KSB Politics

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...

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...

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 ...