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Pak Studies History IGCSEPDF 177

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PDF 177

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3. Pakistan’s Nuclear Tests (1998) Q1: Why did Pakistan carry out nuclear tests in 1998? (7 marks) Q2: Why did Nawaz Sharif’s relations with the army worsen by 1999? (7 marks) Q3: How successful was Nawaz Sharif’s economic policy between 1997 and 1999? (14 marks) Relations between Nawaz Sharif and the army deteriorated rapidly after the Kargil conflict in 1999. The operation, planned by the military without full civilian consultation, led to international condemnation and forced Pakistan to withdraw under U.S. pressure. Nawaz Sharif blamed the military leadership, particularly General Pervez Musharraf, for the failure. Tensions escalated as Nawaz attempted to assert control over the military by dismissing Musharraf while he was abroad. The move was seen by the army as unconstitutional, and in response, the military launched a coup on 12 October 1999. This ended Nawaz Sharif’s government and marked another return to military rule in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif’s economic policy in his second term focused on privatization, liberalization, and reducing foreign debt. His government continued the privatization of state industries and introduced the Yellow Cab Scheme to reduce unemployment. Initially, these measures brought limited improvement, but the 1998 nuclear tests triggered international sanctions that caused severe economic strain. Foreign investment declined, inflation rose, and the country faced shortages of foreign reserves. Allegations of corruption and favoritism damaged investor confidence, while political instability discouraged economic growth. Despite some efforts to stabilize the rupee and control inflation, Nawaz Sharif’s overall economic performance was considered weak due to the impact of sanctions and poor financial management.