Professional Documents
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Pakistan had its first-ever general elections in 1951, which was a significant step
towards establishing democratic rule. The All Pakistan Muslim League, subsequently known as
the Pakistan Muslim League, was the winning political party, and its leader was Khawaja
Nazimuddin. This signaled an end to the administration of Governor-General Liaquat Ali Khan,
who was killed in 1951.
Pakistan experienced its first constitutional crisis in 1954, known as the "Rawalpindi
Conspiracy." The military made an attempt to overthrow the political establishment because it was
unhappy with the government's performance. The issue caused the federal and provincial
administrations to dissolve, which prompted new elections to be held in 1955.
Despite its relatively short duration, the democracy era of 1951-1958 in Pakistan holds
significance as it laid the groundwork for subsequent attempts to establish democratic governance
in the country.
Historical Events:
During the democracy era in Pakistan from 1951 to 1958, several significant historical events
took place. Here are some notable events:
Political Policies:
During the democracy era from 1951 to 1958 in Pakistan, the government implemented
various political policies. However, due to the turbulent nature of the period and the frequent
changes in government, the policy landscape was not consistent. Nonetheless, here are some key
political policies that were pursued during this time:
1. Constitutional Development
2. Federalism and One Unit Scheme
3. Electoral
4. Foreign Policy
5. Economic Development
Economical Policies:
During the democracy era from 1951 to 1958 in Pakistan, the government implemented
various economic policies aimed at promoting development and addressing socioeconomic
challenges. Here are some key economic policies pursued during this period:
1. Industrialization
2. Agrarian Reforms
3. Infrastructure Development
4. Economic Planning
6. Trade Policy
Human Rights:
During the democratic era from 1951 to 1958 in Pakistan, the state of human rights was
characterized by a mixture of progress and challenges. While efforts were made to protect and
promote certain human rights, there were also instances of violations and limitations on civil
liberties. Here are some key aspects related to human rights during this period:
1. Fundamental Rights
2. Press Freedom
3. Political Participation
4. Regional Disparities
5. Women's Rights
6. Minority Rights
7. Martial Law and Suspension of Rights
It's important to note that the democracy era of 1951-1958 in Pakistan was marked by
political instability and frequent changes in government, which had an impact on the protection and
promotion of human rights.
Relation with US
The United States provided significant economic and military assistance to Pakistan during this
period. Here is a brief description of the relationship:
Cold War Dynamics
Economic Assistance
Military Cooperation
SEATO and CENTO
Mutual Interests
Challenges that Pakistan face During the 1951-58
Democracy Era:
During the democratic era from 1951 to 1958 in Pakistan, the country faced several
significant challenges. These challenges hindered the establishment of a stable and effective
democratic system. Here are some of the key challenges that Pakistan faced during this period:
Political Instability
Regional Disparities.
Governance Issues
Inter-Provincial Relations
Economic Challenges
External Threats and Security Concerns
Lack of Institutional Development
Corruption:
Corruption afflicted the government and society of Pakistan during the democratic period,
which lasted from 1951 to 1958. It was characterized by pervasive corruption, such as bribery,
theft, and the prevalence of corruption during this time was also exacerbated by the frequent
changes in government and the absence of strong governing mechanisms.
Historical Events:
The democracy era in Pakistan from 1972 to 1977 was a significant period that witnessed
several key events. Here are some notable historical events that occurred during this timeframe:
1. 1972: Signing of the Shimla Agreement - In July 1972, the Shimla Agreement was signed
between Pakistan and India following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
2. 1973 Constitution - Pakistan adopted its third constitution on April 12, 1973.
3. Bhutto's government - Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP),
became the Prime Minister in 1973 after his party won the general elections.
4. Baluchistan insurgency - In the mid-1970s, Baluchistan, a province in Pakistan, witnessed an
insurgency led by Baloch nationalist groups.
5. 1977 General Elections and subsequent political crisis - The general elections held in 1977
were marred by allegations of electoral rigging.
6. Zia-ul-Haq's military coup - Amidst the political crisis, Chief of Army Staff General
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq staged a military coup on July 5, 1977, ousting Prime Minister Bhutto and
imposing martial law.
Economical Policies:
The period from 1972 to 1977 in Pakistan witnessed a democratic era marked by significant
economic policies and reforms. During this period, several economic measures were implemented
to address the country's economic challenges and promote development. Here are some key
economic policies of the democratic era from 1972 to 1977 in Pakistan:
Nationalization of Industries
Land Reforms
Industrial Policy
Agricultural Reforms
Social Welfare Programs
Five-Year Plans
Foreign Policy and Aid
Human Rights:
Here is an overview of the human rights situation during this era:
1. India: The Indo-Pak relations during this era were characterized by efforts to normalize relations
after the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. In 1972, Pakistan's Prime Minister
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed the Shimla Agreement
2. Afghanistan: Pakistan maintained a generally positive relationship with Afghanistan during this
period.
3. Iran: Pakistan maintained cordial relations with Iran during this period. Both countries had
shared cultural, economic, and strategic interests. Bilateral cooperation focused on trade, energy,
and regional security.
4. China: Pakistan-China relations strengthened during this era. In 1971, Pakistan played a crucial
role in facilitating U.S. President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China, which helped in
normalizing China's relations with the international community.
5. Bangladesh: Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) remained
strained during this era.
1. Post-War Reconstruction: Pakistan faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the 1971
war and the subsequent independence of Bangladesh.
2. Economic Difficulties: The economy faced severe challenges during this period. Pakistan
experienced high inflation, a balance of payments crisis, and low economic growth.
3. Political Instability: Political instability was a major challenge during this era. Frequent
changes in government, including the dismissal of governments and the imposition of martial law,
created an uncertain political environment. This instability affected governance, policy
implementation, and long-term planning.
4. Ethnic Tensions and Regional Discontent: Pakistan witnessed rising ethnic tensions and
regional discontent during this period.
6. Social Unrest and Labor Strikes: The era saw significant social unrest and labor strikes, fueled
by economic difficulties and political discontent.
7. Baluchistan Conflict: The Baluchistan conflict escalated during this period, leading to human
rights violations, including forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings
8. Regional and Global Dynamics: Pakistan had to navigate complex regional and global
dynamics during this era
Corruption:
During the democratic era from 1972 to 1977 in Pakistan, corruption was a significant issue
that plagued the country. While efforts were made to address corruption, it remained a persistent
challenge. Here are some key points regarding corruption during this period:
After assuming power, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto initiated an anti-corruption campaign,
promising to root out corruption and hold corrupt individuals accountable. The campaign included
the establishment of special courts to try corruption cases, the introduction of stricter laws, and the
formation of anti-corruption bodies.
Religious Extremism:
During the democratic era from 1972 to 1977 in Pakistan, religious extremism emerged as a
significant challenge to societal harmony and stability
Religious extremism witnessed a rise during the democratic era from 1972 to 1977 in Pakistan.
Several factors contributed to the spread of extremist ideologies and the radicalization of certain
segments of society.
Islamic Identity and Politics.
Sectarian Tensions
Radicalization and Militancy
Impact of External Events.
Blasphemy Laws and Intolerance
Farooq Leghari
Historical Events:
Death of Zia-Ul-Haq
Nuclear Tests
Military Intervention
1. India: Relations with India remained complex and marked by both cooperation and tensions. In
1999, the Lahore Declaration was signed between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to promote peace and stability in the region. However,
tensions and sporadic conflicts, including the Kargil War in 1999, strained the bilateral
relationship.
2. Afghanistan: Pakistan's relationship with Afghanistan faced challenges due to the ongoing
conflict and civil war in Afghanistan during this era. Pakistan provided support to various Afghan
factions, which resulted in a complex dynamic and occasionally strained relations.
3. Iran: Pakistan maintained a generally stable relationship with Iran during the democratic era.
Economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, was a significant aspect of their bilateral
relations.
4. China: Pakistan-China relations remained strong and cooperative during this period. The
democracy era witnessed the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project,
strengthening economic connectivity between the two nations.
5. Central Asian Republics: Pakistan sought to develop closer ties with the Central Asian
Republics, particularly in areas of trade, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.
Relation with the US:
During the democratic era from 1988 to 1999 in Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan
and the United States experienced various ups and downs. Here is an overview of the relationship
between Pakistan and the United States during this period:
Restoration of Aid
Economic Assistance
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns
Sanctions and Tensions
Counterterrorism Cooperation
Historical Events:
Some significant historical events that took place during the democratic era in Pakistan from
2013 to 2018 include:
General Elections 2013
Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Panama Papers Scandal
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Lahore Bombing (2016)
Ousting of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Relation with Neighbor countries:
During the democratic era in Pakistan from 2013 to 2018, relations with neighboring countries
witnessed both positive and challenging dynamics. Here are some key points regarding Pakistan's
relations with its neighbors during this period:
1. India: Pakistan-India relations remained tense and marked by intermittent escalations and
ceasefire violations along the Line of Control
2. Afghanistan: Pakistan-Afghanistan relations faced complexities due to security concerns, border
management issues, and allegations of cross-border terrorism.
3. China: Pakistan-China relations continued to strengthen during this period, particularly with the
implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
4. Iran: Pakistan maintained a complex relationship with Iran, balancing economic cooperation and
security concerns. Border management and cross-border smuggling remained contentious issues,
while efforts were made to enhance trade and energy cooperation.
Corruption:
During the democratic era in Pakistan from 2013 to 2018, corruption remained a significant
challenge. Allegations of corruption were leveled against several political figures and government
officials, leading to political controversies and legal proceedings. The Panama Papers scandal in
2016 exposed offshore accounts and assets owned by influential individuals, including members of
the ruling party.
Overall, the democracy era in Pakistan from 2018 to 2023 represented a period of democratic
consolidation, where the government aimed to address key issues and steer the country towards
stability, development, and greater democratic governance.
Historical Events:
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, some significant historical events that
occurred during the democracy era in Pakistan from 2018 to 2023 include:
General Elections 2018
Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrikes
Economic Challenges and IMF Bailout
Pakistan-India Border Skirmishes
COVID-19 Pandemic
Political Policies:
Here are some key political policies during this period:
1. Economic Reforms: The government focused on implementing economic reforms to address
the country's economic challenges
2. Social Welfare Programs: Initiatives such as the Ehsaas Program were introduced to provide
financial assistance, healthcare, education, and social protection to vulnerable segments of society.
3. Anti-Corruption Drive: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was tasked with
investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, and efforts were made to recover illicit assets and
promote good governance.
4. Education and Skill Development: Policies were introduced to promote education and skill
development.