“Power Structure and Institutionalization in Pakistan from 1947-58: A case study of Bureaucracy”

Abstract

"Power Structure and Institutionalization in Pakistan from 1947-58: A Case Study of Bureaucracy" offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of power dynamics and institutional development in Pakistan during its formative years following independence, with a specific focus on the role of bureaucracy. The article delves into the intricate interplay between political elites, state institutions, and bureaucratic structures, shedding light on the processes of state-building, governance, and nation-building in the nascent state. Drawing upon historical analysis, the study traces the legacy of colonial rule and British administrative policies that shaped the bureaucratic landscape in pre-independence India and laid the groundwork for post-colonial governance structures. It explores how colonial-era bureaucratic practices, such as the implementation of the British Act and policies, influenced the formation and functioning of bureaucracy in Pakistan from 1947 to 1958. By analyzing key events, policies, and actors shaping this period, the article offers insights into the complexities of governance, administrative reforms, and the consolidation of state power in Pakistan's early years. Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of power and institutionalization in post-independence Pakistan, highlighting the enduring legacy of colonial-era bureaucratic structures and their impact on state-society relations.