Bangladesh, nuclear power, the Muslim world and the United Nations

Last time

Before we start: last time, in Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf, 1988 to 1999, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

Pakistan in the world

Pakistan's foreign policy is not only about the great powers. It has had to rebuild ties with Bangladesh, has become a nuclear power, and has been active in the Muslim world and at the United Nations. This lesson covers all four.

Relations with Bangladesh

After 1971 relations were bitter. Pakistan recognised Bangladesh in February 1974, during the Islamic Summit in Lahore. Trade, sport and diplomatic links slowly developed, and both joined SAARC, the South Asian regional organisation. But issues remained: the division of assets, stranded Biharis, and Bangladesh's demand for an apology for 1971.

Becoming a nuclear power

After India's first nuclear test in 1974, Bhutto said Pakistan would develop its own bomb. When India tested nuclear weapons again in May 1998, Pakistan responded with its own tests at Chagai at the end of May 1998. Pakistan became the first Muslim country with nuclear weapons.

Why it was significant

It gave Pakistan deterrence: India would be less likely to attack a nuclear-armed neighbour. It brought national pride, and status in the Muslim world. But the USA and others imposed economic sanctions, harming an already weak economy, and raised fears of an arms race.

The OIC

Pakistan was a founding member of the OIC, set up in 1969 to unite Muslim countries. In 1974 Pakistan hosted the second Islamic Summit in Lahore, attended by leaders from across the Muslim world. It has used the OIC to win support on Kashmir.

Support for Palestine

Pakistan has always supported the Palestinian cause, and does not recognise Israel. Reasons: Islamic solidarity; Jinnah's own support for the Palestinians before 1947; and the link with Pakistan's own claim on Kashmir. It also strengthens ties with Arab countries, important for trade and for jobs for Pakistani workers.

The United Nations

Pakistan joined the United Nations on 30 September 1947. It has been elected to the Security Council several times, and has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. It has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, which passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite. These have never been carried out.

Other organisations

Pakistan is a member of the Commonwealth, SAARC, and the Economic Cooperation Organisation with Iran and Turkey. These bring trade, aid and a voice in international affairs. But some have achieved little, held back by disputes such as with India in SAARC.

Key dates

The key dates for this lesson.

How effective a member?

Effective: peacekeeping, Security Council membership, hosting the 1974 summit, and winning support from Muslim countries. Less effective: the UN has not solved Kashmir, SAARC has done little, and sanctions followed the nuclear tests. Judge overall, with examples on both sides.

Mistakes that lose marks

Mistake one: saying Pakistan recognised Bangladesh in 1971. Mistake two: explaining nuclear tests only as pride, without deterrence and sanctions. Mistake three: claiming the UN solved Kashmir. The fix: correct dates, and gains weighed against costs.

The full-marks tip

The full-marks tip: for significance, give gains and costs: deterrence and pride against sanctions. For organisations, give examples of success and of failure.

On one card

So, on one card: Pakistan and the world. Keep it for revision.