Z.A Bhutto's gov. dismissal

Question 1

Why did Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto call for elections in 1977?

Answer 1

• Bhutto called for elections in 1977 to secure a new mandate and strengthen his political position.
• He believed a renewed mandate would consolidate his leadership and help him push through his policies amid growing political challenges.

Question 2

What was the main accusation made by the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) after the 1977 elections?

Answer 2

• The PNA accused Bhutto and the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of widespread electoral fraud.
• This accusation sparked massive anti-government protests, with claims that the elections were rigged to ensure Bhutto’s victory.
• The protests drew significant support from various societal groups, deepening the political crisis.

Question 3

What was the result of the deadlock between Bhutto and the PNA?

Answer 3

• Despite attempts at dialogue, no negotiations between Bhutto and the PNA resolved.
• The deadlock intensified the political turmoil, as the PNA demanded fresh, fair elections.
• The failure to reach a compromise contributed to escalating unrest and civil disobedience.

Question 4

How did Bhutto respond to the worsening protests and political crisis?

Answer 4

• As the situation deteriorated with nationwide protests and strikes, Bhutto sought the intervention of the army to help maintain order.
• This move was seen as a last resort to prevent further violence and chaos.
• However, it also demonstrated Bhutto’s weakened position and dependence on military support.

Question 5

What was “Operation Fairplay” and when did it occur?

Answer 5

• Operation Fairplay was a military coup launched on July 5, 1977, by Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq.
• Under the pretext of restoring stability, the army ousted Bhutto’s government and imposed martial law.
• Bhutto was arrested, marking the end of his rule and the beginning of Zia’s military regime

Question 6

What were some key weaknesses in Bhutto’s government?

Answer 6

• Bhutto’s government faced criticism for centralizing power around him and the PPP leadership, which meant he was held solely accountable for failures.
• His socialist policies, including extensive nationalization of industries, alienated powerful elites and business owners.
• This concentration of power and unpopular policies led to a loss of crucial political support.

Question 7

How did Bhutto’s land reforms and industrial nationalization impact his support?

Answer 7

• Bhutto’s land reforms aimed at weakening feudal control were met with strong opposition from influential landowners who felt targeted.
• His industrial nationalization policy disrupted the private sector, leading to reduced investment, slower economic growth, and dissatisfaction among industrialists who lost their businesses to state control.

Question 8

What were the consequences of nationalizing educational institutions under Bhutto’s rule?

Answer 8

• The nationalization of educational institutions led to significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources, and stagnation in literacy improvements.
• These problems fueled public frustration and reduced Bhutto’s popularity among the middle class and intellectuals who saw a decline in education quality.

Question 9

What foreign policy stance of Bhutto contributed to theories about external involvement in his dismissal?

Answer 9

• Bhutto’s foreign policy, which leaned towards socialism and cooperation with the Soviet Union, put him at odds with the United States, especially during the Cold War.
• His pursuit of Pakistan’s nuclear program after India’s nuclear tests in 1974 raised alarms in the West.
• Theories suggest that the U.S. saw Bhutto’s ambitions as a threat to their influence in the region, possibly contributing to his removal through indirect support for the coup.