New Beginnings: Pakistan after 1947- LP2- 40

Muhammad Ayub Khan

Biography:
He was a Pakistani military officer and politician who served as the second President of
Pakistan from 1958 to 1969.
Professional Background:
Ayub Khan was commissioned into the British Indian Army in 1928 and served in
various campaigns, including World War II. After the partition of India in 1947, he
joined the Pakistan Army and held various positions, including Commander-in-
Chief of the Pakistan Army from 1951 to 1955. In 1958, Ayub Khan led a military
revolution against the civilian government of Pakistan and declared martial law.
He suspended the constitution, dissolved the National Assembly, and established
himself as the President of Pakistan. Ayub Khan's regime was marked by
authoritarian rule, economic growth, land reforms, and political stability.
Reforms Introduced by Ayub Khan
1. The imposition of martial law targeted “antisocial” practices such as abducting
women and children, black marketeering, smuggling, and hoarding. Many in the
Civil Service of Pakistan and Police Service of Pakistan were investigated and
punished for corruption, misconduct, inefficiency, or subversive activities.
2. A thorough screening process of all government servants was conducted and
service records were closely scrutinized.
3. Public servants were tried for misconduct by tribunals consisting of retired judges
of the Supreme Court or High Court.
4. About 3,000 officials were dismissed and many others were reduced in rank as a
result of these measures.
5. A law called the Elective Bodies Disqualification Order, popularly known as E.
B. D. O, was promulgated for the disqualification of politicians. Under this harsh
law, several politicians like Suhrawardy and Qayyum Khan were disqualified.
6. Ayub Khan focused on land reforms in West Pakistan. The Land Reform
Commission was set up in 1958.
7. Ayub Khan issued the Family Laws Ordinance in 1961. It restricted polygamy
and “regulated” marriage and divorce, giving women more equal treatment under
the law.
8. Ayub Khan period is credited with the Green Revolution and economic and
industrial growth.
9. The Export Bonus Vouchers Scheme (1959) and tax incentives stimulated new
industrial entrepreneurs and exporters.
10. Bonus vouchers facilitated access to foreign exchange for imports of
industrial machinery and raw materials.
New Beginnings: Pakistan after 1947- LP2- 40

11. Tax concessions were offered for investment in less-developed areas.

12. Ayub Khan introduced certain reforms in the field of education. He made
technical education mandatory. The two-year degree program was extended to
three years. Civil Defense training was made mandatory in schools and colleges.
13. Ayub Khan introduced labor reforms. In September 1961, a law was passed
about the basic daily wages of the laborers. Social security scheme was
promulgated by which the labor was to be facilitated in case of any emergency.

Major milestones of Ayub Khan’s Regime.

1. Constitutional Reforms: Ayub Khan introduced a new constitution in 1962, which

aimed at providing a more stable political framework for the country. The new
constitution established a presidential form of government and introduced a bicameral
parliament. The new constitution gave extensive powers to the president.
2. One-Unit Scheme: Ayub Khan introduced the One-Unit Scheme, which merged
the four provinces of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit. This move was
intended to reduce ethnic and linguistic tensions in the country.
3. Infrastructure Development: Ayub Khan's regime focused heavily on developing
the country's infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and dams.
The Indus Basin Project, which was initiated during his regime, is still considered one
of the largest irrigation projects in the world.
4. Foreign Policy: Ayub Khan's foreign policy focused on improving relations with
neighboring countries, particularly India. He signed the Tashkent Declaration with
Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, which ended the 1965 war between
the two countries. Foreign Policy: Ayub Khan sought to maintain good relations with
both the United States and the Soviet Union