Political Change in Pakistan : Structures, Functions, Constraints and Goals.

W. Wilcox

Expert InsightsPublished 1968

A review of Pakistan's political structure and events since its 1947 independence. During the first 18 months, Pakistan underwent several crises: (1) a major war with India over Kashmir; (2) rioting, urban destruction, and a mass refugee influx into the Punjab; (3) dispute with India about British Indian assets transferral; and (4) Mohammad Ali Jinnah's death before the new political order could stabilize. National insecurity, disagreement over political organization and goals, and autonomy in the civilian/military bureaucracy all served to keep the inherited political system intact. The state has acquired hundreds of new functions, which, while involving more of the populace in the decisionmaking process, have not been able to establish a common set of values or consensus in the immensely diverse country. The younger generation, inexperienced with existing political constraints, advocates radical solutions; President Ayub Khan's administration favors a patient, incremental change within the present system that has served Pakistan well. 24 pp.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1968
  • Pages: 24
  • Document Number: P-3865

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Wilcox, W., Political Change in Pakistan : Structures, Functions, Constraints and Goals. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1968. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3865.html.
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