KSB Politics

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...

Benazir Bhutto’s First Government (1988–1990): Hope, Struggles & Dismissal Link to Previous Era: For background, read the article on General Zia-ul-Haq’s Era (1977–1988) . Background: After the tragic death of General Zia-ul-Haq in a plane crash on 17 August 1988 —an event that also claimed the lives of senior military officers and an American ambassador—the constitutional authority shifted to the Chairman Senate, Ghulam Ishaq Khan , who became the acting President of Pakistan under the constitution. He later announced general elections to be held in November 1988 . Benazir Bhutto’s Return & Political Mobilization: Benazir Bhutto, living in exile, made a historic return to Pakistan on 10 April 1986 . Despite President Zia’s efforts to prevent her return, Prime Minister Junejo persuaded him to allow it to avoid global backlash against Pakistan’s democratic image. Upon arrival, she led a massive rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, which signaled her political power and generated ...