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Pakistan Studies · May / June 2026 · Paper 11 · Question 5

0448

As printed in the paper

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  • 5(a)[4]

    Describe the reaction in Pakistan to General Musharraf taking power in 1999.

    Target: AO1

    One mark for each relevant point. Additional mark for supporting detail. Indicative content

    positive reactions: some people were pleased/happy/welcomed a change of leader (1) as:

    they saw General Musharraf as a strong leader (1)
    they believed he would stabilise the economy (1)
    they felt previous governments had been unable to solve domestic problems (1)

    negative reactions: some people were shocked/ disappointed/protested at the change of leader (1) as:

    they were supporters of Nawaz Sharif (1)
    an elected government was removed/military rule returned (1)
    they were concerned over possible restrictions e.g. to the media (1) Other relevant responses should also be credited.

    Note: Candidates may include positive or negative reactions or a mix of both in their responses. Award 1 mark for a reaction with additional marks for supporting detail for this reaction.

  • 5(b)[7]

    Explain why the ‘One Unit’ Scheme was introduced in 1955.

    Target AO1, AO2

    Mark according to the level of response descriptors in Table 1.

    Indicative content

    it would provide geographical unity for Pakistan
    administration would become more efficient and cost effective
    it would bring an end to provincial differences, prejudices, and rivalries
    it would make it easier to establish a constitution
    the scheme was devised to prevent East Pakistan gaining a majority in the National Assembly

    Other relevant responses should also be credited.

    Level of response, Table 1: used to mark the part (c) question in Section A and part (b) questions in Section B

    Target: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the past through historical explanation (AO1, AO2)

    Level 3 (5–7 marks): Explanation

    one explanation [5]
    two explanations or one developed explanation [6]
    additional explanation(s) and/or developed explanation(s) [7]

    Supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge

    Level 2 (2–4 marks): Identification/ description

    Identifies and/or describes using relevant and accurate contextual knowledge (1 mark per identification/ description)

    Level 1 (1 mark): General answer

    Valid general comment lacking specific knowledge

    Level 0 (0 marks): No creditable response

  • 5(c)[14]

    To what extent were Nawaz Sharif ’s governments able to overcome the challenges facing Pakistan in the 1990s? Explain your answer. Target: AO1, AO2

    Mark according to the level of response descriptors in Table 2.

    Indicative content

    may agree that the governments of Nawaz Sharif were able to overcome the challenges facing Pakistan in the 1990s:

    privatisation led to such projects as the Barotha Hydro Power project
    imported large numbers of taxis to help solve the unemployment problem
    built the first motorway (M2) to provide fast transport links
    foreign exchange restrictions were loosened, and Pakistan’s stock market was opened to foreign capital
    the 12th Amendment was passed to provide speedy trial courts
    the Shariat Bill made the Quran and the Sunna the law of the land
    the 13th Amendment was introduced to restrict the power of the President
    the Anti-Defection Bill (the 14th Amendment) was introduced which prevented politicians switching parties
    in 1998, Pakistan carried out a series of nuclear tests

    counter-arguments might include:

    USA ended economic support when the Soviet-Afghan war ended
    US aid ended due to concern over Pakistan’s nuclear programme
    there were issues associated with refugees from Soviet-Afghan war
    the price of fuel was raised
    problems with the Bank of Credit and Commerce International
    newspapers came under tighter control
    the Yellow Cab scheme was too expensive for people to operate
    dismissal of the Chief Justice of Pakistan

    Other relevant responses should also be credited.

    Level of response, Table 2: used to mark the part (c) questions in Section B

    Target: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the past through historical explanation and an ability to analyse and evaluate historical events (AO1, AO2)

    Level 5 (13–14 marks): Explanation with evaluation/ judgement

    explanation at the top of Level 4 with an evaluation/ judgement supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge [13]
    explanation at the top of Level 4 with a developed evaluation/ judgement supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge [14]

    Level 4 (10–12 marks): Explanation of both sides of the issue

    one explanation of each side of the issue [10]
    two explanations or one developed explanation of one-side of the issue and an explanation of the other side of the issue [11]
    additional explanation(s) and/or developed explanation(s) from either side of the issue [12]

    Supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge

    Level 3 (7–9 marks): Explanation of one-side of the issue

    one explanation [7]
    two explanations or one developed explanation [8]
    additional explanation(s) and/or developed explanation(s) [9]

    Supported by relevant and accurate contextual knowledge

    Level 2 (3–6 marks): Identification/ description of the issue

    Identifies and/or describes the issue using relevant and accurate contextual knowledge (1 mark per identification/ description)

    Level 1 (1–2 marks): General answer

    Valid general comment(s) lacking specific subject knowledge (1 mark per general comment)

    Level 0 (0 marks): No creditable response

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