In 1954, in response to the Soviet threat, Pakistan joined which defence pact?

Correct answer: SEATO. Pakistan joined the South-East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in September 1954 under the Manila Pact, a US-backed anti-communist alliance.

• Colombo Plan: The Colombo Plan is a development-cooperation scheme, not a defence pact.
• CENTO: Pakistan joined CENTO (the Baghdad Pact) in 1955, a year later.
• None of these: “None of these” is incorrect because SEATO is correct.