1947 - 1958 Events

Liaquat Ali Khan

Liaquat Ali Khan’s contributions to the struggle for independence were numerous. After
independence, he was thus the natural choice for the premiership. Liaquat Ali Khan was appointed as
the first Prime Minister of Pakistan.

 Being the first Prime Minister of the country, Liaquat Ali Khan had to deal with a number of
difficulties that Pakistan faced in its early days.
 He helped Quaid-i-Azam in solving the riots and refugee problem and in setting up an effective
administrative system for the country.
 He established the groundwork for Pakistan’s foreign policy.
 He also took steps towards the formulation of the constitution.
 He presented The Objectives Resolution, a prelude to future constitutions, in the Legislative
Assembly. The house passed it on March 12, 1949. It is considered to be the “Magna Carta” in
Pakistan’s constitutional history. Liaquat Ali Khan called it “the most important occasion in the life of
this country, next in importance, only to the achievement of independence”. Under his leadership a
team also drafted the first report of the Basic Principle Committee and work began on the second
report.
 During his tenure, India and Pakistan agreed to resolve the dispute of Kashmir in a peaceful
manner through the efforts of the United Nations. According to this agreement a ceasefire was
affected in Kashmir in January 1948. It was decided that a free and impartial plebiscite would be held
under the supervision of the UN.
 After the death of Quaid-i-Azam, he tried to fill the vacuum created by the departure of the Father of
the Nation. The problem of religious minorities flared during late 1949 and early 1950, and it seemed
as if India and Pakistan were about to fight their second war in the first three years of their
independence. At this critical moment in the history of South Asia, Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan
met Nehru to sign the Liaquat-Nehru Pact in 1950.
 The Liaquat-Nehru Pact was an effort on his part to improve relations and reduce tension between
India and Pakistan. In May 1951, he visited the United States and set the course of Pakistan’s foreign
policy towards closer ties with the West. An important event during his premiership was the
establishment of National Bank of Pakistan in November 1949, and the installation of a paper
currency mill in Karachi.
 Liaquat Ali Khan was unfortunately assassinated on October 16, 1951. Security forces immediately
shot the assassin, who was later identified as Saad Akbar. The question of who was behind his
murder is yet to be answered.
 The government officially gave Liaquat Ali Khan the title of Shaheed-i-Millat.
Objectives Resolution
On March 12, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted a resolution moved by Liaquat Ali Khan, the then
Prime Minister of Pakistan.
It was called the Objectives Resolution. It proclaimed that the future constitution of Pakistan would not
be modeled on European pattern, but on the ideology and democratic faith of Islam.
The Objectives Resolution, which is considered to be the “Magna Carta” of Pakistan’s constitutional
history, proclaimed the following principles:
◾Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone, but He has delegated it to the State of Pakistan through its people
for being exercised within the limits prescribed by Him as a sacred trust.
◾The State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen representatives of the people.

◾The principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam,
shall be fully observed.
◾Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with
the teachings of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
◾Adequate provision shall be made for the minorities to freely profess and practice their religions and
develop their cultures.
◾Pakistan shall be a federation.
◾Fundamental rights shall be guaranteed.
◾Judiciary shall be independent.

Criticism:
East Pakistan: 1. why equal presentation in National Assembly when we have larger population
2. Why Urdu as national language, we want Bengali
Provincial Politician: why power given to Head of State and Federal Government.
Religious groups: it’s not sufficiently Islamic.

(With this it was out on hold until further discussion)

Jinnah Passes Away
Quaid-i-Azam had been ailing since long before Independence. By the time of Independence, he was quite an old
man but still possessing a strong spirit. He hid the debilitating weakness caused by severely advanced
tuberculosis.

Quaid-i-Azam was convinced that if word of illness leaked out, his opponents would make the most of it. He
denied his illness even to himself and remained intent and unflinching so as to achieve the dream of millions of
Muslims. He worked almost 24 hours a day and always preferred performing his national obligations to his own
ailment.

At the time of independence, he was worn out by his intense struggle and opted to take the position of Governor
General instead of that of Prime Minister. It had been proposed that the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten,
be allowed to continue as a joint Governor General of both Pakistan and India. Quaid-i-Azam refused to accept
this proposal as he felt that a joint Governor General would not be able to do justice to both the countries. He
firmly believed that since Pakistan was a sovereign state, it must be sovereign in all respects with its own
executive and government.

After the establishment of Pakistan, India created numerous problems. The refugee problem, the withholding of
Pakistani assets by India, and the Kashmir problem were a real test for the Quaid. However, his indomitable will
prevailed. He also worked out a sound economic policy, established an independent currency and the State Bank
of Pakistan. He selected Karachi as the federal capital. His health deteriorated to such an extent, that he had to go
to Ziarat for the restoration of his health. Despite the warning from his physicians, he went to Karachi to
inaugurate the State Bank of Pakistan. This was his last public appearance.

His sickness grew more serious until his death on September 11, 1948. He was buried in Karachi amidst the tears
of the entire nation mourning an irreparable loss.

Khawaja Nazimuddin
 Becomes Governor General

After Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947, Nazimuddin was appointed the first Chief Minister of the
Province of East Bengal.

When the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah died on September 11, 1948, Nazimuddin
was appointed as the second Governor General of Pakistan.

Pakistan higher bureaucracy was dominated by non-Bengalis. The bureaucracy disliked the Nazimuddin ministry
right from the beginning and considered Nazimuddin a weak administrator, who was incapable of achieving the
political, administrative and constitutional tasks that the country faced. However, the immediate cause of the
dismissal of the Nazimuddin ministry was the Anti Ahmadiyya riots and food shortages which created difficulties
for Nazimuddin Government.

Important events during his ministry:

 In 1949 the Public and Representative Office Disqualification Act (PRODA) allowed the government to
disqualify persons found guilty of "misconduct," a term that acquired a broad definition.
 Objectives Resolution was passed. It proclaimed that the future constitution of Pakistan
 Liaquat-Nehru Pact was an effort on his part to improve relations and reduce tension between India and
Pakistan. It was agreed that each government was responsible for the safety of minority groups within
its borders. Free passage of refugees across the border was restricted and a Visa system for refugee was
introduced.
 In January 1951 Sir Douglas Gracey (CIC) was replaced by Ayub Khan. He discovered “Rawal Conspiracy”
and arrested the culprits.
 Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated on 16th October 1951.

Ghulam Muhammad (1951-55)

He had been the finance minister in the cabinet.
He became the THIRD GOVERNR GENERAL of Pakistan. He persuaded Khawaja Nazimuddin to become
Prime Minister.
Achievments:

 In 1950 a Planning Commission was set up to oversee economic development in Pakistan.

 It launched a Six-Year Plan including agriculture fuel and power, industry and mining, transport
and communications and social uplift schemes.
 In 1953 a Planning Board was set up to review the development that had taken place, and this
produced a Draft Five Year Plan in 1956 to follow from the Six Year Plan.
 Both these schemes played a major part to help bring about economic development in Pakistan.
 In 1952 a major jute processing plant was opened at Narayanganj and exploration of oil /gas at
Sui in Baluchistan.
Problems:

 From 1951-53 severe draught in Pakistan.

 This caused food shortages and riots in most cities
  As Pakistan was making less money just when it needed to buy more food stuffs.

 In April the USA agreed to donate a million tons of heat to help Pakistan in times of crises.
 However, rioting had religious element.
 Ulemas had begun a campaign against Ahmadis.
 Martial Law was imposed, and numerous arrests were made to control riots.
Constitutional Progress:
The draft of Basic Principles Committee 1950 proved so unpopular that it was kept for further
discussion. Another revised report was presented. It altered the 1950 proposal:

 The head of state should be Muslim.

 There should be a house of units with 60 members from each wing and total of 400 members with
200 elected from each wing.
 Religious minorities would have representatives at national and provincial levels.
 The cabinet should be responsible to the national assembly, not the head of the state.
 A committee chosen by head of state would ensure that all legislation follow Islamic Law.
 The official language would be settled by National Assembly.
This too met criticism and again put on hold until further discussion.
This meant, Pakistan had no official language and no progress was made on this issue.
On 17 April 1953 Ghulam Mohammad dismissed Khwaja Nazimudddin and 3 other members of the
cabinet accusing them for not controlling the Economy and Riots that resulted from food shortage.

The new Cabinet had eight old members and 3 new ones, including a new Prime Minister, Muhammad
Ali Bogra

Muhammad Ali Bogra 1953-55

Third Prime Minister

 In April 1953 the US, Canada and Australia agreed to send Pakistan a million tons of wheat. It
helped to calm riots due to food shortage.
 Set up a Planning Board to produce a Five Years Plan that would avoid further food shortages.
 Worked out regional agreement, Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). It involved Western aid for
Pakistan, in terms of money, supplies and help of various Industrial experts.
1954/55 Constitutional Crises
On 21st September 1954, while Ghulam Muhammad was out of country, Bogra persuaded the assembly
to pass laws limiting the power of GG:

 All ministers, including PM must be members of Assembly.

 Assembly had to approve the Cabinet.
 The GG had to take the advice of his ministers.
This was an attempt by the Assembly to weaken the power of GG and enhance their own power
They repealed PRODA through which GG could remove ministers for up to five years.

However, Ghulam Muhammad waited until Bogra went out of the country. He declared Emergency
and Dissolved Assembly.
 Ghulam Muhammad then chose a new Cabinet, re-appointed Bogra as PM, but selected five
members of the Cabinet who were not the members of the Assembly, including Ayyub Khan (CIC)
Maulvi Tamizuddin resisted and took the matter to Sindh High Court claiming the dissolution to be illegal
but later Higher court ruled that GG had authority to dismiss the Assembly if it was needed.
On 21st June 1955, elections were held for a new Constituent Assembly.
In August, Ghulam Muhammad fell ill and was replaced by Major General Iskandar Mirza

Major General Iskandar Mirza (1955-58)

(acting Governor General)

( A politician with a military background having served in the British army)

Work:

 Dismissed Bogra and made him the ambassador to the USA again.
 Appointed Finance Minister, Choudhry Muhammad Ali, as Prime Minister and forced him to
have constitution designed as quickly as possible.
On 29th February 1956 Pakistan’s first constitution was adopted by the second constituent assembly.
Formally enforced on 23 March 1956.
Compromises on Constitution 1956:
Two parties, United Front and Muslim League compromised, and neither was fully satisfied.
1. United Front compromised on EQUAL representation in Assembly
2. Muslim League compromised on Bengali as the official language instead of Urdu.
This constitution lasted for two years and then President Iskandar Mirza (under
constitution 1956 GG’s post changed into President) declared Martial Law and scrapped
the new constitution.
One Unit policy
One-Unit was the title of a scheme launched by the federal government of Pakistan to merge the four
provinces of West Pakistan into one homogenous unit, as a counterbalance against the numerical
domination of the ethnic Bengalis of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
The One Unit policy was announced by Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra on 22 November 1954. On
5 October 1955 Iskander Mirza (Acting Governor General of Pakistan) passed an order unifying all of
West Pakistan in what became known as the 'One Unit Scheme'.

According to Iskandar Mirza, it would bring about greater efficiency and enable more rapid development
One Unit Policy prevented East Pakistan gaining a majority in the Assembly.

Reaction:

 It was highly unpopular in East Pakistan

 Opposed by individual provinces of West Pakistan
 It led to the dismissal of CM of Sindh and dissolve state assemblies of Bahawalpur and Khairpur
West Pakistan formally introduced as a united province on 14th October1955.

Other policies:
Modernization:

 Initiated industrialization and rural development programme.

 1955, Karachi Airport was completed
 1955, modernization of Railway continued
 Telephone system was expanded
 Government publicised provisions in health and education.
However, not extensive as the government portrayed.
East Pakistan:

 Choudhry Muhammad Ali resigned as PM on 12 September 1956. Replaced by Hussein Shaheed

Suhrawardy. (a politician from East Pakistan) mirza assumed giving this prestigious post to a
member from East Pakistan would help him win support from there.
 Suhrawardy never wanted to be a PUPPET minister so demanded for full authority several times.
Therefore, lasted for a year only and was dismissed.
 On 18th October 1957 Ibrahim Ismail Chandigarh to replace Suhrawardy.
 Then Feroze Khan Noon was next PM.
 (both these Prime Ministers had divided government and Mirza’s rule was getting unpopular due to
this. He knew that Elections were near in 1957 (as promised in constitution of 1956) and he might
loose due to his increasing unpopularity.
 On 7th October 1958 Mirza proclaimed Martial Law as he had lost support of many of the leading
politicians and was surprised by a plan by Suhrawardy to unite political leadership of Bengal and
Punjab against him.
 Mirza turned to military, asked Ayub Khan (CIC) to take charge as Chief Martial Law Administrator.
 On 24th October he appointed Ayub khan as PM who had declined this offer in the past but now
believed it was needed. He forced Mirza to resign and sent him to exile in London
 First period of military rule began in October 1958.
Martial Law:
 Constitution1956 abrogated
 Government dismissed
 National and Provincial Assemblies dissolved
 All political parties abolished
 Until alternative arrangement, Pakistan will remain under Martial Law

Possible CIE questions:

Q1. Why was Martial Law declared in 1958? [7] (N2004/P1/4b)
Examiner Comments: In part (b) candidates had to explain why Martial Law was declared in 1958. Many
candidates were able to describe the events that led to this declaration but few were able to fully
explain why these resulted in Martial Law being declared. As a result, these candidates were not as
successful in gaining many marks compared to earlier part (b) questions.
Marking Scheme: Explains reasons
There were a number of Prime Ministers between 1956 and 1958 and it reached a stage when Ayub
Khan achieved that status that he felt the army should take control until stability had been restored and
questions answered. East Pakistan’s politicians wanted more say in the running of the central
government which increased tension.
Q2. Explain why there were many governments between 1951 and 1958. (7)[m/j-2019]
Level 3: Explains reasons 5–7 (Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven
marks for three explanations)
e.g.
• Jinnah died in 1948 and Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951
without these experienced figures it was more difficult to establish a stable government.
• The problems of running a new country were very difficult to overcome, especially as some of the joint
assets were withheld after partition.
• Relations with India were strained with no agreement on Kashmir.
• Food shortages followed a drought 1951-53. This, combined with an economic slump, led to rioting
which forced changes in the cabinet.
• Resistance to the One Unit Policy from East Pakistan contributed to a loss of support for Iskander
Mirza’s government.
Level 2: Identifies reasons 2–4 (One mark for each identification)
e.g.
• Jinnah died in 1948
• Governments that followed after Jinnah were inexperienced
Level 1: Simple statement 1 (One mark for any simple statement)
e.g.
• It was a challenge to build a new country.
Q3. What was CENTO? (4) [m/j-18]
Level 1: One mark for each relevant point, two marks for a developed statement 1–4
e.g.
• Originally the Baghdad Pact formed in 1955 with Turkey and Iraq. Later that year Pakistan, Iran and Britain
joined to establish an anti-Communist alliance against the Soviet Union
• All except Britain were Muslim countries
• Pact renamed CENTO (Central Treaty Organisation) after Iraq left in 1959
• Never developed a permanent structure or system for raising troops for mutual defence and was dissolved in
1979
• USA supported the organisation but did not become a member

Q4. Explain why there was a constitutional crisis in 1958. (7) [m/j-18]

Level 3: Explains reasons 5–7 (Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for
three explanations)
e.g.
• There were a number of Prime Ministers between 1956 and 1958 and it reached a stage where Ayub Khan felt
the army should take control until stability had been restored.
• Previous governments endured a number of problems that hampered development such as food shortages and
a drought, which led to demonstrations of discontent. As successive governments found difficulty in dealing with
these matters, there were many personnel changes to try to find a solution. As a result, little constitutional
development could take place.
• Iskander Mirza lost the support of many of the leading politicians and was alarmed at a plan by Prime Minister
Suhrawardy to unite the political leadership of Bengal and Punjab against him.
Level 2: Identifies reason(s) 2–4 (One mark for each identification)
e.g.
• There were many Prime Ministers between 1956 and 1958 / the government was unstable
• Drought and food shortages presented a challenge to development
• Iskander Mirza lost support
Level 1: Simple statement(s) 1 (One mark for any simple statement)
e.g.
• The politicians could not agree
No evidence submitted or response does not address the question

Q5. Which of the following contributed the most to Pakistan’s domestic policies between 1948 and 1958?
[m/j2017]
(i) Khwaja Nazimuddin
(ii) Malik Ghulam Muhammad
(iii) Iskander Mirza
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above. (14)
Level 5: Explains with evaluation
As top of Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation. 14
Level 4: Explains two or more contributions
Explains one contribution made by Nazimuddin/Muhammad/Mirza AND another individual for 9 marks.
Additional explanation(s) of the contributions made by the same individuals up to a maximum of 12 marks.
Explains one or more contribution(s) of ALL three individuals for 13 marks.
Level 3: Explains one of the above individuals’ contributions
Explains one contribution made by Nazimuddin/Muhammad/Mirza for 7 marks. Additional explanation(s) of
contributions made by the same individual up to a maximum of 10 marks.
e.g.

Khwaja Nazimuddin
• 1948 made 2nd Governor General, appointed Liaquat Ali Khan Prime Minister.
• Made Objectives Resolution in 1949. It focussed on the principles of Islam and human rights. Designed to deflect
criticism from religious leaders who wanted the new state to be more Islamic.
• Drafted a constitution, which attracted much criticism as it was seen by many as being insufficiently Islamic.
• Kept the economy going and produced surplus budgets for the new state. Malik Ghulam Muhammad
• As 3rd Governor General responsible for the Six Year Plan for agriculture, power, industry and transport. It was
important to the economic development of Pakistan.
• Severe problems hampered development such as food shortages and drought. Rioting followed and the
government found it challenging to overcome these issues, leading to many personnel changes. Little
constitutional development could take place because of these challenges.
• He resigned in 1955 due to ill health.
Iskander Mirza
• Became acting Governor General in 1955.
• Introduced the One Unit policy in 1955, which he claimed would bring about greater efficiency and
development in West Pakistan. The policy meant that East Pakistan could not gain a majority in the Assembly.
• Introduced the new Constitution in 1956, under which he was able to become President.
• He suspended the Constitution in 1958 and declared Martial Law.
• His rule became unpopular and lost the support of many leading politicians.
• He declared Martial Law but was forced to resign by Ayub Khan in 1958.

7–10
Level 2: Identifies contributions/describes their work
Identifies/describes one contribution made by Nazimuddin/Muhammad/Mirza for 3 marks. Additional
identification/description(s) of contributions made by the same individual up to a maximum of 6 marks.
e.g.
• Khwaja Nazimuddin was Governor General in 1948.
• Malik Ghulam Muhammad introduced the One Unit policy.
• Iskander Mirza was responsible for the 1956 Constitution.
3–6
Level 1: Simple statement(s)
A general answer lacking specific knowledge.
e.g.
• They were always fighting each other.
 The City School
Campus C I AM
E RN (handout no. 3 by: MS Aisha Khalid)

Field Marshall Mohammad Ayub Khan (1958-69)

Mohammad Ayub Khan (14 May 1907 – 19 April 1974), was a Pakistani General and the second
President of Pakistan who forcibly assumed the presidency from the first president Iskander Mirza
through coup in 1958, the first successful coup d'état of the country. The popular demonstrations and
labour strikes which were supported by the protests in East Pakistan ultimately led to his forced
resignation in 1969.

Basic democracies
Ayub introduced the system of “basic democracies” in 1960 “basic democracies,” consisting of rural
and urban councils directly elected by the people that would be concerned with local governance and
would assist in programs of grassroots development. Elections took place in January 1960, and the Basic
Democrats, as they became known, were at once asked to endorse and thus legitimate Ayub Khan’s
presidency. Of the 80,000 Basic Democrats, 75,283 affirmed their support.
After the military coup of 1958, Ayub Khan waited for some time with the intention of paving public
opinion in his favour. A legislative commission was established under the leadership of Justice Shahaab-
ud-din.

Constitution 1962
The commission forwarded a report on 6th May 1961. Justice Manzoor Qadir designed and drafted the
entire constitution. Ayub Khan with the help of a presidential ordinance enacted the new constitution
on 8th June 1962. It had the following salient features:-
1. It was in written form and had the information about the state institutions and their mutual
relations.
2. The constitution was not passed by the consent of the elected representatives of the people. It
was the creation or brain child of a single person.
3. The constitution was president friendly; making amendments was easy only if supported and
endorsed by the president or it was a very lengthy and difficult job. For making any amendment,
the 2/3rd majority of the assembly had to pass the bill and then had to send it to the president. If
 president did not take up any objection for thirty days, the amendment was considered valid.
However, the president might disapprove or send back the resolution with certain alterations. In
that case, it was needed to gain the consent of 3/4th majority of assembly. The president had to
give consent in ten days or had to propagate it for the opinion of Basic Democrats. In that case,
the opinion of the B.D’S was considered final.
4. Apparently, it was a federal system of government with East Pakistan and West Pakistan as its
units. The constitution contained the list of only federal authorities, the rest were given to the
federating units. The center had the authority to intervene in the provincial matters if considered
necessary.
5. Unlike previous constitutions, the Indian Act 1935 and constitution of 1956, it was presidential in
its nature with all the executive powers resting with the president. He was the constitution
head of government and state.
6. It was a unicameral system of government with only one house. The members of the National
Assembly were elected by the basic democrats.
7. The judiciary was kept independent to the extent of theory. All the judges of the High courts
had to be selected and appointed by the president with the advice of the chief justice. But
president was not bound to the opinion or wishes of the Chief Justice.
8.  The constitution guaranteed the basic human rights for all the citizens of Pakistan without any
discrimination of cast, creed and color.
The constitution of 1962 was a one man show. It was designed for a single man. Apparently it gave many
rights and securities to the people but actually it deprived the people from all kinds of political rights
and their representation in the legislation.
Reaction of East Pakistan

 The constitution upset the people of East Pakistan

 They felt they were left with little part in government and Pakistan’s government was in the hands
of military.
Various steps were taken to placate them
 Both Urdu and Bengali was recognized as National language
 National Assembly session was t be held in both Dhaka and Islamabad
 If President was to be from West Pakistan the Speaker of the National Assembly will be from East
Pakistan
Still East Pakistan believed that the government of East Pakistan by the government of West Pakistan
and this created Unrest
 1965, elections were held for Ayub Khan’s Presidency.
 Nominated by new political party Convention Muslim League
 He believed that opposition parties were too divided to put up a strong opponent. But he was
wrong
 All opposition parties agreed to support Muhtarma Fatima Jinnah

He was taken by surprise when opposition parties dropped General Azam as a presidential candidate. The
joint opposition agreed on supporting the respected and popular Fatima Jinnah, the sister of the founder of
Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Miss Fatima Jinnah Had certain advantage over Ayub Khan
and other candidates. Miss Jinnah’s greatest advantage was that she was the sister of the Founder of
Pakistan. She had detached herself from the politics after the Founder’s death. She moved in the streets of
big cities and in the rural areas. She declared Ayub Khan as a dictator. Miss Jinnah’s line of attack was that
by coming to terms with India on the Indus Water dispute, Ayub had surrendered control of the rivers over
to India. She generated tremendous public enthusiasm. She drew enormous crowds in all cities of East and
West Pakistan. Ayub Khan had a great advantage over the rest of the candidates. The Second Amendment
of the Constitution confirmed him as President till the election of his successor. He exercised complete
control over all governmental machinery during elections. He utilized the state facilities as head of state,
not as the President of the Convention Muslim League and did not even hesitate to legislate on electoral
maters. Bureaucracy and business helped him in his election campaign. Being a political opportunist, he
brought all the discontented elements together to support him. Students were assured the revision of the
University Ordinance and journalists the scrutiny of the Press Laws. Ayub Khan also gathered the support of
the ulema who believe Islam does not permit a woman to be the head of an Islamic state.

Results of Elections of 1965

Miss Fatima Jinnah lost the election of 1965 and Ayub Khan was elected as the President of Pakistan. On
the indirect ballot, Ayub Khan defeated Fatima Jinnah by taking 64% of the vote. The PML secured a
thumping majority of 120 seats in those elections. The opposition could clinch only 15 seats. Combined
Opposition Party (COP) won 10 seats. The rest of the seats went to the independents. The election did
not conform to international standards and journalists. It is widely held, that the elections were rigged in
favour of Ayub Khan using state patronage. He influenced the indirectly elected Electoral Colleges.

The Decade of Development:

After taking over the government Ayub Khan initiated the much-awaited Reforms in the government
structure. Commissions were formed for every department to give its report on it by the commission.
Judicial:
 The committee was established under the former chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Shahabudin a man
of dignity and honesty.
 It proposed a Presidential system.
 New constitution was enforced on 8 June 1962.
 The Judiciary was regularized and time was set for the retirement of the Judges and pensions. Courts
were established in both the provinces.
 It gave the whole government a structure and Though the commission recommended a democratic
structure based on the Bicameral legislature.
 But the regime took a one eighty-degree angle turn and change the whole the structure.
 This was proved disastrous in the end of 1960’s when it was collapse after resignation of Ayub Khan.
Agricultural: (Green Revolution)
 The purpose of the reforms in reforms in the agricultural sector was to improve the high quality the
Agriculture Agricultural Development Bank was set up to provide high quality seeds and educate
new trends with modern techniques to the farmers.
 Loans were provided to the farmers to irrigate more land for the state.
 To provide high quality seeds, fertilizer plants were established in the country.
 Canals, Dams and Barrages were established to irrigate more land and reach the water to far flung
areas where a land could be irrigated.
 3 major Dams were built. It turned the 20-lac barren land into irrigated land with help of Barrages.
 Agricultural Universities were established in Faisalabad and Mymensingh.
 Land:
 The land Reform commission was formed under Akhtar Hussain having vast experience objectives:
Firstly, to prescribe the maximum limit of land possession of agricultural land.
 Secondly, to improve the way of farming and to increase the agricultural produce.
 The commission proposed the ceiling of unirrigated should be limited to 1000 acres and 500 acres of
irrigated land.
 The rest of it would be distributed to the farmers having no properties.
 The owners would be given the pension.
 These reforms were remarkable and helpful for the poors but it was a big blow to the landlords.
Educational:
 According to the recommendations of the commission the whole curriculum was revised from class
1 to 12.
 Several educational experts and writers were entrusted with to write new books for the national
curriculum.
 The regime emphasized on the technical education as well, for that purpose in the subject of Civil,
Mechanical, Electrical and Automobile engineering Polytechnic colleges were established.
 Engineering universities were established in Lahore and Dacca.
 Arrangements were also made alienate the higher education from the secondary education.
 They were proved fruitful in the upgradation of education sector after the independence.
Medical:
 Medical education have a vital in providing the services at Health sector.
 After independence Pakistan having only two medical colleges.
 The numbers of medical colleges were raised to six.
 Nursing schools were established in Quetta, Lahore, Hyderabad, etc. to provide more nursing
services and training.
 Before that student move to foreign countries for higher medical studies arrangements were made
in the Post Graduate Medical Centre in Karachi for the basic subjects.
 However, students were still send for higher studies on government scholarships to foreign
countries under the Colombo Plan, CENTO and World Health Organization (WHO).
 Social:
 After the making of Pakistan, millions of refugees moved towards it their rehabilitation issue arises.
Country’s leadership was involved in their own matters instead of taking step towards the solution
of the problem.
 Ayub Regime worked with an unprecedented speed to solve the issue once for all.
 Within a year large number of cases relating to abandoned properties was decided.
 In 1964, 92% of the abandoned properties were allotted to the new owners.
 Steps were taken for the eradication of the social evil in the society.
 Restriction was imposed on useless customs in marriages, prohibition on wine and other narcotics.
Embargo was put on Polygamy which arose a strict opposition from religious schools.
Industrial Reforms:
 Industrial development was carried out with the help of loans from western countries like USA,
Germany and UK.
 In January an oil refinery was established in Karachi.
 A mineral development Cooperation set up for the exploration of mineral deposits.
  In 1964, an economic union was formed with Iran and Turkey, the Regional Cooperation for
Development (RCD) in which 3 countries agreed to develop ties in trade, commerce and
industry.
 An Export Bonus Scheme was set up offering incentives to industrialist who increased exports.
Rural Development:
 In Pakistan majority of the population lived in the rural areas. Rural areas are lack facilities with
compare to Urban areas. To develop the Rural Areas, Ayub regime started a scheme named ‘’Village
Aid.
 The aim of the scheme was that people of rural areas should take responsibility on their shoulders in
the construction of schools, canals, roads and drains and meet all local needs on self-help basis.
 It helped in providing employment to many people and pressing needs.
 A sense of self-confidence was created in the people to solve problems of their own.
 Many miles of roads were restored, and many abandoned canals were repaired and brought in use.
 The development program helped the government to bring many areas to mainstream which was
ignored even in the British rule.

Measures taken by Ayub Khan

1: Rehabilitation of peace: - In the absence of any effective governmental authority, the law and order
situation was deteriorating throughout the country. Therefore, the first priority of military government
was to check the criminal activities within the boundaries of the state; special military cells were
established in order to facilitate the masses in case of trouble and to take precautionary measures
against the trouble mongers’ factors in the society.
2: Price Control: - The next step, which the military administration took, was the management of price
control cells and bodies. During the times of democratic governments, there was no check over the
prices of the daily commodities of life. Hoarding was very common. These factors were the primary
source of inflation. The situation was aggravated by the excessive profits earned by the retailers. The
military government printed price lists and made sure that no one could earn excessive profits by
exploiting the needs of the consumers.
3: Check on Smuggling: - Identification of economic flaws and their rectification was one of the most
high-pitched priorities of the military government. Smuggling was one of the monstrous issues that
resisted the growth of country’s economy. Chittagong and Karachi Seaports had been used for
smuggling since long. The role played by the politicians in burgeoning with such an evil should not be
neglected. As soon as the military government took over, strict disciplinary actions were initiated against
the smugglers; crackdowns were planned to seize the people involved in such notorious activities.
4: Settlement of the properties: - Since the independence of country, the issue of the abandoned
properties could not be resolved. However, the issue was settled within a year after military takeover.
5: Rehabilitation of migrants: - When India was divided, a large number of people migrated from India
to Pakistan. They reached Pakistan in a very poor condition. Quaid and Liaquat took keen interest in the
rehabilitation of the immigrants on priority bases; however, the later rulers did not consider it important
enough to take steps for their resolution. As soon as the military government was established, the
rehabilitation ministry, under the supervision of Gen. Azam Ali, worked so rigorously that it came up
with the settlement of majority of migrants in a very short time. Several housing societies were
established to provide shelter to the migrants, Korangi being one of them.
 A New Capital
Ayub Khan decided to shift the capital city from Karachi to Islamabad in late 1950 as Karachi had
become economic hub of the country and the infrastructure of the city was proving inadequate for the
growing needs of the city. Before 1947 Karachi's population was barely one million but after
independence of India and creation of Pakistan, over 6 million refugees from India settled in Karachi and
many civic problems arose including that of transport and sanitation and water and sewerage services
were proving inadequate and many slum areas had arisen.

Islamabad city was built during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. However the capital
was not moved directly from Karachi to Islamabad but first moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi then to
Islamabad.

The development of the country was focused on Karachi and President Ayub Khan wanted it to be
equally distributed. He wanted Islamabad to be a modern and clean city, especially in comparison to
other cities in Pakistan. It is well-organized, with the city being divided into different sectors and zones.
Islamabad was divided into eight zones: the diplomatic enclave, the commercial district, the educational
sector, the industrial area and so on, each with its own shopping area and park. Islamabad is also home
to the Faisal Masjid which is well known for its architecture and immense size.

Political Unrest
In 1965 Pakistan went on war with India over Kashmir. Neither side was able to win a decisive victory.
Ayyub told people that Pakistan had won, but the peace treaty signed at Tashkent contained no
reference to how the Kashmir issue should be settled. It was to regain that disputed territory that
Pakistan had started war.
Ayyub sacked the Foreign Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who he blamed for the failings in the war. Bhutto
became the focal point for opposition to Ayyub.
In 1968 many people were discontented with government. Economy was rising but only few people
were benefitted with it. Agricultural production was rising, so were food prices
In October 1968, there were students protests all over West Pakistan
On a visit to Peshawar Ayub was targeted to a failed attempt of assassination
When Ayyub carried out widespread arrest, including Bhutto, there were more protests, which spread
to East Pakistan
In January 1969, 8 political parties formed the Democratic Action Committee. They wanted proper
elections, lifting of emergency powers and autonomy for East Pakistan.
Ayub tried to calm the unrest
On February 1969 he withdrew emergency power and released political prisoners and began negotiation
with opposition. But too late, even his cherished Basic Democrats started resigning. Opposition gained
support and his party lost it quickly
By March he realised he did not have enough support to stay in power so on 25 March 1969 he
resigned. Instead of calling for new elections he handed over power to army. Hence in its short history
Pakistan faced second Martial Law.
 General Yahya Khan (1969-71)
After being controversially appointed to assume the army command in 1966, he took over the
presidency from unpopular former dictator and elected President Ayub Khan, who was not able to deal
with the 1969 uprising in East Pakistan, forced to resign by protests and offered him the office. Yahya
Khan subsequently enforced martial law by suspending the constitution.
He announced that

 Basic democracy had not been a success

 There would be a properly elected government
 The one unit system had not worked so there would be a return to provincial government.

Holding the nation's first nationwide elections in 1970.

 The various parties began campaigning to elect a National Assembly of 300 members.
 That assemble will have 120 days to draw up a new constitution.
 3 days after the national assembly elections, there would be provincial elections.
The elections were to be held in October 1970 but were postponed due to severe flooding in East
Pakistan. Finally held on 7th December 1970.
23 years after independence, he delayed the power transition to victorious Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
from East Pakistan, which further inflamed the civil violent unrest in the East, and authorized the East
Pakistani authorities to violently suppress the rebellion in which somewhere from several hundred
thousand to about 3,000,000 were killed in what is today widely considered the 1971 Bangladesh
genocide.

Possible CIE questions