Political History (1972-2003)

Question 1

1972-1977

Answer 1

Leadership: Z. A. Bhutto assumed power on Dec 20, 1971, becoming the first civilian Chief Martial Law Administrator and President of Pakistan.
Constitution Making:
Adoption of Interim Constitution in 1972
Unanimous adoption of the 1973 Constitution by the Parliament
Nationalization:
Emerald mines, key industries, life insurance, banks, schools, and colleges were nationalized.
Labour Policy: Introduced a new Labour Policy with more rights and concessions for the working classes.
Health Policy: Promised cheap medicine and facilities for the masses.
Administrative Reforms: Aimed at eradicating corruption; hundreds of civil servants removed.
Issues with Reforms: Despite good intentions, discontentment grew, and results did not meet public expectations.
1977 Elections and Agitation:
PPP won the elections, but allegations of mass rigging led to demands for fresh elections.
Bhutto initially resisted compromise, leading to the third Martial Law and the end of democracy.

Question 2

1977-1985

Answer 2

Leadership Change: General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq took over, imposed Martial Law, and suspended the constitution.
Zia-ul-Haq’s Agenda:
Effective Administration
Islamization
Return to Democracy
Reforms:
Accountability of the ousted regime
Restrictions on political activities and press
Islamization Measures:
Shariat benches (1979) and Federal Shariat Court (1981)
Introduction of Islamic Punishments
Interest-free banking (1981), Zakat on saving accounts, Ushar on agricultural produce (1983)
New education policy with Islamic character
Islamization of mass media
Introduction of prayer breaks in offices
Return to Democracy:
Local Bodies elections (1979)
Referendum (Dec 1984) to elect Zia-ul-Haq as president for the next five years
Elections on a non-party basis (Feb 1985)
Revival of the Constitution Order (March 1985) with the controversial 8th Constitutional Amendment
Withdrawal of martial law (Dec 30, 1985)

Question 3

1985-1999 Civilian Rule

Answer 3

Democratic Periods:
Junejo (Mar 1985 - May 1988)
Benazir Bhutto (Nov 1988 - Aug 1990)
Nawaz Sharif (Oct 1990 - July 1993)
Benazir Bhutto (Oct 1993 - Nov 1996)
Nawaz Sharif (Feb 1997 - Oct 1999)
Interim Prime Ministers:
Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi (Aug-Nov 1990)
Bulkh Sher Mazari (Apr-May 1993)
Dr. Moeen Qureshi (Jul-Oct 1993)
Malik Meraj Khalid (Nov 1996 - Feb 1997)
Challenges to Civilian Governments:
Dissolutions due to 58-2B of 8th amendment
Coalition challenges, weak political parties, and confrontations
Complaints of corruption and misuse of state resources

Question 4

1999-2002

Answer 4

Leadership Change (1999):
Military Rule imposed by General Musharraf against attempts by the civilian government to concentrate power.
Nawaz government’s attempt to remove the Army Chief led to Musharraf taking over.
Political Priorities of General Musharraf:
Rebuild national confidence
Strengthen federation
Restore national cohesion
Revival of the economy
Improving law and order
Depoliticize state institutions and devolution of power
Musharraf’s Policies:
Accountability and recovery of looted wealth
Revival of the economy through increased foreign exchange reserves and debt reduction
Poverty reduction and social uplift
Introduction of a new Local Bodies System
Return to Democracy:
Referendum (Apr 2002)
Legal Framework Order (LFO)
General Elections of National and Provincial Assemblies (Oct 2002)
Revival of the Constitution
Formation of civilian governments at the provincial and central level

Question 5

Civilian Rule Established

Answer 5

Current Setup (2002 onwards):
Musharraf remains President in uniform.
Coalition government headed by Mir Zafer-Ullah-Khan Jamali.
Muslim League (Q) in three provinces and MMA in NWFP.
Hope for the gradual consolidation of democratic rule.