Congress leaders by heart so they
tried everything to harm Pakistan. Unjust ways were adopted by India in division of
financial and military assets. Bitter memories of Muslim killing in East Punjab and Delhi
spoiled Indo-Pak relations in the coming years. India forced millions of Muslims to
Pakistan to put economic pressure on the new born state. Canal water dispute and
Kashmir issue poisoned Indo-Pak relation. Pakistan has fought three major wars in 1948,
1965 and 1971 on Kashmir issue with India.

[1965 war and 1971 war] (1) When UNO failed to solve the Kashmir problem Pakistan tried
to force India to carry out UNO resolutions through military operation in Kashmir
resulting in 1965 Indo-Pak war. Pakistan failed to capture Kashmir. (2) After the 1965 war
Pakistan and India signed the Tashkent agreement to solve the dispute peacefully but no
date was set to begin discussion on Kashmir. [1971 war] (1) India had recognized weak
defence of East Pakistan in the 1965 war. During the civil war in East Pakistan India used
the situation and established an armed group of Bengali separatist known as Muktibahni
to carry out attacks on the Pakistan army. Later in the 1971 war India separated East
Pakistan. Relations between Pakistan and India were at their lowest level in 1971.

[Simla agreement] In 1972 Pakistani prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Indian Prime
minister Indra Gandhi signed Simla agreement, India returned 90,000 Pakistani soldiers
who were kept as prisoners of war. Pakistan also agreed that in future talks on Kashmir
would be only between Pakistan and India.
[Sikh movement in Indian Punjab] In early 1980’s Sikh population of Indian Punjab had
started a movement for separate home land. In 1984 Prime Minister of India Indra Gandhi
was killed by Sikhs. Indra Gandhi's son Rajiv became the next Prime Minister; he accused
Pakistan of helping Sikh separatist in Indian Punjab and murder of her mother. In 1987
both countries were close to war. The situation was cooled down by General Zia the
president of Pakistan through visit to India. [Freedom movement in occupied Kashmir] In
1990's tension between both countries continued due to freedom struggle in Indian held
Kashmir backed by Pakistan. After nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan in May 1998
restored balance of power between both countries.

[Lahore declaration and Kargil war] In 1998 prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and
Indian Prime minister Vajpayee tried to improve relations through the Lahore declaration
but the whole peace process was destroyed when the Pakistan army captured Kargil hill of
India resulting in war between India and Pakistan. USA forced Pakistan to return Kargil
hills to India because there was danger of Atomic war between both countries. Relations
were destroyed due to the Kargil war.

Kashmir Issue

Q How successful have India and Pakistan been in finding a solution to the Kashmir issue
between 1947 and 1999? Explain your answer.

[Origin of Kashmir problem] The most serious disagreement between Pakistan and India
is the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In 1947 majority population of Kashmir were Muslims,
but the Hindu ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, wanted to remain independent so he delayed
joining either Pakistan or India. The maharaja did not treat the Muslim population well. In
Sep 1947 , he forced 200,000 Muslims out of Kashmir. Finally, the Muslims rose in
rebellion. The maharaja was forced to turn to India for help to crush the Muslims.
[Resolution on Kashmir] Pakistan could not accept this, so sent troops to Kashmir to help
Muslims. The Pakistan government was convinced that the Indians had always planned to
capture Kashmir. Neither side was strong enough for a long war in January 1948 India to the
UNO. A ceasefire was arranged and Kashmir was divided between India and Pakistan. After
pressure from Lord Mountbatten, Indian Prime Minister, Nehru, agreed that a referendum
would be held in Kashmir to determine the wishes of the people, ‘once the situation has
normalised. From 1949 there was an agreed ceasefire line through Kashmir, which was
observed by troops from the UN. Negotiation continued through the 1950s, but little progress
was made.
[Role of UNO] This referendum has not been held and the Kashmir issue remains a major
source of discontent between the two countries today. Pakistan has made numerous demands
that the UNO resolve the dispute, but, so far, it has been impossible to reach agreement. In
1954 and 1955 India tried to join Indian occupied Kashmir into India. Pakistan protested and
then appealed to the UN Security Council. In 1957 the UN security council was so concerned
that India might try to occupy Kashmir again that it issued a declaration re-confirming that
the whole of Kashmir was disputed territory and that its future could only be settled by a vote
by the people of Kashmir under UNO. Still, no such vote has taken place.

[Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971] In 1965 Pakistan tried to free Kashmir from Indian
occupation by army action but failed. Later in the Tashkent agreement both sides agreed to
solve the problem through discussion but the date of discussion was not decided. In the 1971
war Pakistan was defeated by India and a Simla agreement was signed between both countries.
Due to its weak position Pakistan agreed that it would not take the Kashmir issue to the UNO.
In 1987 India rigged elections in occupied Kashmir to show support of Kashmiri people for
India but in response Kashmiri people had started a freedom movement against Indian
occupation of Kashmir, movement is still in progress. In 1999 during Kargil war there was
danger of nuclear war between Pakistan and India.

[Conclusion] Both states have not been successful in solving the Kashmir issue mainly due to
the stubborn attitude of India. Two wars have been fought, but neither of them proved a result.
The Kashmir issue is the long term reason for the bitter relations, which are expected to
continue in future.
Relations with USA
Q How successful were Pakistan and the U.S.A in their relationship from 1947-1999?

[Beginning of relations] The long history of Pak-U.S relations started after the visit of
Pakistani Prime Minister Liaquat Ali to the U.S.A. In 1955 Pakistan signed S.E.A.T.O and
C.E.N.T.O pacts according to which Pakistan became a U.S partner against communist
countries. Pakistan received economic and military aid from U.S.A. Despite these agreements
USA provided no help to Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 wars so Pakistan left S.E.A.T.O in 1972 and
C.E.N.T.O ended in 1979.

[Relations from 1960-70] President of Pakistan general Ayub khan had provided an air base to
the U.S.A in Peshawar during his rule. Relation with U.S.A from 1960 and 1970 spoiled due to
many reasons. In 1962 the U.S.A provided heavy military aid to India during the Indo-China
war. Relations with the USA worsened when Pakistan set up friendly relations with China
because China was a major communist state. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war U.S remained
neutral (cut off) and stopped arms supply to Pakistan despite military agreements.

[Zia Martial law] Pak-US relations reached the lowest point when the army under General Zia
took control of the Government. The USA was not willing to support the military Government
in Pakistan. In 1979 U.S.A embassy in Islamabad was burned down. USA cancelled aid for
Pakistan.

[U.S.S.R invasion (attack) of Afghanistan] was turning point for Pak-U.S relation. In 1981 USA
provided 1.6 billion dollar aid package over 5 years to Pakistan to encourage Afghan fighters
against U.S.S.R army in Afghanistan. In 1986 USA aid was increased to 4.6 billion dollars.
Pakistan became third largest receiver of US aid. [Pressler and Brown amendment] after the
withdrawal of U.S.S.R forces from Afghanistan U.S.A blocked all military help to Pakistan in
1989 under Pressler amendment when U.S.A president George Bush refused to confirm that
Pakistan does not possess nuclear weapons. In 1996 Brown amendment was passed in U.S.A
allowed economic and limited military aid to Pakistan. In 1998 Pakistan conducted tests of
Nuclear weapons so the U.S imposed various trade restrictions against Pakistan.

Relations with USSR

Q How Successful was Pakistan's relationship with U.S.S.R (Soviet Union) from 1947-1999?
(N2017)

[Bad start] In 1950 both the U.S.A and U.S.S.R invited Liaquat Ali Khan, the prime minister of
Pakistan, to visit them. Liaquat Ali decided to visit U.S.A. this clearly insulted U.S.S.R. Relation
with U.S.S.R get worse when Pakistan joined anti-communist pact C.E.N.T.O and S.E.A.T.O in
1955. U.S.S.R openly supported India on Kashmir issue. U.S.S.R also supported the idea that
NWFP should join Afghanistan to form Pakhtoonistan.

[U-2 plane incident] (1) In May 1960 American spy plane U-2 took off from Peshawar was shot
down in U.S.S.R due to which U.S.S.R warned Pakistan. (2) Meanwhile Pakistan's relation with
the USA declined. Pakistan improved its relation with U.S.S.R. (3) U.S.S.R. started oil
exploration in Pakistan and provided 11 million pounds loan in 1963 Ayub Khan visited USSR
which improved relations. (4) U.S.S.R. took back support on Kashmir for India. (5) In 1968 USA
closed the air base at Peshawar so U.S.S.R. began to supply weapons to Pakistan.

[Tashkent agreement] After 1965 Indo-Pak war U.S.S.R Invited governments of Pakistan and
India at Tashkent in U.S.S.R to solve differences. Agreement was signed between India and
Pakistan in 1966. Both countries returned prisoners of war and occupied areas with the efforts
of U.S.S.R. [1971 War] Pakistan made a deadly mistake when Pakistan tried to improve U.S
relations with China. U.S.S.R was very upset because China was its important friendly country.
U.S.S.R signed treaty of friendship with India and fully supported India in 1971 Indo-Pak war.
As a result Pakistan was defeated in the war and East Pakistan was separated from Pakistan.
This was the lowest point of relations between Pakistan and U.S.S.R.

[Z. A. Bhutto government] In 1972 Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited U.S.S.R
and began to build friendly relations. U.S.S.R again took back its support to India on Kashmir
issue. U.S.S.R provided help to Pakistan to establish Steel mills in Karachi.

[Invasion of Afghanistan] Pakistan relations with U.S.S.R were spoiled when U.S.S.R army
entered Afghanistan in 1979. There was danger that U.S.S.R wanted to reach Arabian Sea and
Pakistan would be its next target. Pakistan provided weapons and training to Afghani fighters
to carry on attacks on U.S.S.R army in Afghanistan. U.S.S.R Fighter planes bombed Pakistani
areas close to Afghanistan. Unfriendly relation continued till U.S.S.R forces left Afghanistan in
1988 after Geneva accord. In 1991 U.S.S.R was broken into 13 independent states, Pakistan was
blamed for it.
 Relations with China

Q How successful was Pakistan in its relationship with China from 1947 to 1999? [14]

[At the time of independence] (1) China is a neighbouring country of Pakistan. At the time of
independence of Pakistan, China was involved in a civil war. In 1949 Pakistan accepted china.
During 1950's Pakistan signed anti-Communist treaties S.E.A.T.O and C.E.N.T.O with the USA
and western countries. China was also a communist country so Pakistan-China relations were
not warm. (2) In 1959 Pakistan voted against China’s admission to the UN and criticised
military action of China in Tibet.

[Indo-China war a turning point] In 1962 Indo-China war was a turning point in China
(Sino)-Pakistan relations. China was keen for a friend in south Asia while Pakistan was worried
due to huge military aid (help) of western countries to India during the Indo-China war.
Military aid of western countries had disturbed balance of power between Pakistan and India.
Improved relations with China were useful for Pakistan against India.

[Development of Pak-China relation in 1960’s] (1) Pakistan-China successfully decided their

border in 1963. (2) Same year China provided a 60 million dollar interest free loan to Pakistan
and became the biggest importer of Pakistani cotton. (3) Same year P.I.A started air service
towards China and became the first airline which started air service from China to Western
world. It increased the number of visitors from China to other countries like journalists,
engineers, scientists etc. (4) in 1964 China supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue and in return
Pakistan sided China in its entry in U.N.O. (5) During 1965 Indo-Pak war, China forced India
not to attack East Pakistan. China also provided military aid to Pakistan in the 1965 war. (6)
China helped Pakistan to establish a heavy mechanical complex at Taxila in 1965.

[1971 Pak-India war] (1) China remained neutral (cut off) during 1971 Indo-Pak war due to
pressure from U.S.S.R. As a result Pakistan was defeated. Soon after the war China was able to
provide support to Pakistan. (2) Prime minister of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited China
after the 1971 war. It was decided that many loans from China were changed in to grants. China
became a major source of arms supply to Pakistan.
[Zia government] (1) In 1978 Karakoram highway between China-Pakistan was opened. This
road was set up with the help of China. This road increased trade and tourism between both
countries. (2) In 1986 General Zia visited China and both countries signed nuclear treaty. Good
relations continued during the Zia government. [1990’s] (1) China wanted to develop relations
with other countries, especially India. China hinted during this time that China might
compromise over support for Pakistan on Kashmir. China was also concerned about
interference of some Pakistani Islamic groups in Chinese Muslims living along the Pak-China
border. (2) In 1990 Pakistan launched a satellite with the help of the Chinese. (3) In 1991
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited China. (4) In 1994 the first proposal of joint
military exercise was made. (5) Pakistan always supported China on the issue of Taiwan Island.

Relations with Bangladesh

Q Pakistan 's relations with Bangladesh have been formal since 1971 ? Do you agree?
Explain.

[Separation of East Pakistan] East Pakistan was separated from West Pakistan in Dec
1971 and became Bangladesh after bloody civil war. Pakistan considered Bangladesh as
a rebel nation. Pakistan did not accept Bangladesh for two years. In 1971 Pakistan had
stated that it would break relations with any country that accepted Bangladesh as an
independent state.

[O.I.C meeting] Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujib was invited to a meeting
of the Organization of Islamic countries at Lahore in 1974. Pakistan accepted
Bangladesh as an independent country. Two countries agreed to set up friendly
relations and try to solve differences. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto government: In June 1974
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited Bangladesh and discussed division of assets. Bangladesh
asked for half of assets Pakistan owned before 1971. Bangladesh also demanded to
transfer all non-Bengalis from Bangladesh to Pakistan. Pakistan rejected both
demands. While both states agreed to establish friendly relations. Communication
links and air service were resumed in 1976.

[Cyclones] Pakistan provided food and material aid to Bangladesh during floods in
1985 and 1988. President of Bangladesh H.M.Ershad visited Pakistan in June 1986.
Trade between both countries reached 40 million dollars. Benazir government:
Bangladesh supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue. In 1989 Pakistani Prime Minister
Benazir Bhutto visited Bangladesh. Both countries are members of the S.A.A.R.C
organisation and signed an agreement to promote trade, tourism and exchange of
cultural delegations.

Relations with Afghanistan

Q How successful was Pakistan in its relationship with Afghanistan between

1947-1999?

[Early Days] Pakistan and Afghanistan shared a long border called the Durand line.
Although there are religious and ethnic relations between the people of both
countries, relations between both states were not so friendly. Afghanistan was the
only country voted against membership of Pakistan in U.N.O. Afghanistan claimed
over parts of N.W.F.P although its population voted for Pakistan. Diplomatic relations
broke down twice in 1955 and 1961 when the Pakistan embassy in Kabul was
ransacked.

[Attempts to improve relations] In 1956 President of Pakistan Iskander Mirza visited

Kabul to improve relations with little success. Afghanistan remained neutral in
Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 despite good relations with India. President of
Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Afghan King Zahir Shah exchanged visits to improve
Pak-Afghan relations for a short time. Sardar Daud became Afghan Prime minister in
1973 was hostile towards Pakistan but relations improved due to the efforts of Zulfiqar
Ali Bhutto.

[Afghan Miracle] In 1979 U.S.S.R forces invaded Afghanistan. Pakistan organised

Afghan resistance against U.S.S.R with western assistance. 3 million Afghan refugees
arrived in Pakistan due to cruel actions of the Soviet Union army. After the withdrawal
of Soviet forces from Afghanistan Pakistan encouraged fundamental Islamic party
Taliban to take control of Afghanistan. Taliban entered Kabul in 1996 and Pakistan
recognized the Taliban regime's improved relations in 1997.

Relations with the Commonwealth

Q How successful was Pakistan in its relationship with Great Britain and the commonwealth
between 1947 and 1999? Explain.

[Automatic membership of Commonwealth] Areas included in Pakistan remained as part of

the British colony so Pakistan continued good relations after independence. Britain provided
500 military officers to Pakistan army in 1947 and was major source of arms (weapons) till
1950's. Britain was a major trade partner throughout 1940's and 1950's.

[From 1947 to 1956] Pakistan remained British dominion. Pakistan chose to remain a member
of the Commonwealth organisation. Commonwealth organisation provided aid to develop Sui
gas project and Pakistan railway. In 1954 and 1955 Pakistan signed S.E.A.T.O and the Baghdad
pact in this way became a British ally against Communist aggression. [1965 War] Britain
played an important role in solving the Rann of Kutch border dispute with India, but remained
neutral during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
[Downfall] Britain also remained neutral in the East Pakistan crisis and later recognized
Bangladesh as an independent state so Pakistan left Commonwealth organisation as a protest.
The Commonwealth organisation has provided substantial aid to complete Warsak dam and
Mangla dam projects. IN 1973 Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto prime minister of Pakistan visited Britain and
in 1978 British Prime Minister James Callaghan visited Pakistan. After Soviet invasion in
Afghanistan both countries adopted similar stand. British fully supported Pakistan in Afghan
struggle against Soviet Union and provided aid to help Afghan refugees in Pakistan. In 1989
Pakistan restored its membership in the Commonwealth under the Benazir Bhutto
government. Pakistan-Britain relations were spoiled by nuclear tests by Pakistan in 1998 and
Indo-Pak conflict on Kargil in 1999. Relations became unfriendly when the military imposed
martial law in Pakistan under General Musharaf.

Relations with the Islamic World

Q. Highlight the importance of Pakistan relations with Muslim countries and Islamic states.

[Emergence of Pakistan and the start] After the emergence of Pakistan , it seemed that Pakistan
was stepping towards universal Islamic solidarity and integrity. Pakistan’s first priority was to
strengthen the ties with Islamic states and to unite them. Pakistan won respect among the all
Muslim countries because of it strong and firm stand on international forums i.e. UNO especially on
Kashmir and Palestine issues.

[Relations with Iran and the Second Islamic Summit Conference] The very first country to
recognize Pakistan as an independent state, was Iran. There was monarchy in Iran and Iranian
King Raza Shah Pehlvi visited Pakistan in 1950. Iran became a member of RCD in 1964 and
supported Pakistan in the 1965 Indo-Pak war being the member of CENTO. In 1974, the 2nd ISC was
held in Lahore butIran didn’t attend this conference. Pakistan received an immense amount of
monetary foreign aid from Islamic Countries including Iran, who gave $730 million. Iran also
Played an important part in strengthening the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan in
1976. The Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979 was also officially welcomed by Pakistan. During the
Iranian war with Iraq in 1980, it was difficult for Pakistan to practically improve its relations with
Iran. But the relations eventually developed and now the ties are strong.

[Relations with Egypt and Indonesia] Egypt was less friendly with Pakistan in the beginning and
had its inclination towards India. Pakistan to pack SEATO and CENTO, especially CENTO, upset
Egypt and Saudi Arabia and was seen as an attempt to divide the Arab world. Egypt was also
unhappy with the Pakistani government for not supporting Egypt on the Suez Canal issue. But in the
1965 war, it refused to support India. Another large Islamic country, Indonesia, had poor relations
with Pakistan in the beginning, Pakistan fought for it in UNO and on its independence day Pakistan
declared a national holiday. Indonesia in the beginning decided to have good relations with India
but in 1965 war It has Pakistan generally by gifting a submarine named Ghazi.

[Relations with Arab colonies and Gulf States] The Islamic countries like UAE. Yemen, Kuwait,
Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia also supported Pakistan at the time of need like in 1965 war. UAE
gave £100 million, Libya gave $80, 000, Qatar gave $10 million, Kuwait gave $45 million and $130
million for specific projects. After the 2nd OIC conference in Lahore, UAE helped in the
establishment of an Oil Refinery. Libya aided Pakistan by setting up a banking corporation, a
shipping company, and a publishing house.

[Strengthening of the ties with Saudi Arabia and UAE] Pakistan got strong support from the
Muslim World after the birth of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Countries), in the second OIC
conference at Lahore, Pakistan signed many military assistance agreements with more than 17
Muslim countries. from 1972 to 1977, Pakistan practically moved closer to Saudi Arabia and Bhutto
visited Saudi Arabia in 1972. The rulers of UAE were encouraged to establish their second homes in
Pakistan. The Arabs decided to raise the oil prices in 1973 to standardise their economy and Bhutto
hoped that Pakistan would benefit by sending its manpower to the Arab world. Policy proved fruitful
and millions of Petro-dollar started coming to Pakistan. In 1985, the remitted money from Gulf
countries became a source of strong foreign exchange in Pakistan during the Afghan Miracle, in
which Pakistan acted as the fort of Islam.

World Organisations

Q How successful has Pakistan been as a member of world organisations between 1947 and
1999? Explain your answer.

[UNO] In Sep 1947 Pakistan joined U.N.O. Pakistan was against colonialism. Pakistan became
the spokesperson for many Asian states who had not gained independence during the 1950s.
Pakistan contributed a lot in the freedom movement of Indonesia and Algeria. Pakistan has
also contributed to a number of UN peacekeeping forces throughout the world. Pakistan had
posted 5000 soldiers in Somalia as a part of the UN peacekeeping mission. In 1947 the Indian
government referred the Kashmir issue to the UN, which organised a ceasefire, leaving
Kashmir divided between India and Pakistan. Despite constant demand by Pakistan in the UN
for a plebiscite to take place, the UN has been unable to enforce it.
[CENTO] In 1955 Turkey and Iraq signed the Baghdad pact, establishing an anti-communist
treaty against the Soviet Union. Later Pakistan, Iran and Britain joined the treaty. Pact was
renamed as CENTO after Iraq left it in 1959. Despite regular meetings, the group never
developed a permanent or structure of raising troops for mutual defence. In 1979 the
organisation was dissolved. [SEATO] Pakistan ratified S.E.A.T.O in Jan 1955 to secure further
aid as a member of the treaty. SEATO was mainly designed to prevent communist aggression in
SouthEast Asia. Pakistan's suggestion to establish a permanent military force to protect
member countries of S.E.A.T.O was rejected. Pakistan was further disappointed that the treaty
did not support Pakistan in 1965 Indo-Pak war. During the Indo-Pak war of 1971, no help came
from S.E.A.T.O disclosing the worth of the treaty. Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
declared withdrawal of Pakistan from S.E.A.T.O in 1972.

[World Bank] In the case of the Canal Water Dispute the UN played a significant role when
with the efforts of the President the World Bank water dispute between India and Pakistan was
resolved through Indus Water Treaty 1959. The World Bank also provided finance to help
establish hydro-electricity and soil reclamation programmes which has been vital for the
stimulation of Pakistan’s economy and industries.

[RCD & OIC] In 1964 an economic union was formed with Iran and Turkey known as regional
cooperation for development (RCD) in which three countries developed ties in trade,
commerce and industry. R.C.D was revived and renamed as E.C.O (Economic Cooperation
Organisation) in 1985. In 1969 Pakistan with 24 other Muslim nations joined to form the
Organisation of Islamic Countries. Main focus was to raise voice for the problems of newly
formed muslim brother countries, in which Pakistan played a key role. Membership of OIC has
reinforced the image of Pakistan as one of the world’s leading Muslim nations. Pakistan has
also received large sums of aid and interest free loans from Islamic countries.

[SAARC] In 1985, SAARC came into being , it was mainly aimed to promote welfare of South
Asians, improve their quality of life, accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural
development. In the past, with the joint efforts of the member countries, SAARC has made
some progress on issues like decreasing widespread poverty, Terrorism, improving
educational facilities, solving the energy crisis, etc.

[Commonwealth]Being a former British colony, Pakistan became a member of the

Commonwealth, and in 1950, £5 million were given as financial security and £1 million for the
Sui Gas project. In both 1965 and 1971 Wars, the Commonwealth didn't support Pakistan and
in addition, recognised Bangladesh as an independent state. Pakistan left the Commonwealth
as a protest in 1971. Pakistan remained suspended from the Commonwealth till 1989, when
Pakistan was readmitted. The relationship especially after the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Then over the Kargil issue Pakistan was also
pressurised by Commonwealth to retreat.
 The Organisation of Islamic Countries {OIC}

Q What is the OIC? What are the achievements of OIC? OR How successful has the OIC been?
[7]

[Background of OIC] OIC stands for the Organisation of Islamic Countries. It was established
in 1959. The official languages are Arabic, English and French. It was formed as a symbol of
Muslim unity and integrity of the Muslim world, where all Muslim leaders would discuss and
make agreements on different matters. OIC has 57 States as members and Pakistan joined OIC
in 1969. The first meeting was held in Rabada / Morocco. it was decided to set up permanent
headquarters in Jeddah until Jerusalem would be liberated from Israeli invasion.

[Achievements of the OIC] In 1971 one of the OIC meetings took place in Pakistan and the
second Islamic Summit conference took place in Lahore in 1974. Pakistan raised the voice for
the Palestinian cause and emphasised that it was a matter of concentration for the whole
Muslim world. In 1970, a conflict broke out between Jordan And the Palestinian Liberation
organisation (LBO). The President Jamal Abdul Nasir of Egypt and the King Shah Faisal of
Saudi Arabia jointly lead the OIC and the Arab League and took the initiative to resolve the
Clash. Then in 1974 it was brought to a peaceful end. The conflict between Pakistan and
Bangladesh was also successfully solved so much so that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh,
Mujib ul Rehman attended the 2nd ISC of 1974.

[Further Achievements] OIC leadership not only resolved the Pak-Bangla conflict, but also
resolved the issue of oil restrictions against the supporters of Israel in 1974. It also gained
confidence on the issue of the Ramadan war. Pakistan hosted the 48th ISC on 23rd of march,
2022 at Islamabad.