CONSTITUTIONAL CRISES, POLITICAL POLARIZATION, AND DEMOCRATIC BREAKDOWN: THE ROAD TO 1971

Abstract

The separation of East Pakistan in 1971 is often examined through political, constitutional, military, and diplomatic perspectives. Equally important, however, is the governance and development dimension of the crisis. The relationship between East and West Pakistan was shaped not only by political disagreements but also by administrative structures, economic planning choices, public expenditure patterns, institutional representation, regional development policies, and perceptions of distributive justice. Governance decisions made during the first two decades of Pakistan's existence profoundly influenced regional perceptions regarding fairness, participation, opportunity, and inclusion.