Correct Answer:
B. 23 September 1955
Pakistan signed the Baghdad Pact, which was later renamed the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), on 23 September 1955. This was a significant step in Pakistan's foreign policy during the Cold War era, aligning itself with Western powers (United States, United Kingdom) and regional allies (Iraq, Turkey, Iran) against the perceived threat of Soviet expansion. The pact aimed to provide mutual security and defense cooperation among its member states in the Middle East region.
- Option A, 14th August 1947, is incorrect. This date marks Pakistan's independence and predates the formation of the Baghdad Pact by several years.
- Option C, 5th March 1959, is incorrect. While related to CENTO, this date is when the United States signed bilateral defense agreements with Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, reinforcing the pact after Iraq's withdrawal and the renaming to CENTO. It is not the date Pakistan originally signed the pact.
- Option D, 1st January 1960, is incorrect. This date does not correspond to Pakistan's signing of the Baghdad Pact or any major related event. The pact was already well-established by this time, and renamed CENTO.