PAKSTUDIES

Assignment 1

Mrs. Mehak Yasin

Zia Era and 3rd Dictatorship [1977-1988]

Hassan Saim
Section (A)
 EVENTS OCCURRED FROM 1977-1988
Important events took place in Pakistan between 1977 and 1988. It all started with the
1977 military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq, who replaced the government of
Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. General Zia imposed stricter Islamic laws and
held a controversial meeting. Bhutto's assassination, Pakistan's involvement in the
war in Afghanistan, and the return to civil rights in 1985 are also important. When
General Zia died in a plane crash in 1988, Benazir Bhutto became Pakistan's first
female prime minister. This period was characterized by political changes and
conflicts in the region.
We shall now discuss the events briefly.

1977 General Elections and Zia-ul-Haq's Coup

General Elections 1977:
The 1977 General Elections in Pakistan were held in March and were marred by
allegations of electoral fraud, particularly by opposition parties, such as the Pakistan
National Alliance (PNA). The elections led to political unrest.

Zia-ul-Haq’s Military Coup:

In response to allegations of election fraud and political violence, the then army chief
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq launched a military operation on 5 July 1977. Zia-
ul-Haq emphasized the need to restore the rule of law and is listed as the main reason
for the uprising. His actions led to the overthrow of the civilian government, the arrest
of Prime Minister Bhutto, and military rule in Pakistan. The attack marked the
beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan's history characterized by militarism,
conservative Islamist policies, and the country's leading role as a frontline state
against the Soviet Union in the war in Afghanistan.

Execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (April 4, 1979):

Zia-ul-Haq's coup against Prime Minister Bhutto was triggered by political instability,
allegations of election rigging, and accusations of corruption. Bhutto was arrested and
eventually executed in 1979. The execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on April 4, 1979,
followed the tumultuous events that unfolded after the 1977 General Elections in
Pakistan.
During General Zia's rule, Bhutto was tried for conspiracy murder, but many judged
the trial to be unfair and politically motivated. His execution was a divisive act that
ultimately led to a political crisis and allowed Zia to consolidate his power and steer
Pakistan towards the best Islamic path. Bhutto's legacy and the circumstances of his
assassination continue to influence Pakistani politics and remain controversial.
 Referendum 1980
The 1980 revolution, which occurred during the regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, was an
important event in the political history of Pakistan. General Zia came to power through
a military coup in 1977 and aimed to legitimize his rule with the vote he held on
December 19, 1980.
Here are the key factors and points related to the 1980 Referendum during General
Zia-ul-Haq's era:

• Legitimization: The elections were aimed at legitimizing Zia's rule, which began with a
military coup in 1977.
• Islamization: Public support for Zia’s Islamic rule was measured, leading to the influence
of religion in public life.
• Controversy: The voting process was criticized as unfair and non-transparent, and was
accused of intimidating voters.
• Consolidating Power: The election strengthened Pakistan's military and conservative
regime, cementing Zia's long-term rule as a military leader.

Introduction of Islamic Laws (1980s)

The introduction of Islamic law in Pakistan in the 1980s, especially under the
leadership of General Zia-ul-Haq, was an important turning point in the country's
history. General Zia came to power through a military coup in 1977 and began the
process of Islamization to bring Pakistan's legal and social system in line with Islamic
principles.

• Zia-ul-Haq's Initiative: General Zia-ul-Haq led efforts to introduce Islamic laws.

• Islamization Drive: Policies aimed to make Pakistan's legal and social systems more
Islamic and conservative.
• Hudood Ordinances: Introduced strict laws regulating issues like theft, adultery, and
alcohol, sometimes criticized for their harsh implementation.
• Blasphemy Laws: Introduced laws with severe penalties for religious offenses, sparking
ongoing controversy and human rights concerns.
• Social Impact: The laws significantly influenced Pakistani society, culture, and daily life.
• Debate and Controversy: The policies led to heated debates and divisions, both within
Pakistan and on the international stage.

Afghan War and Support for Mujahideen (Late 1970s to 1980s)

In the late 1970s and 1980s, under General Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan supported Afghan
fighters (mujahideen) against the Soviet Union. This support also includes training
and weapons. The conflict has had long-term consequences, including for Afghan
refugees in Pakistan and the troubled region.
 Return to Civilian Rule (1985)
The return to civilian rule in 1985 represented a complex and managed transition,
where the military still held significant sway, setting the stage for further
developments in Pakistan's political landscape.

• Military Policy Change: Pakistan signed the military policy change in 1985, which has
been in effect since General Zia-ul-Haq's 1977 coup. The return of this change to public
control has been encouraged at international and national levels.
• Controlled Democracy: However, it should not be forgotten that the process of change is
controlled and controlled by the military order. General Zia continues to exert significant
influence on the political process, and the military plays a key role in national security and
foreign policy.
• Elections and limited public power: The 1985 elections resulted in a civilian government
led by Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo. However, this civilian government has
less power than the military. General Zia's government maintains great control over
important issues, especially those related to national security.

1988 General Elections and Zia-ul-Haq's Death (August 17, 1988)

General Election 1988
Pakistan's general elections in November 1988 were a pivotal moment in the
country's political history. The elections marked a definitive return to democratic rule
after years of military rule by General Zia-ul-Haq. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP)
led by Benazir Bhutto won the majority and Benazir Bhutto made history as the first
female prime minister of Pakistan. The election demonstrated a strong desire to
represent democracy and reject the military's position in the political system.

Zia-ul-Haq Tragic Death

The unexpected death of General Zia-ul-Haq on August 17, 1988, in a plane crash
was a poignant and unexpected turn of events. His demise marked the end of an era
dominated by military rule and introduced a period of uncertainty and transition in
Pakistan's political landscape. The circumstances surrounding the plane crash gave
rise to various conspiracy theories, adding to the intrigue of his death.

Other Events That occurred from 1977-1988

The late 1970s and 1980s in Pakistan witnessed noteworthy developments: General Zia-ul-Haq's
regime suppressed political opposition, Allama Iqbal, an instrumental figure in Pakistan's
inception, is celebrated annually on Iqbal Day. Ongoing conflicts with India strained foreign
relations, and economic challenges, such as high inflation and increasing foreign debt, added to
the complexities. Pakistan's pursuit of nuclear weapons during this era ultimately led to its status
as a nuclear-armed nation. These combined events played a substantial role in shaping
Pakistan's political, social, and economic landscape during this period.
 Zia-ul-Haq and 2nd Dictatorship
General Zia-ul-Haq's tenure as president and later president of Pakistan, which
began with the military coup in 1977 and lasted until his death in a plane crash in 1988,
had many highlights:

• Islamization Policies: Zia aimed to make Pakistan more Islamic, introducing Islamic laws
and elevating religious institutions' influence.
• Political Suppression: Opposition was harshly suppressed, and civil liberties were
restricted during his rule.
• Support for Afghan Mujahideen: Pakistan played a pivotal role in aiding Afghan rebel
fighters in their resistance against the Soviet Union.
• Tensions with India: Relations with India remained strained, marked by border conflicts
and diplomatic challenges.
• Economic Challenges: Pakistan faced economic difficulties, including high inflation and
growing external debt.
• Nuclear Weapons Program: Zia's government continued Pakistan's nuclear program,
leading to Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed state.
• Lasting Legacy and Controversy: Zia-ul-Haq's rule left a significant and controversial
legacy, impacting Pakistan's politics, society, and international relations.

After Math of Zia’s Regime

The aftermath of the Zia era saw an interplay of political, social and economic
events that reflected the challenges and difficulties that shaped Pakistan's present
history.
Zia-ul-Haq dreamed of expanding Pakistan's sphere of influence first to Afghanistan
and then to other parts of Asia. While his supporters (mostly right-wing Pakistanis)
credit him with preventing the Soviets from further invading South Asia, liberals blame
him for the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and militancy in their country. "General
Zia-ul Haq founded these organizations in the 1980s to fight the Soviets in
Afghanistan and now they are doing evil for our country," Said Karachi-based
human rights expert Abdul Hai .
After General Zia-ul-Haq's time in Pakistan, there was a political conflict, the Kargil
conflict with India and the army's struggle against General Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan has also faced economic problems and increased terrorism since 9/11,
when it joined the United States in the war on terrorism that led to military action. The
return to democratic rule under President Asif Ali Zardari in 2008 marked a transition
that addressed the complex political, social and economic conditions that make up
Pakistan's current history.
 Zia-ul-Haq in terms of Social Activists
Sartaj Khan, a left-wing intellectual and activist, believed that Haq's approach was
based on the importance of the field in the 1980s. "But his rule was continued by his
successors like Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. Haq is doing what the country
wants him to do. He is not the only one who decides," Khan said. Khan also said
that the people of Haqq in the east and west cannot be absolved from the responsibility
for the mess Pakistan is in today. "Islamization and all other issues of Haq are an
interesting thing that is popular among Pakistani liberals," Khan said. said.

Conclusion
In the eyes of the people of Pakistan, the era of General Zia-ul-Haq was a period of
social and political change. His policy of Islamization led to mixed opinions, changed
the social fabric of the country, and limited civil liberties. While some support his
Islamist views, others suspect political interference. This period is further
complicated by Pakistan's role in the Afghan conflict. Zia's legacy is seen as leaving
Pakistan with a complex political landscape and a desire for stability and democratic
rule, leading to good changes in politics and society abroad.