Q: How successful the governments have been in the Islamisation of Pakistan between 1947 and 1988? Explain your answer. [14]
Ans: The Constituent Assembly passed the Objectives Resolution in March 1949 which was the first step towards constitution of Pakistan. This resolution made several references to Islamic laws like social justice, equality and religious freedom, and Muslims were also enabled to lead their lives according to Islamic teachings. But the religious wings were not satisfied with these provisions. They wanted complete implementation of the Shariah Laws. Together with other reasons, the resolution was withdrawn in November 1950 for further considerations.
Khawaja Nazimuddin revised the proposals of the same resolution in 1952. Now the Head of the state would be Muslim over 40. He would appoint a board of religious scholars who would advise on central and provincial legislation. In case of objections on religious grounds, the bill had to be sent back to the assembly for amendment. Now fears arose in many circles that the Religious Advisory Board would have power of veto over new laws. The Prime Minister withdrew the proposals in 1953.
When the first constitution of Pakistan was prepared in 1956, it changed the name of Pakistan to Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Religious Advisory Board was still retained for monitoring the legislation with right of veto. The constitution also declared that the President was to be a Muslim.
Ayub Khan was a bit liberal. He introduced Muslim Family Laws Ordinance according to which marriages and divorces were to be registered and minimum age limits were defined for marriage. Women were empowered. In spite of opposition from religious wings, these laws were imposed. He established Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology to advise him the religious aspects of policies. He also founded Islamic Research Institute. These institutes were just symbolic; he never welcomed their proposals.
In the 1973 constitution, Bhutto gave no consideration to the implementation of Shariah Laws. It was almost based on the 1956 constitution. Islamic committee was still set up, but it could only advice on legislation. After the 1977 elections when Pakistan National Alliance was protesting on the roads against rigging, he tried to appease the religious factions by banning gambling, restricting sale of alcohol and declaring Friday to be the weekly holiday. These were just desperate actions. However, there was also a little success on road of Islamization. Both President and Prime Minister were to be Muslims and had to believe in the finality in of Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Legislation also gave a definition of a ‘Muslim’.
General Zia ul Haq tried to be a pro-Islamic leader. He established Federal Shariat Court in 1979 to consider existing laws and judgments in the light of Islamic principles. He set up a Federal Shariat Court to consider existing laws and legal judgements and decide if they were in keeping with Islam. He introduced Hudood Ordinances which gave Islamic punishments to people involved in drinking, gambling, theft and adultery. A new offense of disrespect of Holy Prophet was introduced, with imprisonment or a fine as a punishment for offenders. He also introduced the Council of Islamic Ideology to suggest ways for bringing the legal system closer to Islamic ideology. He also introduced Zakat and Ushr Ordinances imposing 2.5% wealth tax and 5% tax on agricultural income respectively. Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies were made compulsory subjects in the schools and colleges. Memorizers of the Holy Quran were given extra marks in the Civil Service examinations. Arabic language was promoted through TV and Radio programs. No woman was allowed to appear on the TV without scarf. Many people from the civil society raised a voice against some of his actions, but in many areas he has support from Ulamas. Of course the reign of Zia ul Haq saw maximum implementation of Shariah Laws. He won the support of many religious political parties, ulamas and religious factions.
In conclusion it can be said that although several and serious efforts for Islamisation were made, but implementation of clauses of Islamisation remained in question. Desired results were not achieved because of lack of will and proper implementation. The fact remains that governments have not been successful in their efforts for Islamisation in Pakistan.
Q: Why did Pakistan face so many problems with the provision of education between 1947 and 1999? [7]
Ans: Pakistan governments have been facing many problems with the provision of education due to many reasons.
According to independent estimates in 1998, less than 30% of the Pakistan population is literate, and female literacy is estimated at 14% nationally. This was due to lack of financial investment in education by successive govt. who viewed defence as being more important.
During the first three decades after independence, education in Pakistan was accorded a very low official priority. In 1960, Pakistan was only spending 2% of budget on education which, by 1990, had grown to 2.9%. However, even after the mass nationalization of 1970s, state expenditure on education never rose above 3% of the budget.
A major problem has faced primary education with serious under-funding compared to secondary and higher education (in 5-Year-Plan 1956, 56% educational budget was allocated to secondary compared to only 18% for primary!) Little money remains for non-staff costs to spend on the primary sector.
A number of problems have, therefore, dogged all official attempts at improving the literacy rate. Rates of absenteeism and drop-outs are very high. More than half the students joining primary school leave within 5 years. One-third of girls drop out within a year. Education is also very expensive in Pakistan. Children are expected to buy their own books and uniform, and many children drop out of schools. In the secondary sector many private schools have been formed which have been for the more wealthy parts of the population which further emphasises the gap between the rich and the poor.
However, educational reforms were enforced from time to time. In 1972, all private schools and colleges were nationalized. But the policy had a devastating effect on the standard of teaching and standard of education in the country.
Q: How successful have the successive governments been in the provision of health and education in Pakistan since 1947 to 1999? [14]
Ans: Pakistan governments have been facing many problems with the provision of Health and education since 1947 to 1999.
According to independent estimates in 1998, less than 30% of the Pakistan population is literate, and female literacy is estimated at 14% nationally. This was due to lack of financial investment in education by successive govt. who viewed defence as being more important.
During the first three decades after independence, education in Pakistan was accorded a very low official priority. In 1960, Pakistan was only spending 2% of budget on education which, by 1990, had grown to 2.9%. However, even after the mass nationalization of 1970s, state expenditure on education never rose above 3% of the budget.
A major problem has faced primary education with serious under-funding compared to secondary and higher education (in 5-Year-Plan 1956, 56% educational budget was allocated to secondary compared to only 18% for primary!) Little money remains for non-staff costs to spend on the primary sector.
A number of problems have, therefore, dogged all official attempts at improving the literacy rate. Rates of absenteeism and drop-outs are very high. More than half the students joining primary school leave within 5 years. One-third of girls drop out within a year. Education is also very expensive in Pakistan. Children are expected to buy their own books and uniform, and many children drop out of schools. In the secondary sector many private schools have been formed which have been for the more wealthy parts of the population which further emphasises the gap between the rich and the poor.
However, educational reforms were enforced from time to time. In 1972, all private schools and colleges were nationalized. But the policy had a devastating effect on the standard of teaching and standard of education in the country.
Another important problem was that policies introduced by one government were abandoned by the next govt. For example, the scheme of ‘Nai Roshni Schools’ was started in 1985 to educate a large number of children up to primary level. But the scheme was discontinued by the next elected govt. of Benazir in 1988. There has also been a lack of schools. A govt. report in 1989 admitted that over 60%of govt. school building were unsafe.
On the other hand, provision of health has also remained an enormous problem for Pakistan. One of the many problems inherited by the state of Pakistan was the very poor health care available to public. Since 1947, there has been a rapid increase in population. The annual growth rate in Pakistan in 1990 was estimated to be over 3% per year. At the same time, life expectancy is only 55 years for both men and women and maternal mortality is also one of the highest in the world. Furthermore, child mortality rate is also rampant: at 90 per 1000 births. Children die of diseases like diarrhoea, measles and whooping cough etc. Government estimates in 1990 suggest that 200,000 children a year died because of diarrhoea. Malnutrition is also prevailing in many parts of Pakistan, especially rural areas.
The belief in traditional medication is also one of the major causes for poor health in Pakistan. People usually trust on ‘Hakeems’ and Homeopathic medicines in rural areas, instead of going to professional qualified doctors. In addition, there has been a lack of doctors, nurses and hospitals since 1947. Public health expenditure was around 0.75% of budget in 1990. With such low investment it is indeed very difficult to improve health facilities in Pakistan.
National health planning started in 1960s, but the first large national health plan was introduced in 1972 with establishment of BHU (for every 20,000 people) and RHCs (for every 60,000 people). However, the reform failed due to poor management and lack of funding.
By the 1970s, nine Unani medical colleges were established. However, indigenous midwives (dais) are still an overwhelming choice for rural and urban women during childbirth and have escaped any formal regulation and training. There are over 8000 NGOs registered in health sector in Pakistan such as Edhi Foundation which is both effective and well-run.
Thus, on the whole, Pakistan governments have remained unsuccessful in the provision of health and education as the statistics show a very poor condition in both of the sectors.
