Pakistanis' Travel Between West Pakistan and East Pakistan Before 1971
Before the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistan was divided into two geographically separated territories: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Travel between these two regions was primarily facilitated by air or sea, as there was no direct land route connecting them.
Rail Transport
The Pakistan Railways operated train services connecting West and East Pakistan. The railway network was a vital link with trains running between major cities in both regions. Despite the political tensions leading up to the Bangladesh Liberation War, the rail network continued to play a significant role in facilitating travel.
Road Transport
Buses and trucks were used for overland travel. The road network connected various towns and cities, although the journey could be long and challenging due to the distance and conditions. This form of transportation was less common for long-distance travel between the two wings.
Air Travel
One of the most common and convenient ways to travel between West Pakistan and East Pakistan was by air. Several domestic airlines, such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), operated regular flights between major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in West Pakistan and Dhaka (then known as Dacca) in East Pakistan. Air travel provided a relatively fast and efficient means of transportation, though it was less accessible to the general population due to higher costs.
Sea Travel
Another option for travel between West Pakistan and East Pakistan was by sea. Maritime routes connected Karachi in West Pakistan with Chittagong and other ports in East Pakistan. Ships and ferries carried both passengers and cargo, facilitating trade and movement between the two regions.
Land Route
There was a limited land route connecting the two parts of Pakistan through India's territory. The famous Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) extended from Kolkata (Calcutta) in India, passed through various cities in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), and reached Lahore in West Pakistan (now Pakistan). However, this route had significant political and practical challenges, as it involved crossing international borders and obtaining necessary permits and clearances.
The period before the independence of Bangladesh was marked by complex and often challenging travel conditions between the two regions. Despite these difficulties, various modes of transportation played crucial roles in maintaining connections and facilitating movement during this significant historical period.
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