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Partition of India: The Journey to the Creation of Pakistan

1. The War of Independence (1857) The struggle for freedom in the Indian subcontinent did not begin in 1947; it traces back to the 1857 War of Independence , often referred to as India’s First War of Independence. This rebellion marked the first significant uprising against the British East India Company’s rule. Prior to 1857, India was dominated by the British, although remnants of the Mughal Empire still existed, confined largely to symbolic power in Delhi. The revolt was a culmination of widespread discontent among Hindus, Muslims, and other communities who faced economic exploitation, cultural suppression, and political marginalization. One major spark for the rebellion was the introduction of new rifle cartridges allegedly greased with cow and pig fat. Hindus regard cows as sacred, and Muslims consider pigs impure. Since soldiers had to bite the cartridges before use, this act offended both communities, igniting anger. Alongside this, British policies like the Doctrine...
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PML-N Government Era (2013–2018) | Nawaz Sharif & Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Legacy

Major Events During PML-N Government (2013–2018) | Nawaz Sharif Era Major Events During PML-N Government (2013–2018) Nawaz Sharif’s Leadership (2013–2017) The tenure of Nawaz Sharif (2013–2017) as the Prime Minister of Pakistan is often regarded as one of the most development-focused periods in the country's history. This article highlights the major events, reforms, and political shifts that occurred during this period, followed by the continuation of PML-N governance under Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. 2013 General Elections: A Political Comeback On May 11, 2013 , general elections were held in Pakistan. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged victorious with 129 seats , followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 30, PTI with 25, and MQM with 19. Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister for the third time on June 5, 2013 . Political Context and PPP’s Decline The previous PPP-led government faced criticism for high inflation, energy crises, terrorism, an...
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The Political Era of Pakistan Peoples Party (2008–2013): Challenges, Reforms, and Legacy

The Political Era of Pakistan People's Party (2008–2013) Background: The foundation of the Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) 2008–2013 rule was laid when former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan in 2007 after signing the NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) with General Pervez Musharraf. She launched her election campaign but was tragically assassinated in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007, leading to nationwide unrest and immense sympathy for PPP. Benazir's death created a leadership vacuum, leaving the PPP weakened outside of Sindh. Nonetheless, her martyrdom led to a wave of sympathy votes, helping PPP secure 89 National Assembly seats in the February 2008 general elections. PML-N won 69, PML-Q got 49, MQM 17, and ANP 10 seats. Following the elections, PPP formed a coalition government with PML-N and other parties. On March 24, 2008, Yousaf Raza Gillani was elected Prime Minister with a two-thirds majority. However, PML-N exited the coaliti...
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The Political Era of General Pervez Musharraf (1999–2008): Coup, Reforms & Controversies

The roots of General Pervez Musharraf’s rise to power lie in the Kargil War of 1999. This conflict, secretly initiated by the Pakistani military high command under Musharraf, turned into a diplomatic and military failure. While Nawaz Sharif, then Prime Minister, sought to distance himself from the debacle by blaming the army, Musharraf and his allies shifted the narrative against Sharif, claiming he compromised Pakistan’s position by negotiating a ceasefire in Washington without consulting military leadership. In retaliation, Nawaz Sharif decided to remove General Musharraf from his position as Chief of Army Staff while Musharraf was on an official visit to Sri Lanka. On 12 October 1999, as Musharraf’s plane approached Pakistan, orders were issued to divert it mid-air, effectively denying him entry into the country. The pilot insisted there wasn’t enough fuel to land elsewhere, leading to a standoff. Meanwhile, key generals loyal to Musharraf, including Lt. Gen. Aziz Khan...
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Nawaz Sharif’s Second Term (1997–1999): Atomic Power, Reforms & Political Crisis in Pakistan

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Second Term (1997–1999): Constitutional Power, Nuclear Tests & Political Clashes For political background, read the article on Nawaz Sharif’s First Term (1990–1993) . Introduction In the 1997 general elections, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, secured a historic victory. This marked Nawaz Sharif’s second tenure as Prime Minister—his first under the official banner of PML-N, having previously led under the IJI (Islami Jamhoori Ittehad) alliance. These elections saw not only the continued rivalry between PML-N and PPP but also the entry of a third force: Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), making its electoral debut. 1997 General Elections: A Landmark Win PML-N won approximately 66% of the popular vote, securing 137 out of 207 National Assembly seats , granting them a rare two-thirds majority. This gave Nawaz Sharif unprecedented legislative power, enabling constitutional amendments without needi...
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Benazir Bhutto’s 2nd Term (1993–1996) | Pakistan Politics

Benazir Bhutto’s Second Term (1993–1996): Political Return, Internal Struggles & Regional Challenges Link to Previous Era: For background, read the article on Nawaz Sharif’s First Term (1990–1993) . After Nawaz Sharif’s first government was dissolved on 18 April 1993 by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan using Article 58(2)(b) , tensions escalated. Although the Supreme Court reinstated Nawaz Sharif’s government on 24 May 1993 , a national crisis followed. Eventually, a historic meeting at Army House took place where Army Chief, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto agreed to step down. This led to the appointment of caretaker Prime Minister Moeen Qureshi . Moeen Qureshi introduced major reforms during his brief 90-day tenure: publishing a list of loan defaulters, expanding the tax net to include previously exempt sectors, and increasing foreign reserves. The general elections were held on 18 October 1993 , with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) winning 89 seats ...
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Political History of Pakistan 1990-93 – Nawaz Sharif’s First Term

Political History of Pakistan (1990 – 1993): Nawaz Sharif’s First Term The first elected government of Benazir Bhutto (1988-90) collapsed when President Ghulam Ishaq Khan invoked Article 58-2-b on 6 August 1990 . He cited the Pakka Qila crackdown in Hyderabad, growing sectarian unrest, and a clerical campaign arguing that “Islam bars female rulership.” New elections were set for 16 November 1990 , opening the door for Punjab’s business-backed rising star— Nawaz Sharif . 1 | 1990 General Election & the IJI Coalition Alliance: Sharif headed the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) , a nine-party bloc quietly encouraged by elements of the establishment. Result: IJI secured 106 of 207 elected National Assembly seats (92 for PML-factions, 14 for allies); PPP won 44. With support from 20 independents, IJI mustered a working majority of 115 . Provinces: Punjab — IJI 205/240 seats → Sharif retained his home bastion. Sindh — PPP 57, MQM 20 → coalition...
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