KSB Politics

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 ...

General Zia-ul-Haq’s Era in Pakistan (1977–1988): Islamization, War, and Political Shifts Martial Law and Overthrow of Bhutto: On July 5, 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s civilian government after allegations of rigged elections and rising civil unrest under the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA). Zia imposed Martial Law and suspended the constitution. Initially promising elections in 90 days, Zia delayed them indefinitely. Execution of Bhutto: In 1979, Zia’s military regime convicted Bhutto in a controversial murder trial concerning the death of Nawab Mohammad Ahmad Khan Kasuri. Despite global outcry, Bhutto was hanged on April 4, 1979, in Rawalpindi, becoming the first elected leader in Pakistan's history to be executed by the state. Islamization Policies: Zia launched a vigorous Islamization campaign. He introduced Shariah laws, established Federal Shariat Court, and made Arabic and Islamic Studies compulsory. Hudood Ordinances were...

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...

Political History of Pakistan (1958 – 1969): Era of Ayub Khan General Muhammad Ayub Khan declared himself President on 27 October 1958 , only twenty days after President Iskander Mirza had imposed Pakistan’s first nationwide martial law. Ayub swiftly exiled Mirza to London, ended all talk of power-sharing, and ushered in a decade that mixed headline-grabbing economic growth with deep political repression. This article builds on the turmoil and experiments of Pakistan’s first eleven years. For complete context, read the earlier chapters: Liaquat Ali Khan Era (1947–1951) Political History of Pakistan 1951-55 – Instability Before the Martial Law Chaudhry Muhammad Ali (1954–1956) – First Constitution & One-Unit Scheme Political History of Pakistan 1956-1958 – Suhrawardy, Chundrigar & Feroz Khan Noon 1 | Prelude: How Ten Years of Instability Paved Ayub’s Path Pakistan’s first decade was scarred by four revolving prime ministers, two dissolved assembl...

Political History of Pakistan (1956–1958) The years 1956 to 1958 were among the most politically unstable times in Pakistan’s early history. Following the ratification of the first constitution in 1956, the country saw rapid changes in leadership, policy shifts, internal protests, and constitutional dilemmas. This period is marked by three Prime Ministers in just two years, each with a distinct approach, limited tenure, and unique challenges. 1. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (12 Sept 1956 – 17 Oct 1957) Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the first Bengali Prime Minister of Pakistan, took office on 12 September 1956. His appointment was significant in a nation where over 50% of the population lived in East Pakistan but had seen no representation at the top level until then. Suhrawardy was a seasoned politician and had a strong connection with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had publicly appreciated his leadership during his 1947 Karachi speech. One of Suhrawardy's major achievemen...

Chaudhry Muhammad Ali (1955–1956): Pakistan’s First Constitution & the Controversial One-Unit When seasoned civil servant Chaudhry Muhammad Ali became prime minister on 12 August 1955, Pakistan was a state without a constitution, a budget in deficit, and provinces itching for autonomy. He was neither a spell-binding orator nor a mass-mobiliser, but his administrative acumen would gift Pakistan its first charter—and ignite a provincial identity storm. 1. Mission: A Written Constitution Eight Years, Zero Charter: By 1955 India had long been running on its 1950 constitution, while Pakistan fumbled with draft after draft. Muhammad Ali declared, “No more delays.” Through marathon sessions and back-room bargaining, he delivered the landmark 23 March 1956 Constitution . For the first time Pakistan was officially styled the “Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” 234 Articles defined citizen rights, Islamic injunctions, and federal structures. President: Muslim, at least 40 years ...