The Legacy of Liaquat Ali Khan: Balancing National and Foreign Affairs

Abstract

Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, encountered significant obstacles in establishing the groundwork for a new nation. His political trajectory was characterized by ethnic strife, language disputes, economic volatility, Constitutional obstacles and foreign policy issues while maneuvering through political intrigues intended to oust him. This article analyzes Khan’s attitude towards these difficulties, focusing on his leadership tactics and their effects on these formative years. The article elucidates his legacy as a statesman by examining the difficulties, highlighting his efforts to stabilize a precarious state under significant pressures. This study attempts to answer, in what manner did Liaquat Ali Khan confront the issues of ethnicity, language conflicts, economic instability, constitutional advancement, and foreign relations while navigating political intrigues, and what insights can be gleaned from his leadership for contemporary governance? A qualitative research methodology is used in this article using both primary and secondary sources. The historical documents and official correspondence furnish primary insights, whereas scholarly papers and books present critical analyses of his policies. Liaquat Ali Khan’s administration illustrated the intricacies of governance in an emerging nation despite constrained resources and increasing opposition. He implemented programs focused on national integration, economic stabilization, and diplomatic engagement, while his endeavors for constitutional development demonstrated his dedication to institutionalized democracy. Nevertheless, political instability and his premature assassination impeded the complete actualization of his ideal. The study indicated that Khan’s leadership provided significant insights into managing conflicting goals and addressing crises, highlighting the lasting importance for Pakistan