In the Name of Allah, the most Merciful and the Most Beneficent

University of Swat
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES

PAKISTAN STUDIES
According to syllabus of BS 1st Semester Final term

Session 2022-2026
Written and composed by Ayas uddin
BS Psychological Studies 1st Semester
Class number: 04
Submitted to Sir Muhammad Tariq Khan
Dear Sir Muhammad Tariq Khan,

I hope you are well. I am writing to humbly request your review of this little book that I
have composed. I know that you are a highly respected and experienced teacher,
and your feedback would mean a great deal to me.
I have put a lot of effort into this book, and I would greatly appreciate your thoughts
and suggestions on how I can improve it. I understand that you are a busy person
and have many other responsibilities, but I would be deeply grateful if you could find
the time to review my work.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Ayas uddin
CONTENTS

Historical Perspectives
• The Indus Valley Civilization
• Muslim advent
• Location and geo physical features of Pakistan
Government and Politics in Pakistan
Political and constitutional phases
• 1947 to 1958
• 1958 to 1971
• 1971 to 1977
• 1977 to 1988
• 1988 to 1999
• 1999 to onward
Contemporary Pakistan
• Economic institutions and issues of Pakistan
• Society and social structure of Pakistan
• Ethnicity of Pakistan
• Foreign policy of Pakistan and challenges
• Futuristic outlook of Pakistan
The Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient civilization that existed in the north-
western region of the Indian subcontinent, from about 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It was
one of the earliest civilizations in the world, and was known for its advanced urban
planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and monumental architecture. The Indus
people also developed a script, which remains undeciphered to date. The
civilization was rediscovered in the 1920s by the British archaeologist Sir Mortimer
Wheeler and his team. The civilization is also known as Harappan civilization.

Muslim advent
The advent of Islam in the Indian subcontinent began in the 7th century CE with the
Arab invasion of Sindh, a region that is now part of modern-day Pakistan. The Arab
conquerors brought with them the religion of Islam and over time, it spread across
the region, largely through the efforts of Sufi saints and traders. The Muslim rulers
established several dynasties, such as the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Mughals, which
ruled various parts of the subcontinent for several centuries. These dynasties made
significant contributions to the region's culture, architecture, and literature. The
advent of Islam also led to the conversion of many people in the region to the faith
and played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the
Indian subcontinent.

Location and geo physical features of Pakistan

Pakistan is located in South Asia and shares borders with India to the east,
Afghanistan and Iran to the west, and China to the north. To the south is the Arabian
Sea. The country has a diverse geography, with several distinct regions.
The northern region of Pakistan is mountainous, with some of the world's highest
peaks, including K2, the second highest peak in the world. The Karakoram and the
Himalayas Mountain ranges are located in this region.
The western region is mostly composed of deserts and semi-arid regions, including
the Thar Desert and the Baluchistan Plateau. The Indus River and its tributaries flow
through this region, providing irrigation for agriculture.
The southern region is characterized by a coastal plain, which includes the city of
Karachi and the Makran coast.
The eastern region is a fertile plain, known as the Punjab Plain, which is formed by
the Indus River and its tributaries. This region is the most densely populated and
agriculturally rich area of the country.
Pakistan also has several lakes and rivers, including the Indus River, the Jhelum River,
the Chenab River and the Ravi River.
1947 to 1958
From 1947 to 1958, Pakistan went through a complex political and constitutional
phase. Here are some of the key events and developments that occurred during this
period:
In 1947, Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule and became a
sovereign state. The country was initially composed of two regions on either side of
India: West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
The government of Pakistan was initially led by the Muslim League, which was the
party that had led the movement for Pakistan's independence. However, the party
soon split into rival factions, leading to a power struggle between different political
leaders.
In 1948, Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, was assassinated. This led to a
period of political instability, with several leaders vying for power.
In 1951, Ghulam Muhammad, the Governor-General of Pakistan, dismissed the
government of Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin, who was later replaced by
Muhammad Ali Bogra.
In 1955, the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan passed the One Unit Bill, which merged
the four provinces of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit.
In 1956, the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan passed the Constitution of Pakistan,
which established Pakistan as an Islamic republic.
In 1958, President Iskander Mirza declared martial law and dissolved the Constituent
Assembly. He appointed General Ayub Khan as the Chief Martial Law Administrator.
This marked the beginning of a period of military dictatorship in Pakistan.
Throughout this period, political instability and power struggle between different
leaders, political parties, and institutions were the main issue, which led the country
to the dictatorship and military rule.

1958 to 1971
From 1958 to 1971, Pakistan was under military dictatorship and saw significant
changes in its political and constitutional landscape. Here are some of the key
events and developments that occurred during this period:
In 1958, President Iskander Mirza appointed General Ayub Khan as the Chief Martial
Law Administrator, and the country entered a period of military dictatorship. General
Ayub Khan abrogated the 1956 constitution and ruled as the President of Pakistan till
1969.
In 1962, General Ayub Khan introduced a new constitution, which established a
presidential system of government and gave the President sweeping powers. He
also established a new political party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Convention),
which was meant to support his rule.
In 1965, India and Pakistan went to war over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The
war ended in a stalemate, but it had a significant impact on the domestic politics of
Pakistan, as it led to a decline in the popularity of General Ayub Khan's government.
In 1969, General Ayub Khan was forced to resign following widespread civil unrest
and protests. He was replaced by General Yahya Khan, who became the President
of Pakistan.
In 1970, Pakistan held its first general election in more than a decade. The East
Pakistan-based Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority of
seats in the National Assembly. However, Yahya Khan and the military establishment
in West Pakistan refused to transfer power to the Awami League, leading to a
political crisis.
In 1971, the crisis in East Pakistan escalated into a civil war, which led to the
separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan and the creation of the new state of
Bangladesh.
In December 1971, Pakistan's military was defeated by the Indian army and East
Pakistan separated from West Pakistan, forming Bangladesh.
Throughout this period, Pakistan was under military dictatorship and saw significant
changes in its political and constitutional landscape. The country was marked by
political instability, civil unrest, and a power struggle between different leaders,
political parties, and institutions. The war with India and the separation of East
Pakistan resulted in a significant blow to Pakistan's stability and unity.

1971 to 1977
From 1971 to 1977, Pakistan underwent a period of political turmoil, constitutional
crisis, and military intervention in politics. Here are some of the key events and
developments that occurred during this period:
In 1971, Pakistan's military was defeated by the Indian army and East Pakistan
separated from West Pakistan, forming Bangladesh. The war resulted in a significant
blow to Pakistan's stability and unity, and led to a period of political turmoil.
In December 1971, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became the President of Pakistan and the
leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which had emerged as the largest party
in the National Assembly in the 1970 elections.
In 1973, Bhutto introduced a new constitution, which established a parliamentary
system of government and recognized socialism as one of the fundamental
principles of the state.
faced a constitutional crisis when the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared the 1973
constitution to be invalid. Bhutto responded by dismissing the Chief Justice and
several other judges, leading to widespread civil unrest and protests.
In 1977, Bhutto's government was criticized for widespread corruption and
mismanagement, and the PPP faced a major opposition from the Pakistan National
Alliance (PNA), a coalition of nine political parties.
In July 1977, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq staged a military coup and overthrew
Bhutto's government. He declared martial law and suspended the 1973 constitution.
Throughout this period, Pakistan was marked by political turmoil, constitutional crisis,
and military intervention in politics. The war with India and the separation of East
Pakistan resulted in a significant blow to Pakistan's stability and unity, and the
country was marked by political instability, civil unrest, and a power struggle
between different leaders, political parties, and institutions. The period also saw a
shift in political ideology, with the introduction of socialism and the recognition of it
as one of the fundamental principles of the state.

1977 to 1988
From 1977 to 1988, Pakistan was under military dictatorship and saw significant
changes in its political and constitutional landscape. Here are some of the key
events and developments that occurred during this period:
In 1977, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq staged a military coup and overthrew the
government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He declared martial law and
suspended the 1973 constitution. Zia ruled as the Chief Martial Law Administrator
and later as the President of Pakistan.
In 1979, Zia hanged Bhutto, who was convicted of the murder of a political
opponent, which led to international condemnation and a significant decline in Zia's
popularity.
In 1985, Zia introduced a new constitution, which established an Islamic legal system,
known as the "Sharia courts," and made "the Quran and the Sunnah" the supreme
law of the land.
In 1986, Zia held non-party based elections, which were widely criticized as rigged,
and the result was a victory for the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) a right-wing coalition
supported by Zia.
In 1988, Zia died in a plane crash and the country entered a new phase of political
turmoil and uncertainty.
Throughout this period, Pakistan was under military dictatorship and saw significant
changes in its political and constitutional landscape. The period was marked by the
suppression of political dissent and civil liberties, and the introduction of an Islamic
legal system, which was implemented through the Sharia courts. The period was also
marked by the decline in popularity of Zia's regime and widespread corruption. The
death of Zia ul Haq in a plane crash, left the country in a political turmoil and
uncertainty, as the country was about to enter a new phase of its political history.
1988 to 1999
From 1988 to 1999, Pakistan went through a period of political turmoil and
uncertainty, marked by a power struggle between different political parties and
institutions, and by several changes in government. Here are some of the key events
and developments that occurred during this period:
In 1988, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq died in a plane crash and the country
entered a new phase of political turmoil and uncertainty.
In 1988, Benazir Bhutto, the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, became the Prime Minister
of Pakistan and the leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which had emerged
as the largest party in the National Assembly. She became the first woman to head
a Muslim country.
In 1990, Bhutto's government was dismissed by the President on charges of
corruption and mismanagement.
In 1990, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the President of Pakistan, appointed Nawaz Sharif, the
leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) as the Prime Minister.
In 1993, Sharif's government was dismissed by the President on charges of corruption
and mismanagement.
In 1993, Bhutto was re-elected as Prime Minister, and her government faced a
constitutional crisis when the President attempted to dismiss her government.
In 1996, Sharif was re-elected as Prime Minister and his government faced a
constitutional crisis when the President attempted to dismiss his government.
In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf, the Chief of Army Staff, staged a military coup
and overthrew Sharif's government. He declared martial law and suspended the
constitution.
Throughout this period, Pakistan went through a period of political turmoil and
uncertainty, marked by a power struggle between different political parties and
institutions. The period was marked by several changes in government and by
widespread corruption and mismanagement. The period also saw a return to military
rule and the suspension of the constitution by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999.

1999 to the present

From 1999 to the present, Pakistan has gone through a complex political and
constitutional phase, marked by a mix of civilian and military rule, and by a power
struggle between different political parties and institutions. Here are some of the key
events and developments that have occurred during this period:
In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf staged a military coup and overthrew the
government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He declared martial law and suspended
the constitution. Musharraf ruled as the Chief Executive and later as the President of
Pakistan.
In 2001, Musharraf held a referendum to extend his rule and in 2002, he held a
general election and his party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam) (PML-Q)
came to power, with Zafarullah Khan Jamali as the Prime Minister.
In 2007, Musharraf faced a political crisis when the Chief Justice of Pakistan was
dismissed, leading to widespread protests and civil unrest.
In 2008, Musharraf resigned as President after impeachment proceedings were
initiated against him by the parliament. He was succeeded by Asif Ali Zardari as the
President of Pakistan.
In 2013, Pakistan held general elections, with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N)
led by Nawaz Sharif, winning a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Sharif
became the Prime Minister.
In 2017, Sharif was disqualified from holding public office by the Supreme Court of
Pakistan on charges of corruption. He was succeeded by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as
the Prime Minister.
In 2018, Pakistan held general elections, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by
Imran Khan, winning a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Khan became the
Prime Minister.
In 2020, Khan's government faced a political crisis when the Supreme Court
disqualified him from holding public office but later restored him.
Throughout this period, Pakistan has gone through a complex political and
constitutional phase, marked by a mix of civilian and military rule, and by a power
struggle between different political parties and institutions. The period has also seen
a significant decline in the popularity of the military's role in politics and increased
demand for civilian rule. The period was marked by widespread corruption and
political instability, with several changes in government, disqualification of Prime
minister, and political crisis.

Economic institutions and issues of Pakistan

Pakistan has a mixed economy, with a significant agricultural sector, a growing
industrial sector, and a large services sector. The country's economic institutions and
issues can be broadly categorized into the following:
1. Central bank: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is the central bank of Pakistan and
is responsible for monetary policy, regulation of the banking sector, and
management of foreign exchange reserves.
2. Government institutions: The Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission are
the key government institutions responsible for economic policy and planning.
3. Stock exchange: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is the main stock exchange
in Pakistan, and it is located in Karachi.
4. Trade organizations: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FPCCI) and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) are
 among the main trade organizations in Pakistan that represent the interests of
businesses and industries.
5. Economic issues: Pakistan has struggled with economic issues such as high
inflation, a large trade deficit, a large fiscal deficit, and a lack of foreign
investment. In addition, the country has a relatively low level of human
development and high poverty levels.
6. Energy crisis: Pakistan has been facing an energy crisis for several years, with a
shortage of electricity and natural gas. This has led to power cuts, high electricity
prices, and an increase in the use of fossil fuels.
7. Agriculture: Agriculture is a major sector of Pakistan's economy and employs a
large percentage of the population. However, the sector is often hindered by
poor infrastructure, inadequate technology, and a lack of government support.
8. Industry: Pakistan has a growing industrial sector, but it is often hindered by
inadequate infrastructure, high energy costs, and a lack of government support.
9. Services sector: The services sector is a major contributor to the economy, but it is
often hindered by inadequate infrastructure, a lack of government support, and
a lack of skilled workers.
Overall, Pakistan's economic institutions and issues are diverse, and the country
faces a number of challenges in terms of economic growth, development, and
stability. The government has been implementing policies and programs to address
these issues, but progress has been slow.

Society and social structure of Pakistan

Pakistan is a diverse and complex society, with a variety of ethnic, linguistic, and
religious groups. The social structure of Pakistan can be broadly categorized into the
following:
1. Ethnic groups: The major ethnic groups in Pakistan include Punjabis, Sindhis,
Pashtuns, Balochs, and Mohajirs. Each ethnic group has its own distinct culture,
customs, and traditions.
2. Religious groups: Pakistan is an Islamic country, and the majority of the
population is Muslim. However, there are also significant minority religious groups,
including Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadiyyas.
3. Caste system: Pakistan has a traditional caste system, which is based on birth
and occupation. The caste system has been officially abolished, but it still has a
significant impact on society, particularly in rural areas.
4. Gender roles: Pakistan has a patriarchal society, where men are traditionally
considered the head of the household and the primary breadwinners. However,
there are also significant numbers of women in the workforce, particularly in
urban areas.
5. Education: Education is highly valued in Pakistan, but there are significant
disparities in access to education between different regions, ethnic groups, and
socioeconomic classes.
6. Healthcare: Healthcare in Pakistan is a complex issue, with a lack of adequate
infrastructure and resources in many areas. The government has been
implementing policies and programs to improve healthcare, but progress has
been slow.
7. Rural and urban divide: Pakistan has a significant rural-urban divide, with many
rural areas lacking basic infrastructure and services. This has led to migration from
rural areas to urban areas, particularly in cities like Karachi and Lahore.
Overall, Pakistan's society and social structure are diverse and complex, with a
variety of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, a traditional caste system, and
significant disparities in access to education, healthcare and infrastructure.

Ethnicity of Pakistan
Pakistan is a diverse country with a number of different ethnic groups. The major
ethnic groups in Pakistan include:
1. Punjabis: They are the largest ethnic group in Pakistan, and they mostly live in the
Punjab province. They have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
2. Sindhis: They mostly live in the Sindh province, and they have their own distinct
culture, language, and traditions.
3. Pashtuns: They mostly live in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces,
and they have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions. They are also
found in the north-western regions of Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan.
4. Balochs: They mostly live in the Balochistan province, and they have their own
distinct culture, language, and traditions. They are also found in the southwestern
regions of Pakistan, near the border with Iran.
5. Mohajirs: They are a group of Urdu-speaking people who migrated from India to
Pakistan following the partition of British India in 1947. They mostly live in the Sindh
province, and they have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
6. Other ethnic groups: Pakistan also has a significant number of other ethnic
groups, including the Seraikis, the Hazaras, the Kalash, the Kashmiris, and the
Gujjars. Each of these groups has its own distinct culture, customs, and traditions.
It's worth noting that Pakistan is a diverse country and the ethnic identities,
languages and cultures are intertwined and sometimes overlap. The ethnic groups
are also not isolated and there are significant numbers of intermarriage among
them.

Foreign policy of Pakistan and challenges

Pakistan's foreign policy is shaped by a number of factors, including its historical and
cultural ties to the Muslim world, its strategic location, and its security concerns. Here
are some of the key elements of Pakistan's foreign policy and the challenges it
faces:
1. Relations with India: Pakistan's relations with India have been marked by a long-
standing and complex rivalry, centered on the disputed territory of Kashmir and
other issues. The two countries have gone to war several times and have a history
of tension and mistrust.
2. Relations with the United States: Pakistan has had a complex relationship with the
United States, marked by periods of cooperation and periods of tension. Pakistan
has been an important ally of the United States in the War on Terror, but the
relationship has been strained by issues such as drone strikes and the killing of
Osama bin Laden.
3. Relations with China: Pakistan has a strong and strategic partnership with China,
which is based on economic and security cooperation. China has been a
significant source of aid and investment for Pakistan and the two countries have
a history of close military ties.
4. Relations with the Muslim world: Pakistan has close ties with many countries in the
Muslim world, and it has played an active role in the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) and other regional organizations.
5. Security concerns: Pakistan faces a number of security challenges, including a
long-standing insurgency in the tribal areas near the border with Afghanistan,
and the threat of terrorism.
6. Economic challenges: Pakistan faces a number of economic challenges,
including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inflation, as well as a lack of
infrastructure, power crisis and inadequate technology.
7. Human rights issues: Pakistan has been criticized for its human rights record,
particularly in areas such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the
rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
Overall, Pakistan's foreign policy is shaped by a complex set of factors and it faces a
number of challenges, including long-standing tensions with India, a complex
relationship with the United States, security concerns, economic challenges, and
human rights issues.

Futuristic outlook of Pakistan

It is difficult to predict the exact future of Pakistan, as it will depend on a wide range
of factors, including domestic and international politics, economic conditions, and
security developments. However, here are some potential scenarios that could
shape Pakistan's future:
1. Continued political instability and economic challenges: Pakistan has a history of
political instability and economic challenges, and these issues could continue in
the future. This could lead to further strain on the economy, a lack of investment,
and a lack of progress on key issues such as poverty and unemployment.
2. Improved relations with India: Pakistan and India have a long-standing and
complex rivalry, but there have been some signs in recent years of a thaw in
relations. If this trend continues, it could lead to improved trade and economic
ties between the two countries, and a reduction in tensions and conflict.
3. Improved security situation: Pakistan has faced a number of security challenges,
including a long-standing insurgency in the tribal areas near the border with
Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism. If the security situation improves, it could
lead to a reduction in violence and an increase in economic activity and
investment.
4. Continued engagement with China: Pakistan has a strong and strategic
partnership with China, which has been a significant source of aid and
investment for Pakistan. If this relationship continues to deepen, it could lead to
further economic growth and development, and increased Chinese influence in
the region.
5. Innovation and technology: With the advent of the 4th industrial revolution, the
role of technology is becoming more and more prominent. Pakistan has a large
youth population and if they are educated and given opportunities, they could
help the country to develop new technologies and innovative solutions to
address economic, social and political challenges.
6. Climate change: Pakistan is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,
including flooding, droughts and sea level rise. These will have a negative impact
on the country's economy, infrastructure, and society. The government of
Pakistan and the international community will have to work together to mitigate
these impacts and adapt to the changing climate.
Overall, the future of Pakistan is uncertain and depends on a wide range of factors,
both domestic and international. It's possible to see a future where the country
overcomes its challenges and emerges as a stable and prosperous nation, but it's
also possible to see a future where it continues to face political instability, economic
challenges, and security threats.