KSB Politics

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Era (1971–1977): A Critical Political Transition Assuming Power After 1971 War: On December 20, 1971, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became Pakistan’s fourth President. He assumed control after Pakistan’s defeat in the 1971 war which resulted in the secession of East Pakistan. At that time, Pakistan was facing a critical constitutional vacuum, economic collapse, and a scattered geography. India held around 13,000 square kilometers of Pakistani territory and over 93,000 soldiers were prisoners in Indian custody. Dialogue with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Mujib was then in Pakistan’s custody. Bhutto offered him power and even tried to bribe him with $50,000, but Mujib refused both. Bhutto suggested a confederation model to keep some form of unity between East and West Pakistan. Mujib agreed to consult with his people and was sent to Dhaka via London and Delhi due to blocked air routes. Upon reaching Dhaka, Mujib rejected the offer publicly and declared the final split from ...

Political History of Pakistan (1969–1971): General Yahya Khan & Fall of East Pakistan General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan assumed power on 25 March 1969 , following widespread public unrest against Ayub Khan. Yahya became Pakistan’s second military ruler, taking charge as both President and Chief Martial Law Administrator. He pledged to restore democracy through free elections, but mis‑managed the transition so badly that the state lost half its territory. This article continues our political‑history series. Earlier chapters: Liaquat Ali Khan Era (1947–1951) Instability Before Martial Law (1951–1955) First Constitution & One‑Unit Scheme (1954–1956) Suhrawardy, Chundrigar & Feroz Khan Noon (1956–1958) Ayub Khan Era (1958–1969) 1 | From Tashkent Backlash to Yahya’s Coup Ayub Khan’s legitimacy crumbled after the Tashkent Declaration . Zulfikar Ali Bhutto branded it a sell‑out, galvanising students and labour unions. Facing near‑revolt, Ayub handed power...