Navigating Challenges and Government’s
Response-
By mid-October 1947, Karachi experienced a notable surge
in prices, exemplified by the skyrocketing cost of imported cigarettes. The
disruption of trade and communication between India and Pakistan led to a
redirection of Sindh's regular supply of cigarettes to provinces like West
Punjab, NWFP, and Baluchistan [4]. This
resulted in shortages and contributed to the overall economic turmoil. The
broader economic landscape in Sindh was marked by staggering inflation.
Essential goods witnessed a swift rise in demand, far outstripping the
available supply. Sindh's economy struggled under the weight of disrupted trade
channels, creating a precarious situation where demand eclipsed the
availability of vital commodities.
Also, the Hindu administrators (which were integral to
the functioning of government offices) left in large numbers. In addition to
this, attempts were made to replace them with Muhajirs and Punjabi Muslims,
which created challenges due to their unfamiliarity with Sindhi language and
customs [5]. Sindh's economic and financial structure,
which historically relied heavily on Hindu businessmen and moneylenders, faced
collapse. The departure of Hindus, who played a pivotal role in the economic
ecosystem, further strained an already overstressed economic framework. The
economic crisis, as described by Premier Khuhro, represented an
"unprecedented difficulty" arising from the dislocation of vital
trade channels, the drying up of credit sources, and the escalating burden of
expenditure due to the influx of refugees.
By February 1948, Sindh found itself grappling with a
substantial budgetary deficit amounting to Rs 2.57 crores for the fiscal year
1947-48 [6]. This deficit was a direct
consequence of a myriad of factors, including the sudden dislocation of crucial
trade channels, the drying up of credit sources, and the unforeseen burden of
expenditure triggered by the massive influx of refugees into the province. As
the usual economic flow, which relied on consistent trade routes and supplies,
experienced a severe jolt. The consequent scarcity of goods contributed to an
inflationary spiral, impacting the overall financial stability of the province.
The financial strain was further heightened by the colossal burden of
expenditure imposed on the province. The sudden influx of refugees placed an
almost superhuman burden on Sindh's comparatively slender resources. The
departure of key economic contributors, particularly the exodus of Hindus who
historically played a significant role in Sindh's economic and financial
sectors, contributed to the financial strain [7]. The collapse of the economic structure,
dependent on Hindu businessmen and moneylenders, left a void that further
amplified the deficit.
In the wake of unprecedented economic challenges faced by
Sindh in the aftermath of Partition, the provincial government, under Premier
Khuhro's leadership, implemented a series of responses to address the economic
turmoil. This section elucidates the key measures taken by the government to
stabilize the economy and alleviate the financial strain. To contend with the
economic crisis, the Sindh government introduced the Sind Economic
Rehabilitation Ordinance in late October 1947. This legislative move aimed to
appoint a rehabilitation officer responsible for monitoring unoccupied land,
buildings, and businesses. [8] The
rehabilitation officer had the authority to compel the original owners to
resume operations or face seizure, subsequently leasing the business to
incoming Muhajirs. This measure essentially amounted to the state's
intervention in the management of businesses to mitigate economic challenges.
Given the disruption of trade and communication between
India and Pakistan, essential goods faced a severe supply-demand imbalance,
leading to staggering inflation. To mitigate this, the government implemented
regulations on various goods, including bullion, jewellery, cloth, soap,
surgical and optical goods, food grains, building materials, and machinery.
These measures aimed to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of
essential items. Premier Khuhro's government recognized the fiscal strain on
Sindh's economy and acknowledged the impending deficit. The government engaged
in financial planning to manage this deficit, exploring strategies to balance
revenues and expenditures in the wake of economic challenges.
Recognizing the departure of Hindu merchants and
bureaucrats as a significant blow to the economy, the Sindh government-initiated
efforts to retain this crucial demographic. Senior government officials,
including Premier Khuhro, personally visited Hindus in Karachi, assuring them
of their security and inviting those who had left to return. In response to
critical voices from the Hindu press, the government took measures to control
the narrative [9]. The publication of
Hindustan and Sansar Samachar was banned for two months at the end of October
1947. Pre-censorship was imposed on the Sind Observer, and warnings were issued
to the Hindu press against publishing content deemed disloyal to Pakistan. This
crackdown aimed to manage public perception and prevent the exacerbation of
existing tensions. The clampdown on Hindu press and the ban on certain
publications were additional measures to control information flow and maintain
stability.
The mass exodus of Hindus from Sindh in the aftermath of
Partition also presented unprecedented administrative challenges to the
provincial government led by Premier Khuhro. This section explores the
circumstances leading to the exodus, the administrative complexities faced by
the government, and the measures taken to address the migration of a
significant population. Communal tensions, fuelled by the broader context of
Partition-related violence in other regions of India, contributed to a sense of
insecurity among Sindhi Hindus. Reports of violence, coupled with the fear of
potential repercussions in a Muslim-majority state, prompted many Hindus to
contemplate migration. Acts of intimidation, such as the refusal of some Sindhi
Muslim workers to serve Hindu landowners, added to the apprehensions of the
Hindu community. The economic landscape played a crucial role in the exodus,
with many affluent Sindhi Hindus perceiving a loss of power, privilege, and
status in the new socio-political order. The freezing of essential building
materials and rumours of freezing private bank accounts further escalated
concerns. This legislative measure aimed to monitor and regulate unoccupied
land, buildings, and businesses, attempting to stabilize the economy amidst the
departure of Hindu merchants and administrators. The government's efforts were
driven by the need to prevent a collapse of the economic and financial
structure. [10]
The government's contemplation of placing a ban on the
exodus of non-Muslims, framed as a measure for their safety and the maintenance
of peace, added to the complexity of the situation. This consideration raised
concerns among the Hindu community about potential restrictions on their
mobility. The departure of a significant number of Hindu bureaucrats and
professionals, who had been the backbone of the administration, resulted in administrative
paralysis. Government offices, courts, banks, and businesses experienced a
depletion of experienced personnel. Efforts to replace Hindu employees with
Muhajirs and Punjabi Muslims, while necessary, presented a challenge as the new
workforce was unfamiliar with the local language and dynamics. The period
following Partition witnessed a mass exodus of Hindus from Sindh, prompted by
communal tensions and economic uncertainties.
[11]
Premier Khuhro's government, recognizing the significance
of retaining the Hindu population, undertook various efforts to reassure and
placate the community. This section explores the initiatives and policies
implemented by the Sindh government to retain Hindus during a tumultuous time.
In a proactive move, Premier Khuhro established the Peace Board, comprising
prominent Muslims and Hindus in Karachi. This board played a pivotal role in
reassuring Hindus about their security and acted as a platform for hearing and
addressing their grievances. The inclusive nature of this initiative aimed to
foster communal harmony. Senior members of both the Sindh and Central
Government including Governor Hidayatullah and Premier Khuhro, personally
visited Hindu communities in Karachi. These visits were not merely symbolic but
were aimed at assuring Hindus of their safety and security in Sindh. Public
statements were made, inviting Sindhi Hindus who had left Pakistan to return to
their home province [12]. These
efforts were part of a broader strategy to prevent further migration and reassure
those who had already left.
Ensuring Communal Harmony:
Extra police pickets and security arrangements were put
in place to ensure the safety of Hindu celebrations. This aimed to create an
environment where diverse religious practices could coexist harmoniously. While
there were instances of crackdowns on certain publications, the government also
engaged in dialogue with the Hindu press. Premier Khuhro issued warnings to the
press, urging them to refrain from content that could be perceived as
disloyalty to Pakistan. This attempt at communication aimed to prevent the
exacerbation of tensions and maintain a semblance of impartiality [13]. The government's efforts to retain
Hindus in Sindh during the challenging post-Partition period reflected a
multi-faceted approach. From creating platforms for communal dialogue to
enacting economic rehabilitation measures, these initiatives sought to reassure
the Hindu community and emphasize their integral role in the province.Premier
Khuhro's government undertook various measures to address these economic
hardships and stabilize the financial structure of the province. [14]
Initiatives such as the Peace Board and public assurances
by senior government officials were designed to reassure Hindus of their security
and encourage their continued participation in the economic life of the
province. Recognizing the importance of the business community in stabilizing
the economy, Premier Khuhro and other government officials engaged in outreach
efforts. These initiatives included visits to business establishments,
dialogues with business leaders, and attempts to address their concerns. The
goal was to foster collaboration between the government and the business
community to navigate the economic challenges. To ensure the continuity of
economic activities, the government implemented security measures during
critical times, such as religious festivals. Extra police pickets and security
arrangements were put in place to safeguard economic functions and prevent
disruptions [15]. This approach aimed
to create an environment conducive to economic stability. The measures
implemented by the Sindh government against economic challenges reflected a
comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted issues arising from the
aftermath of Partition. From regulatory frameworks to initiatives promoting
economic continuity and stability, these measures were crucial in navigating
the economic turmoil of the time. In the tumultuous aftermath of Partition,
Sindh witnessed significant demographic shifts and communal tensions. The
government, led by Premier Khuhro, responded to the challenges by imposing
travel restrictions and instituting departure notices. This section explores
the context, implementation, and consequences of these measures, shedding light
on the complex dynamics of population movement during this period. As communal
violence erupted in various parts of India during the partition, concerns about
the safety of minority communities, particularly Hindus, became a prevailing
issue. In this atmosphere of fear and distrust, the Sindh government, like
others in the newly formed Pakistan, grappled with the task of maintaining
order and safeguarding its citizens. This move was motivated by a desire to
prevent large-scale migrations, which could exacerbate an already volatile
situation. The restriction aimed to maintain stability, protect citizens, and
avoid inter-communal conflicts. To regulate the exodus of non-Muslims,
especially Hindus, the Sindh government introduced a system of departure
notices. Individuals wishing to leave the province were required to provide a
two weeks' notice to the government. This measure was intended to streamline
the movement of people, manage the flow of refugees, and ensure a semblance of
order during a critical period. Premier Khuhro's statement about considering a
"ban on the exodus of non-Muslims from Sindh" created apprehension
among Hindus. While the government suggested this measure to guarantee the
safety of non-Muslims, it also fuelled fears that departure might be prohibited
entirely. The announcement contributed to a climate of uncertainty, prompting
discussions about the potential impact on migration patterns.
Indeed, Sindh’s “partition” in 1947 was a
deterritorialised and demographic partition, producing approximately a million
non-Muslim refugees (not all of them Sindhi-speaking) [16].
