Early Challenges

The birth of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, was accompanied by unprecedented challenges. The newly created state had to build an administrative structure from scratch while facing a massive influx of refugees, territorial disputes, and an acute shortage of resources. These early years tested the resilience of the nation and its leadership.

• Radcliffe Award: The controversial boundary award that led to the migration of millions and territorial disputes.
• Refugee Crisis: The largest mass migration in human history (~10-12 million people).
• Administrative Crisis: Lack of office buildings, equipment, and trained personnel in the new capital, Karachi.
• Financial & Military Assets: Delays and disputes in the division of cash balances and military hardware with India.
• Canal Water Dispute: Control of river waters following the division of Punjab.
• Accession of States: Disputes over Junagadh, Hyderabad, and particularly Kashmir.

• Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer who had never been to India before, was given only 36 days to draw the boundaries between Pakistan and India.
• Karachi was chosen as the first capital of Pakistan because of its infrastructure and seaport.
• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) eventually resolved the canal water dispute that began in 1947/1948.
• Quaid-e-Azam famously addressed the first Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, outlining his vision for a democratic and inclusive Pakistan.
• The State Bank of Pakistan was inaugurated by Quaid-e-Azam just two months before his passing.

• Q: Who was the first Governor General of Pakistan?
• A: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
• Q: Who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan?
• A: Liaquat Ali Khan.
• Q: What was the first capital of Pakistan?
• A: Karachi.
• Q: Who headed the Boundary Commission in 1947?
• A: Sir Cyril Radcliffe.

"In which year did the Quaid-e-Azam inaugurate the State Bank of Pakistan, marking his last major public appearance?"

A) 1947

B) 1948

C) 1949

D) 1950

(Correct: B - 1948 [July 1])