Q: Why did Pakistan leave SEATO in 1972?

[7]

Ans: Pakistan had joined SEATO in 1954. But due to certain reasons Pakistan was
forced to withdraw itself from SEATO. Pakistan signed the treaty, but the United
States warned that the Pact applied only to communist aggression so Pakistan could
not hope to use treaty if attacked by India. The decision of the Foreign Minister,
Zafarullah Khan, to sign the treaty was contested by the Pakistan government, and it
was not until January 1955 that government of Pakistan agreed to ratify the treaty.
Therefore weaknesses were apparent. Moreover, Pakistan had tried to secure
further aid as a result of its membership of SEATO and pushed for a permanent
military force to be established to protect all member states. Neither of these moves
was successful, as the other members refused to agree. Pakistan’s disenchantment
with the treaty increased when SEATO did not support Pakistan in either of its wars
with India (1965 and 1971 wars). It was the Bangladesh crisis in 1971 which finally
led Bhutto to declare the withdrawal of Pakistan from SEATO in 1972. Therefore,
due to these reasons, Pakistan left SEATO in 1972.

Q: Why did Pakistan join United Nations? [7]

Ans: United Nations was founded after World War II. Pakistan joined the UNO in
September 1947. There were several reasons for this: Firstly, as a new-born
independent country, Pakistan was anxious to be recognised as an independent
country in the world. Moreover, since India was already a member of UNO even
before 1947, Pakistan was also keen to get its membership. As a sovereign state, it
was important for Pakistan to join UNO to make its identity accepted by the world.
Secondly, just after the partition Pakistan was faced with the problem of the
accession of the states of Junagarh, Hyderabad and Kashmir. It was vital for
Pakistan to seek the membership in order to present her case before the Security
Council effectively. Furthermore, on 1st April 1948, India had shut off the water
supplies to Pakistan (Canal Water Dispute). So to find a solutions to such problems,
Pakistan joined UNO. UNO supported Pakistan by helping it draw a treaty with India
(Indus Water Treaty, 1960) with the help of World Bank. Thirdly, Pakistan was keen
to play its role in supporting the independence struggle of several Asian and African
countries. So to play its role as a peaceful nation against colonization, racial
discrimination, territorial and regional aggression, Pakistan joined the UNO in 1947.

Sir Abdul Moiz

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