Terms defined: CENTO - (Central Treaty Organisation) a military alliance including nations such as Iran and Iraq that was set up for the purpose of defending the Middle East against the communist Soviet Union. Guerilla warfare - When a small group of armed civilians use tactics such as ambushes and raids to fight against a larger and less mobile army. IDP - Internally displaced person (someone who has been forced to move from their home due to violence or other threats in the area). Operation Searchlight - The West Pakistani repression of East Pakistani police, politicians, army and civilians. Repression - imposing restrictions or controlling a region. SEATO - (South East Asia Treaty Organisation) also a military alliance.

Topic Summary Upon gaining their independence from the British commonwealth, India and Pakistan were split along the 2 large provinces of Punjab and Bengal. This lead to disputes over religious differences and resulted in large numbers people migrating between the two provinces as well as thousands of deaths during violent protests. There was also great controversy about which country the province Kashmir should belong to, which ultimately resulted in the Indo- Pakistani war in Even today, territorial disputes continue between Pakistan and India as well as Afghanistan and military rule has constantly interfered with political affairs in the country. In March of 1956, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was formed and the military took full control of the country two years later. At this point, it joined the CENTO and the SEATO. In the 1960s the region of East Pakistan began an independence movement from West Pakistan. This caused a power vacuum between different leaders wanting to take control of the Pakistani regions. After an unsuccessful attempt at coming to a mutual agreement, the West Pakistani army began operation searchlight. The independence of East Pakistan was eventually declared. We now know this region as the country of Bangladesh. The independence of Bangladesh sparked guerilla warfare between the two nations resulting in high casualties, however Bangladesh was able to remain independent.

Heavy fighting also took place on the Pakistani border between the Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2004 during the search for Osama Bin- Laden, but a truce was signed between Pakistan and the Afghan militants in September In 2007, former prime minister Shariff was arrested for corruption while Benazir Buhtto, another ex-prime minister returned from exile to take part in the next parliamentary elections. She was assassinated on December 27th 2007 while returning from an election rally which lead to even more violent protests and political tensions. Pakistan and India remain in conflict over the Kashmir region and religious conflicts between the Muslim and Hindu population remain a cause of violence to this day as do the internal political disputes and tensions between Pakistani political parties such as the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League. The Kashmir region (in orange) between Pakistan and India

Time line The Muslim League begins demands for a separate country for the Muslim population in India Pakistan and India gain independence from the British Commonwealth - border disputes and religious differences cause violence First war against India over the ownership of Kashmir Riots erupt during religious party meetings First case of martial law occurs in the country Second war over Kashmir United States forges alliance with Pakistan as a response to Soviet aid to Afghanistan Leader of Pakistan, General Zia dies ending an 11 year military rule Pakistan begins nuclear tests after India has done the same Pakistani and Indian troops fight once again over Kashmir killing over 2,000 soldiers in total - General Musharraf stages military coup and arrests the prime minister Musharraf joins US war on terrorism - heavy shooting continues between India and Pakistan on the border line of Kashmir ceasefire in Kashmir

various suicide bombings at Muslim festivals and raids at militant training camps spark anti-government protests after more bombings, Pakistan and India sign an agreement to lower the risk of nuclear war - Benazir Bhutto assassinated Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League form a coalition government - government borrows several billions of dollars from the IMF to get out of deficit violence continues until the Pakistani and Indian prime ministers agree to meet to discuss co-operating with each other to fight terrorism - Taliban leader is killed and a revenge suicide bombing kills 120 people over 100 people killed in an attack on a volley-ball game. Benazir Bhutto

Origin of the topic This topic first became one of international importance in 2002 where Kashmiri militants attacking the Indian parliament had lead to a nuclear standoff, since both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapon programs. This threatens peace and stability in South Asia and the on-going conflict is therefore a serious matter that threatens international security and has cost many lives. It has also caused the displacement of many individuals from their homes which are now in need of humanitarian aid. For these reasons this issue needs to be dealt with by the UN.

What has been done by the UN or other NGOs? From 1949 to 1965 the UN enforced a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in an attempt to maintain peace and stability The permanent mission of Pakistan to the UN has stated that it is “committed to supporting the development and humanitarian needs of the people of Pakistan” it aims to “ensure that the priority areas and urgent needs of the country are adequately and efficiently addressed.” Since wide-spread violence causes the forced displacement of people, the UN and other agencies have set up shelters and provided sanitation facilities, education and food aid for the IDPs. The UN has also worked with the government military to organise evacuations. Financial support is also being provided to the social welfare department in order to help with the accommodation and registration of IDPs in camps. The UN also aims to strengthen government and agency monitoring so that quicker responses can be achieved when humanitarian aid is needed

Long-Term Objectives To be able to keep providing accommodation, education and sanitation facilities as well as food aid for the growing numbers of IDPs To set-up skill development programs for IDPs in order to help them effectively re-integrate into society and regain their livelihoods To minimize the risk of nuclear war by encouraging an improvement in India - Pakistan relations To maintain UNMOGIP (United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan) troops in Kashmir to promote peace and stability in the region

The Current Situation The current situation in Pakistan remains an issue. There is still widespread violence, for example the recent suicide attack on people at a volley ball game last month that killed over 100 people. The dispute over whether Kashmir should belong to India or Pakistan still stands in the way of peace between the two nations. The religious intolerance (Muslim and Hindu) of the countries also causes tensions and political bickering between parties is still resulting in violent protests.

Related Links nts/7/Revised%20PHRP-20_May_09.pdf

Bibliography BBC News. Timeline: Pakistan. Jan. 31, United Nations. Pakistan Foreign Policy. Jan. 31, United Nations. Pakistan: Humanitarian Response Plan. Jan. 31, Walsh, Ben. GCSE Modern World History, 2 nd ed. London: John Murray, Wikimedia Foundation. The History of Pakistan. Jan. 28, 2010.